RIYADH: Saudi Arabia sees no point in engaging with Lebanon’s government until its politicians confront the malign influence of Hezbollah and Iran, the Kingdom’s foreign minister has said.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s remarks have dashed hopes in Beirut of a solution to the deepening diplomatic rift with Riyadh, as Lebanon struggles with political paralysis and a collapsing economy.
“We see no useful purpose in engaging with the Lebanese government at this point in time,” Prince Faisal told France 24 television in an interview.
“We think that the political class needs to step up and take the necessary actions to liberate Lebanon from the domination of Hezbollah, and through Hezbollah, Iran.”
Lebanon is facing its worst diplomatic crisis yet with Gulf states, spurred by a minister’s critical comments about the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen that prompted Riyadh to expel Lebanon’s ambassador, recall its own envoy and ban all imports from Lebanon.
The Kingdom was angered by an interview in which Lebanon’s newly appointed Information Minister George Kordahi, a former TV game show host, sided with the Houthi militia and said Yemen was being subjected to external aggression.
Kordahi said the interview was recorded before he became a minister and has refused to apologize or step down, despite pressure from Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Riyadh has said its actions were driven not just by Kordahi’s comments, but also its objection to Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics.
No point in engagement with Lebanon, says Saudi Arabia
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No point in engagement with Lebanon, says Saudi Arabia
Hira Cultural District: A diverse legacy of Makkah
RIYADH: Makkah’s Hira Cultural District, with its pavilions and cultural history, is serving as a tourist hotspot and a hub for knowledge.
Nestled near Jabal Al-Noor, the project spans 67,000 sq meters and includes a visitors’ center, offering insights into the history and services of the district, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The neighborhood provides diverse cultural services and activities for all.
The district’s Revelation Exhibition outlines the story of the revelation bestowed upon prophets up to the last Prophet. Within a special pavilion, the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s revelation and his biography are presented, along with aspects related to the story of the revelation through Gabriel and the roles of Khadija. It is delivered through a technical presentation, taking viewers on an enriching audio and visual journey.
The project also includes the Holy Qur’an Museum. Through modern technology and unique collections, the museum highlights the greatness and universality of the Qur’an, emphasizing its preservation. The neighborhood also includes a cultural library and a garden for relaxation.
The district contains restaurants and cafes, as well as the Saudi Coffee Museum. Visitors can savor Saudi coffee while exploring the tools, ingredients and preparation methods used across the Kingdom in the coffee trade, the SPA reported.
The project is overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites in collaboration with the Emirate of Makkah, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of the Holy Capital, the Guests of God Service Program and the General Authority of Endowments.
Officials from countries around the world have recently visited the district, including Indonesian First Lady Iriana, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkiye Dr. Ali Erbas and Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Shaibi. They commended Saudi Arabia’s role in enriching the cultural and religious experiences of visitors and Umrah performers.
Saudi authorities arrest 19,710 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,710 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 12,961 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,177 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,572 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 979 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 43 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 46 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 12 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi envoy inspects Makkah Route facility in Pakistan
RiYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki conducted an inspection of the Makkah Route Initiative facility at Islamabad International Airport on Friday, accompanied by Pakistan’s Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Zulfiqar Haider, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Malki underscored the commitment of the Saudi government to allocate both human and financial resources to serve all visitors to the Kingdom and said that the Makkah Route Initiative represents an extension of that commitment.
During his visit, Al-Malki observed operations at the initiative’s facility and reviewed the procedures carried out by Pakistani and Saudi authorities to facilitate and streamline the Hajj journey for the program’s beneficiaries.
The Makkah Route Initiative, a part of the Ministry of Interior’s Guests of God Service Program, aims to provide top-tier services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries to the Kingdom.
The services include issuing e-visas, biometric verification, facilitating entry procedures at departure airports, ensuring compliance with health requirements, managing baggage logistics, arranging transportation and accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and facilitating direct transfers to designated residences.
Over 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims are set to benefit from the initiative during this year’s Hajj — a significant increase from the 26,000 last year.
Pakistan launched Hajj operations at eight airports across the country on Thursday. The operations will continue until June 9. This year’s pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from June 14 to 19.
Saudi Arabia welcomes UN vote backing Palestinian bid for full membership
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution recognizing that the State of Palestine, currently an observer state, qualifies for full membership of the organization.
The 193-member assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the resolution, which also recommended that the Security Council reconsider the matter “favorably” and grant Palestine most of the rights and benefits that come with full membership.
The Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision clearly expressed the international consensus on the inherent rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to establish an independent state within the framework of a two-state solution.
It added: “While the Kingdom appreciates the positive position of the countries that voted in favor of the resolution, it calls on the member states of the Security Council to assume their historical responsibility and not oppose the international consensus and stand up to the moral and legal right of the Palestinian people.”
In the vote on the resolution by the General Assembly, 143 members voted in favor, nine against, including US and Israel, and 25 abstained.
Royal Saudi Air Force concludes participation in ‘Desert Flag’ drill in UAE
RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Air Force on Friday ended its participation in the “Desert Flag” multinational air exercise at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, the Kingdom’s defense ministry said.
The RSAF took part alongside forces from a number of friendly countries.
Lt. Col. Adel Abu Malha, commander of the air force group participating in the exercise, said that the drill achieved its objectives — the exchange of military experience, boosting readiness and combat efficiency, and strengthening relations with the participating forces.
He said it also highlighted the professionalism of RSAF personnel.
The three-week drill included offensive, defensive and strategic counterair operations, as well as supporting ground forces within new and complex scenarios.
The Saudi air force participated with six F-15SA fighter aircraft, along with air, technical and support crews, while carrying out 80 day and night sorties and aerial refueling.
