JEDDAH, 27 May 2008 — The Council of Ministers yesterday welcomed the election of Michel Suleiman as the new president of Lebanon and expressed hopes that his election would bring about a new era, strengthening the country’s unity and independence. In a statement issued after the Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, the Kingdom emphasized the need for protecting Lebanon from internal violence and foreign interference.
Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, who attended Suleiman’s election in Beirut on Sunday, hoped the Doha Accord between the Lebanese groups would boost the country’s stability and prosperity. “King Abdullah insisted that Saudi Arabia participate in this historic event after our Lebanese brethren reached an agreement in Doha,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the foreign minister as saying. “The Doha Accord shows that it is possible for Arabs to solve their conflicts within the framework of the Arab house and this is the most successful way as it protects Arab interests rather than realizing foreign objectives.”
“The accord also helped in averting a civil war in Lebanon and set out principles for the Lebanese Constitution,” he added.
While commending the role played by the Taif Accord in formulating the Lebanese Constitution and its institutions, Prince Saud said the Doha Accord emphasized the importance of dialogue and consensus, rejecting the idea of clash and confrontation. He also congratulated President Suleiman for the confidence vested in him by the Lebanese people and wished him every success in his new office.
During the Cabinet meeting, King Abdullah briefed the ministers on the outcome of the consultative summit of GCC leaders in Dammam.
Referring to the new development projects launched by King Abdullah in Jubail, Dhahran and Dammam during his recent visit to the Eastern Province, the Cabinet said the projects were in line with the Kingdom’s policy of investing its resources for expanding infrastructure, service facilities and other development requirements.
Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani said the Cabinet meeting took a number of other important decisions. It decided to hold talks with Spain on accepting driving licenses in both countries and approved another agreement with Spain for cooperation in the health sector. It also extended the concession given to Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company to five years from 23/12/1429H.
