BEIRUT – Kuwait followed Saudi Arabia and Bahrain by ordering the Lebanese charge d´affaires on Saturday to leave the emirate within two days over comments made by a Lebanese minister regarding the war in Yemen. Kuwait also recalled its ambassador from Beirut.
The move came as the Arab League chief expressed concerns about the deterioration in ties between Lebanon and wealthy Gulf countries over statements made by Information Minister George Kordahi.
The decision came days after a video circulated on social media in which Kordahi described the war in Yemen as aggression by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He added that the war in Yemen is “absurd” and must stop because he is opposed to wars between Arabs.
Lebanon´s Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office said he discussed the situation with President Michel Aoun before calling Kordahi and asking him to take “the appropriate decision for the sake of national interests.”
Mikati expressed regret for the Saudi move and urged the kingdom to review its decision. Mikati added that his government “categorically rejects” anything that harms the “deep brotherly relations” with Saudi Arabia.
Mikati said earlier that Kordahi´s comments do not represent the government´s opinion, reiterating that the minister spoke before taking his post last month.
Kordahi, a former TV show host, made the comments on a TV programme before he was chosen for the post in September.
Kordahi held a news conference in Beirut this week refusing to apologize for the interview, which he said was broadcast Aug. 5. He added that since becoming a minister, he abides by the government’s policy of not expressing his opinion.
“We should not continue to be subjected to blackmail in Lebanon by anyone whether they are countries, ambassadors or individuals,” Kordahi said, adding that he has no plans to resign from the post over his comments.
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