JEDDAH, 9 May 2008 — Saudi Arabia yesterday supported the need for an extraordinary Arab League meeting on Lebanon in Cairo, an official source at the Foreign Ministry said. The Kingdom had earlier warned Lebanese groups that any escalation of violence in their country would only benefit external extremist forces, the Saudi Press Agency said quoting an official source.
“The Kingdom urges the groups behind the escalation to reconsider their position, and to realize that turmoil in Lebanon will not bring victory to any party except extremist external forces.”
These forces “are still hindering every sincere and honest effort to end the political crisis in Lebanon,” the Kingdom said, and urged Lebanese factions to listen to the voice of reason and give top priority to their country’s interests.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council yesterday expressed deep concern over the latest developments in Lebanon and urged warring Lebanese groups for restraint.
Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah, secretary-general of the GCC, called upon the Lebanese groups to exert sincere efforts to forge unity in order to solve the present crisis. “You have to tackle the situation with wisdom, which is essential to solve problems.”
