Mikati assures working to maintain security

Prime Minister Najib Mikati reassured Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad al-Asiri Wednesday that the government is taking the necessary steps to safeguard security in the country. According to a statement from Mikati’s office, the two discussed bilateral relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, “particularly the Saudi decision to warn its citizens against coming to Lebanon.” Asiri confirmed Monday that his government has warned its citizens against travel to Lebanon, citing recent security incidents in the country. During the meeting at the Grand Serail, “Mikati reassured Asiri that the government was taking the necessary measures to ensure security and stability in Lebanon, and stressed that our Arab brothers, particularly Saudi Arabians, are welcome in Lebanon at any time,” said the statement. Asiri said Riyadh’s decision came as a result of a recent spate of security incidents. “The decision by the Saudi foreign affairs ministry to warn Saudi citizens against traveling to Lebanon comes as a result of recent incidents of burning of tires, the closing of roads and security incidents in various parts of the country,” Asiri told the National News Agency Monday. During his interview with the NNA, the Saudi envoy also expressed hope that all political parties in Lebanon would exert the necessary efforts to ensure security and stability in the country, “particularly given that Lebanon is dear to the kingdom and enjoys generous and continuous support from [King Abdullah].” Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have each issued travel advisories, warning their nationals against visiting Lebanon and urging those who are in the country to leave, citing recent unrest.