Lebanon: Information Minister resigns to settle crisis with Saudi Arabia
Lebanese Minister of Information George Kordahi during a press conference announcing his resignation, in Beirut, on December 3, 2021. AP - Bilal Hussein
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1 min
The Lebanese Minister of Information announced on Friday (December 3rd) his resignation a month after remarks criticizing the war in Yemen having caused a diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Georges Kordahi said he hoped his decision would prevent reprisals against the Lebanese working in the Gulf monarchies.
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With our correspondent in Beirut,
Paul Khalifeh
The now ex-Lebanese Minister of Information Georges Kordahi made it clear during a press conference on Friday: his resignation responds to a wish expressed by France to allow President Emmanuel Macron, whose diplomatic tour leads him in Riyadh, to initiate a dialogue on Lebanon with the heir to the Saudi throne, Mohammad Ben Salman.
The Lebanese Minister of Information explained that this wish was conveyed to him by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, whom he met three days ago.
Dignity
The former star host, who has spent most of his career on Saudi television channels,
refused to resign
, in the name of national dignity and sovereignty.
And this despite pressure from Riyadh and part of the Lebanese political class.
Supported by Hezbollah and his allies in the government, he demanded guarantees
that his departure would end the crisis
.
He finally left without having obtained these guarantees.
Only a promise that Lebanon will be on the menu of discussions between Emmanuel Macron and the Saudi leaders.
"
Absurd
" war
In a television interview, recorded at the beginning of August, a month before his appointment to the government, Georges Kordahi had described
the war in Yemen as
"
absurd
".
His remarks angered Saudi Arabia,
which recalled its ambassador to Beirut
and expelled Lebanon's to Riyadh.
►
To read also:
Quarrel between Beirut and Riyadh: another threat to the Lebanese economy
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Lebanon
Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia
Najib mikati