Lebanese PM Mikati: My Plea to Kordahi Did Not Materialize
The Lebanese Prime Minister urged the Minister of Information, George Kordahi, to "put his patriotism" above all, but his wishes "did not materialize."
Lebanon's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, said that he urged the Minister of Information, George Kordahi, to "put his patriotism" above all, but his wishes "did not materialize."
In a statement on Monday, the PM warned that Lebanon stands in front of a pitfall and that if the country were not to rectify the situation, unwanted repercussions are warranted.
Furthermore, according to observers, Mikati was seeking some sort of apology or resignation letter from Kordahi, especially after the Information minister maintained the firmness of his position towards Yemen on Sunday. Kordahi made it clear that his resignation is "out of question" after deeming the War on Yemen to be "futile."
Kordahi asserted that he does not intend to apologize to Saudi Arabia after his statement. This angered the kingdom, leading them to summon the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon and halt all Lebanese imports on October 29. The diplomatic crisis was exacerbated as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit by summoning their ambassadors shortly after.
Meanwhile, Qatar condemned Kordahi's statement, encouraging de-escalation and promoting reconciliation between the "brotherly countries."
Moreover, the Omani Foreign Ministry was regretful of the political crisis between Lebanon and other Arab countries, calling on players to keep their composure and avoid escalation - a statement welcomed by the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.
After Saudi demands for Kordahi to step down from his position, social media figures expressed solidarity with the Minister of Information, advocating for his stance and refusing calls for his resignation.