Naharnet, Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon
Ali Awadh Asiri threw a dinner banquet Friday in honor of Lebanon’s
political, security and religious leaders and hoped a new president will
be elected “before Eid al-Fitr,” which will be observed in early July.

“The presidential vacuum is about to enter its third
year and the more it protracts the more the State and its institutions
are nearing the edge of the abyss,” Asiri said in a speech at the
dinner. “I urge you to find the political will and consensual
solutions to resolve this issue, so that Eid al-Fitr can be celebrated
in the presence of a new president,” he added.

The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Tammam Salam, a
representative of Speaker Nabih Berri, al-Mustaqbal movement leader
ex-PM Saad Hariri, Free Patriotic Movement founder MP Michel Aoun,
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, MP Suleiman Franjieh’s son Tony,
ex-presidents Amin Gemayel and Michel Suleiman, ex-PMs Najib Miqati and
Fouad Saniora, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan, a representative
of Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and Greek Orthodox Archbishop
Elias Aude.

It was also attended by Army chief General Jean Qahwaji,
Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous, General
Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, a number of Arab and foreign
ambassadors, several current and former ministers and MPs, and a number
of political, military, spiritual, social and economic figures.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all its leaders will
remain the main supporter of national accord and political and security
stability in Lebanon and the supporter of the Muslim-Christian
coexistence, and it is not true that it has abandoned Lebanon,” Asiri
added.

“But, in return, Lebanon is required to stay loyal to
its history and harmonious with itself and with its neighborhood,” he
went on to say.

“Yes to Lebanese unity, yes to Lebanese coexistence, yes
to Lebanese reconciliation and yes to a new president in Lebanon. Yes
to a better tomorrow and yes to peace, stability and prosperity,” Asiri
said.

“I hope that the ongoing municipal polls — which are
taking place in a civilized and democratic way — will be a step towards
holding the presidential and parliamentary elections,” he added.

Y.R.