BEIRUT (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s ambassador called on Lebanese political parties to quickly form a new government that will have to pull the country from financial crisis, after months of political wrangling. “I stressed the need to put the higher national interest first to launch drastic reforms that can restore the international community’s confidence in Lebanon,” Saudi ambassador Walid Bukhari said from the Baabda palace after his first meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun in more than a year.

by naharnet –– Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi told UN Chief, Antonio Guterres, that the Lebanese are waiting for the UN to play a leading role, amid Lebanon’s economic and political impasse, the National News Agency reported on Tuesday. NNA said Rahi held telephone talks with Gutteres on Monday night and explained his calls for the neutralization of Lebanon and for an international conference to discuss Lebanon’s affairs For his part, the UN Secretary General expressed keen concern about the Lebanese situation, highlighting the necessity to form a government and keep Lebanon away from conflicts.