RIYADH — Saudi diplomats in Lebanon are increasingly concerned about their safety because of the worsening security situation in the country, Saudi and Lebanese officials said yesterday.
“Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Khoja, who left Beirut in the face of attack threats last August, is back in the Lebanese capital and the embassy is functioning safely amid stepped-up security,” said a source at the Foreign Ministry.
“The Saudi Embassy is rendering all kinds of services to its citizens besides coordinating efforts with the Lebanese officials.”
A Foreign Ministry statement issued on Monday urged caution to those Saudi citizens already in Lebanon at the moment. Thousands of Saudis visit Lebanon for business and leisure every month.
“We still have some difficulties because of the political situation, but we hope that this issue will not hamper our plans to ensure safety and security for everyone,” said Lebanese Ambassador Marwan Zein. “The situation will return to normalcy soon after the presidential election.”
In reply to a question about security threats to the Saudi Embassy, Zein said authorities are taking safety seriously. “There is no problem,” he said.
“Khoja is there in Beirut at the moment and the Saudi Embassy is open as usual,” said the Lebanese diplomat. Khoja left Beirut on Aug. 17 after the embassy formally notified the Lebanese Foreign Ministry of threats of a terrorist attack.
