Saudi leadership congratulates Suleiman over election as Lebanon's new president

Prince Saud: We need Lebanon as model of coexistence for confronting advocates of fanaticism

Doha deal complementary to Taif Agreement, says Jumblatt

Bush invites Lebanese president to Washington

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace.

At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Cabinet on the talks and consultations he held over the previous days.

In this context, the king highlighted his meeting with the leaders and officials of Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the Periodic Consultative Meeting held in Dammam and the issues which were discussed during the meeting which aim to boost joint GCC work, support the Arab issues, and bolster Islamic solidarity ties.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Amin Madani said in this context the Cabinet expressed the kingdom's essential interest in the GCC affairs which are part of the unified Arab work to tackle the nation's issues.

On the external affairs, the minister said the Cabinet welcomed the new phase enjoyed by Lebanon with the election of Michel Suleiman as president of Lebanon yesterday. The Cabinet stressed that adherence to the unity of Lebanon and its national decision, support for its legitimate and official institutions and its protection against internal violence and foreign interference are the grounds for the new phase in the history of Lebanon and are those the Kingdom promotes and supports.

On domestic affairs, the minister said the Cabinet pointed out that the great industrial and educational projects, the foundation stones of which the King laid in the Eastern Region, the previous similar projects and industrial cities he inaugurated in all regions of the kingdom, and the support for the budgets of the service departments all constitute the way adopted by the kingdom to invest its revenues in providing the citizens with infrastructure, the services and the opportunities of development they need in all their living affairs. They also constitute the kingdom's confident march toward the society of production, knowledge and benefit from its resources' competitive advantages. All of this shall be implemented under the guidelines of Islam, its law and purposes.

The Cabinet also commended the occasion patronized by the king in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Saudi Aramco Company, its current status as the largest national oil company in the world, its essential role in the economy of the kingdom, and its great contribution to the oil market in the world in meeting the interests of producers and consumers while being environment friendly.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of congratulations to President Michel Suleiman on his election as new President of the Republic of Lebanon.

In his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the monarch expressed cordial felicitations on the confidence bestowed on Suleiman by the Lebanese people, wishing the president every success.

On the occasion, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques lauded the current firm historical relations binding the two countries, confirming the keenness of the Saudi leadership to further enhance them in all fields.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has sent a cable of congratulations to President Michel Suleiman on his election as new President of the Republic of Lebanon.

In his cable, Crown Prince Sultan expressed cordial felicitations on the confidence bestowed on Suleiman by the Lebanese people, wishing the president continuous health and happiness and the people of Lebanon every progress and prosperity, lauding the distinguished ties between the two countries and the progress witnessed in all fields.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs has expressed optimism that Doha agreement between the majority and the opposition in Lebanon would constitute a starting point towards a prosperous and stable future for the country.

In a statement prior to his departure from Beirut after participating in the session of electing Michel Suleiman as the President of the republic of Lebanon, Prince Saud said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud had insisted on the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this historical event following reaching of the agreement of Doha by the Lebanese brethren under the patronage of its Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and continuous and intensive efforts exerted by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Al-Thani, the Qatari Premier and Foreign Minister, and who is the Head of the Arab quartet assigned to tackle the Lebanese situation in cooperation with the Arab League's Secretary General Amr Moussa, who has been preoccupied by the Lebanese situation.

Prince Saud hoped that Doha agreement would constitute a starting point towards a prosperous and stable future for Lebanon, and it is hoped that the Lebanese with all of their sects and political factions will work together for the service of their country as it is stipulated in the Lebanese constitution and through their constitutional institutions on the basis of agreement among them under the umbrella of a country which imposes its sovereignty on all.

The agreement of Doha emphasizes the fact that the solution of the Arab problems inside the Arab house is the successful way because such a solution is stemmed from Arab interests and does not reflect any foreign interests.

Prince Saud said Taif agreement, which was also of an Arab trend, had succeeded in ending the civil war in Lebanon and setting up foundations for the current Lebanese constitution.

Prince Saud pointed out that the developments at the Lebanese arena have made it necessary to resort again to an Arab solution, which led to the initiative of the Arab League that paved the way for the national dialogue without which no political plan will attain success.

'If Taif agreement has enhanced the constitutional construction in Lebanon and its institutions, then Doha agreement has confirmed the style of dialogue and agreement and voiced rejection to the style of confrontation and clash.'

Prince Saud reiterated that the Arab Leagues Ministerial Council is capable of resolving Arab crises and disputes when its decisions receive the required Arab consensus and the suitable mechanism for following up the implementation of the available decisions.

Prince Saud drew attention to the fact that Qatar and the Arab Ministerial Committee had done what was required, and said "It is high time for the Lebanese brethren, whose representatives have elected a new President for the Republic, to work seriously, sincerely and cooperatively to carry out the remaining articles of the agreement so as to enable Lebanon enjoy political stability and tranquility which will compensate it for what it had lost in the previous years, and to enable the country to assume its natural role as a beacon for the spread of culture and civilization and a crucible for coexistence and tolerance among religions and ideologies and a destination for those who may be attracted by the natural beauty and by the unique Lebanon's construction model.

"We are in a dire need of preserving this model of coexistence for confronting the advocators of fanaticism, rigidity, and extremism in ideas and in behaviors," Prince Saud said.

Prince Saud congratulated Lebanon on the occasion of the agreement, and complemented Michel Suleiman on this valuable confidence bestowed on him by the fraternal Lebanese people, and hoped that Suleiman will successfully perform his job, noting that all Lebanese people are looking forward for his patronage for the completion of the Lebanese national dialogue in order to attain what the Lebanese leaderships required to do which is in benefit of Lebanon's present and future.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora praised the role played by Saudi Arabia to solve the Lebanese crisis.

During a telephone call with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, the Lebanese prime minister hailed the role played by Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa in solving the crisis.

A press release issued by Seniora media office said that the prime minister posted the Saudi king on the outcome of Doha dialogue to solve the Lebanese crisis.

The statement said that King Abdullah voiced his support for the Doha agreement which, he said, serves the national interests of the country.

Leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt said that Lebanon had entered a new stage following the Doha agreement.

The Doha agreement is complementary to the Taif Agreement, Jumblatt said in an interview with the Progressive Socialist Party-owned Al-Anbaa newspaper.

The main points determined by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman encouraged all Lebanese parties to contribute to a national reconciliation dialogue in the country, Jumblatt added.

After his swearing-in, Suleiman gave an inaugural speech, in which he called for Lebanese unity and national dialogue.

In Egypt, Egypt's contacts with the Lebanese feuding parties have not ceased at any of the different Lebanese crisis' stages, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit said.

"Anyone who says otherwise is not well-informed," he said in an interview with the Egyptian TV aboard his flight from Beirut after attending the election of Michel Suleiman as president.

Abul-Gheit said Egyptian Ambassador in Beirut Ahmed el-Bediwi was also in close contact with the various parties.

A number of Lebanese dignitaries had visited Egypt during the stand-off for consultation, he noted.

Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier Fouad Seniora, leader of Future parliamentary bloc Saad Hariri, former premier Salim Hoss and Leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt visited Cairo in recent weeks.

The UN Security Council welcomed the breakthrough deal reached by Lebanon's rival factions to end an 18-month political standoff and elect a new president.

It "welcomes and strongly supports the agreement reached by Lebanese leaders in Doha on May 21 ..., which constitutes an essential step towards the resolution of the current crisis... and the complete restoration of Lebanon's unity, stability and independence."

In a non-binding statement adopted by all its 15 members, the council also "welcomes the agreement to ban the use of weapons and violence as a means to settle disputes, irrespective of their nature and under any circumstances."

It hailed the agreement by Lebanon's Western-backed majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition backed by Syria and Iran to elect a new president, establish a national unity cabinet and to address Lebanon's electoral law.

The council reaffirmed "its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, unity, and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory."

The statement also recalled previous Security Council resolutions calling for the dismantling and the disarming of all Lebanese and foreign militias.

U.S. President George W. Bush invited newly-elected Lebanese President Michel Suleiman to Washington for talks.

Bush congratulated Suleiman on his election, the US-funded Radio Sawa reported.

"The president invited President Suleiman to come to Washington so the two leaders can meet to discuss issues of strategic importance to both the United States and Lebanon," US national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has telephoned new Lebanese President Michel Suleiman to congratulate him for his election as Lebanon's president.

During the telephone conversation, Assad expressed Syria's support for Lebanon.

The two presidents discussed means of promoting bilateral relations at the coming stage.

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos discussed with his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moallem during Moratinos's stop-over in the Damascus International Airport the recent positive developments in Lebanon and the deal reached between Lebanese rivals to solve their political standoff.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed Israeli demands that Syria abandon an alliance with Iran as a requirement for a peace deal.

Assad told British parliamentarians that the Baath Party government intended to maintain "normal relations" with Iran while it conducts indirect talks with Israel to regain the occupied Golan Heights, a source familiar with the meeting told Reuters.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said a peace agreement depends on Syria distancing itself from Iran and severing ties with Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and the Palestinian group Hamas. The two organizations are also supported by Iran.

"The president said Syria has normal relations with Iran. He made it clear that any suggestion to drop them was not a reasonable request," the source said.

"He said if Israel could question Syria's relations with Iran, then Syria could question Israel's ties with other countries, particularly the United States."

The parliamentarians, including former interior minister Charles Clarke, are on a trip to hear Syria's take on the Middle East at first hand.

Assad said progress on the Syrian-Israeli peace track would encourage Lebanon and Israel to initiate their talks.

Syrian President Bashar al Assad expressed his satisfaction with electing Lebanese Army chief Michel Suleiman as a consensual president.

Assad made his comments at a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

The meeting dwelt on the latest developments in Lebanon in the wake of the Doha deal and Arab-inter ties.

Moussa hailed Syria over its role in rendering successful all efforts to boost the Lebanese reconciliation, a Syrian presidential statement said.

Newly-elected President Michel Suleiman entered Lebanon's presidential palace to assume his duties as the 12th president for Lebanon.

Lebanon has been without a head of state since former president Emile Lahoud stepped down in November without a successor in place.

The electing of Suleiman crowned the Arab-brokered power sharing deal signed by Lebanese parties to end the long-running political wrangle gripping Lebanon for 18 months.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad felicitated President Michel Suleiman on taking office.

In a telephone conversation with the new Lebanese president, the Iranian president said that the enemies of the Lebanese people are not interested in a stable and united Lebanon.

Today, the world is witnessing a constructive move toward stability of Lebanon through the vigilance of Lebanese leaders and support of the nation, Ahmadinejad added.

He voiced the support of the Iranian government and people for the Lebanese government and nation.

President Ahmadinejad then expressed the hope that the agreement reached in Doha, Qatar, on May 21 would become fully materialized. All political parties of Lebanon have agreed to back General Suleiman as part of a deal reached in Doha.

Based on the agreement, the opposition will have the power of veto in a new cabinet of national unity.

For his part, Suleiman, stressed that the Lebanese dispute would only benefit Israel.

He appreciated Iran's all-out support for accelerating the agreement reached between Lebanese political parties.

President Suleiman called for the Islamic Republic's continued support for his country's stability and development.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki described the Doha agreement reached between the Lebanese majority and opposition as a "great victory" for all Lebanese people.

"We think with this agreement stability and peace will return to Lebanon more effectively," Mottaki was quoted by Mehr news agency as saying. Mottaki visited Lebanon to greet the election of former army chief Michel Suleiman as Lebanon's president as part of the Doha agreement.

The foreign minister said he came to Beirut to "show that we share the joy and sorrow of Lebanese people."

Under the Doha deal the Lebanese rival groups agreed to form a national unity government and elect Suleiman as president, a post which had remained vacant since Emile Lahoud's term expired on November 23, 2007.

The Doha agreement defused a crisis that had caused the worst civil strife since Lebanon's 1975-1990 war.

Mottaki said that there should be more efforts for the implementation of the agreements and establishing unity between rival Lebanese factions. "Iran is prepared to extend its cooperation with Lebanon more than before in all areas, especially in economic and political spheres," he added.

For its part, Oman welcomed the political agreement which has been reached by the Lebanese brothers in Doha after five days of dialogue under the patronage of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar and the Arabian Ministerial Committee formed by the Arab League to solve the political crisis.

At a press conference that was held at the Diplomatic institute at the Foreign Ministry, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, expressed his satisfaction for reaching a historic agreement among the Lebanese parties, which will mark for a new chapter of history for brotherly Lebanon.

Bin Alawi hailed the outcome of the negotiations which he dubbed as ‘hard’ in Doha and expressed his appreciation for all the Lebanese leaders who took part in Doha dialogue or those in Lebanon, as well as, the friendly people of Lebanon which supported the efforts by the Arab Ministerial Committee to ensure peace for the Lebanese.

He also hailed the pioneering role of the sisterly State of Qatar the patron of the dialogue, especially Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Emir of Qatar who has followed the Lebanese/Lebanese dialogue and participated in it. He also praised the efforts of Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Chairman of the Arabian Ministerial Committee. Bin Alawi also hailed his steady efforts and shouldering a number of difficult tasks at a number of stages of the dialogue.

"Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al Thani and the Arabian Ministerial Committee did their utmost to reach the agreement among the Lebanese factions," he continued.

The Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs greeted all the Lebanese leaders for their extraordinary efforts, which have been crowned with success. He affirmed that Lebanon will start a new chapter in its history after it has suffered from difficulties, political disputes and stress. Bin Alawi also pointed out the Lebanese leaders have prioritized the interests of Lebanon.

While Bin Alawi pointed out that the agreement is supported by all Arabs from Mashriq to Maghrib (East to West), he highlighted the great support extended by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, of Saudi Arabia and President Bashar al Assad of Syrian Arab Republic to overcome the many difficulties in the dialogue.

He also commended the efforts of Amr Moussa, Secretary-General of the Arab League, who had played a major role in managing the dialogue, noting that the agreement will be documented at the Arab league.

As for the role of the Sultanate at the Arabian Ministerial Committee, bin Alawi said that the committee has been selected by members of the Arab League who believed that these members have the ability to provide visions that may be accepted by the pro and against government parties. All members of the committee have contributed to the success of the dialogue.

"We have sincere brotherly relations with all parties in Lebanon. We have been focusing on the interest of Lebanon. This also has been the conviction of the pro and against government parties. We did not find a problem in taking this stance and nobody requested us to bias in favor of one party. This has been one of the factors which made the Lebanese brothers accept the agreement proposed by the committee and request the Arab League to continue this effort which yielded such excellent outcome for all," he furthered.

Replying to a question on the outcome of this agreement on relations between Syria and Lebanon, the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs said that the efforts of the committee and its chairman was like the policy of attack and retreat, as such, efforts respected all viewpoints of the government and oppositions, especially after what happened in Beirut. Such wise policy had contributed in reaching such agreement after they were convinced of the just and fair proposal, the so called 'political Justice'. We were not standing before a judge that who issues a sentence on a guilty or an innocent man. The sentence was based on political justice, which convinced the Lebanese that they all won the case, the case of the Lebanese people.

On the Lebanese issue, the middle east crisis and conflict with Israel, Bin al Alawi stated that Lebanon is sticking to its explicit and clear Arabic Stands, that is supportive to the Arabic stand, should any of the Middle East issues came up, including resistance led by Hezbollah to protect Lebanon and liberate its land. We believe the agreement would create a new vision for resistance parties and government.

He said that the relations between Syria and Lebanon are important and Syria was the first country to support the agreement. We believe that relations between the two countries would be regularized, he added.

Replying to a question that the Arab parties role was fundamental in success of the committee and the Lebanese, and that the regional role had been also important, and if there had been any high-level contact with Iran, being an important country in the region, or had there been any international contact from the UN side with all countries that have relations and interest in Lebanon and the Middle East in General. He said the committee was able to convince all parties who were in real need to a solution in Lebanon.

Speaking on energy, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, he said it is one of the current important issues in the whole world, especially after the oil price hike. Similar to others who care about the alternative energy, including the nuclear energy. The AGCC countries have taken a decision to study the alternative energy requirements including the Nuclear energy. The Sultanate is a member of a plan supervised by the General Secretariat in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he added.

The Sultanate's government has taken some measures. There is a governmental committee supervised by the Foreign Ministry which prepares a comprehensive future plan for utilizing the alternative nuclear energy by the Sultanate. The nuclear issue is not that easy thing since it takes plenty of time, since it affects the environment and society. Any nuclear fault cannot be rectified, he noted.

Replying to a question on rectifying the Arab-to-Arab relations after the Lebanese crisis is over, Bin Alawi said that Arab ties improve after solving crisis. Possibilities are there now to improve the situation in Lebanon and the Middle East. The Palestine file, Israeli stand against establishing a Palestinian state, and abandon by the US administration to some of its promises need some patience and follow up, which might lead the Palestinian people to unify their stands, he said.

He said that the message received from the Palestinian leaders suggest lack of seriousness by Israel. He ruled out establishing any relations with Israel or opening Israeli Trade Representation Office without establishing the Palestinian State.

Replying to Yemen's joining the AGCC states, Bin Alawi said that Yemen is an important part of us and vice versa. It joined a number of the AGCC establishments, noting that there is no difference on the joint relation between Yemen and AGCC states, but it is experiencing some circumstances which unable it to have the full membership of the AGCC. Consultations are there among member states to establish relations that enhance economic support and joint action, he added.