Lebanon draws up ‘roadmap’ to solve the worst diplomatic crisis with Gulf Arab States

Agencies | Lebanon

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A “roadmap” to solve the worst diplomatic crisis with the Gulf Arab States, ignited by critical comments from a Lebanese minister on Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, is in the making, said Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

A Lebanese presidency post on Twitter reads Mikati had agreed with President Michel Aoun on a “roadmap”, but without giving details.

Mikati had earlier said that there would be “decisive meetings” ahead to resolve issues of the government.

Mikati said the comments had presented the government with a difficult challenge and urged Kordahi to “prioritise national interest”.

“I repeat calls for the information minister to listen to his conscience and take circumstances into consideration and take the stance he should take,” Mikati said.

However, speaking to alMayadeen, a pro-Iran broadcaster, Kordahi again said he would not quit.

Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi, before his official appointment on August 5, said that Yemen was subjected to aggression and that its Iran-aligned Houthis were defending themselves.

In its response, Riyadh expelled Lebanon’s ambassador, banned all imports from Lebanon and recalled its envoy for consultations.

Kuwait and Bahrain followed suit and expelled the top envoys, while the United Arab Emirates withdrew all its diplomats from Beirut.