Adherence to Taif Accord Key for Settlement in Lebanon
Saudi Ambassador highlights importance of agreement in addressing ongoing crisis
BEIRUT: Adherence to the 1989 Taif Agreement is essential for any settlement in Lebanon, according to Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari.
During meetings with key religious and political figures, Bukhari emphasized the significance of upholding civil peace and prioritizing wisdom and reason.
Bukhari met Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, and Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Muna.
He stressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to Lebanon's unity in the face of current challenges, noting the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts to assist Lebanon through its crisis.
The Ambassador reaffirmed support for solutions that promote security, stability, and prosperity.
Derian praised Saudi Arabia's role in supporting Lebanon's stability, security, and unity during challenging times.
He emphasized rebuilding the state as crucial for saving Lebanon, advocating for the Taif accord, confining weapons to the Lebanese army, and fostering national unity.
Derian welcomed diplomatic efforts by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with support from Arab and international partners, to halt the war and reach a settlement that ensures stability.
Bukhari and Al-Khatib discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, focusing on strengthening civil peace.
Bukhari expressed optimism about the future and highlighted Saudi efforts aimed at fostering wisdom and reason among Lebanese leaders.
He emphasized the need for a path agreed upon by Lebanon's top three leaders to safeguard civil peace and praised Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's wisdom throughout critical junctures.
Bukhari stated that a return to the Taif accord is vital for achieving agreement on broad principles that protect all Lebanese components while excluding no party.
He recalled late parliament speaker Hussein Husseini's statement that "the alternative to Taif is implementing Taif".
Khatib commended Saudi Arabia's role in maintaining civil peace in Lebanon and expressed hope in curbing Israeli and Western overreach, advocating for cooperation among major Arab and Islamic states.
The Ambassador also met Abi Al-Muna to discuss broader developments, focusing on ongoing military operations, efforts to stop the war, Saudi Arabia's assistance to Lebanon, preserving civil peace and national unity, and the outcome of a recent visit by Saudi Foreign Ministry adviser Yazid bin Farhan.
During meetings with key religious and political figures, Bukhari emphasized the significance of upholding civil peace and prioritizing wisdom and reason.
Bukhari met Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, and Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Muna.
He stressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to Lebanon's unity in the face of current challenges, noting the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts to assist Lebanon through its crisis.
The Ambassador reaffirmed support for solutions that promote security, stability, and prosperity.
Derian praised Saudi Arabia's role in supporting Lebanon's stability, security, and unity during challenging times.
He emphasized rebuilding the state as crucial for saving Lebanon, advocating for the Taif accord, confining weapons to the Lebanese army, and fostering national unity.
Derian welcomed diplomatic efforts by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, with support from Arab and international partners, to halt the war and reach a settlement that ensures stability.
Bukhari and Al-Khatib discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, focusing on strengthening civil peace.
Bukhari expressed optimism about the future and highlighted Saudi efforts aimed at fostering wisdom and reason among Lebanese leaders.
He emphasized the need for a path agreed upon by Lebanon's top three leaders to safeguard civil peace and praised Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's wisdom throughout critical junctures.
Bukhari stated that a return to the Taif accord is vital for achieving agreement on broad principles that protect all Lebanese components while excluding no party.
He recalled late parliament speaker Hussein Husseini's statement that "the alternative to Taif is implementing Taif".
Khatib commended Saudi Arabia's role in maintaining civil peace in Lebanon and expressed hope in curbing Israeli and Western overreach, advocating for cooperation among major Arab and Islamic states.
The Ambassador also met Abi Al-Muna to discuss broader developments, focusing on ongoing military operations, efforts to stop the war, Saudi Arabia's assistance to Lebanon, preserving civil peace and national unity, and the outcome of a recent visit by Saudi Foreign Ministry adviser Yazid bin Farhan.
