Lebanon: Minister of Information Kordahi announces resignation​

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Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi announced his resignation on Friday, during a press conference held in Beirut.

The resignation came in an attempt to resolve a diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, sparked by statements made by Kordahi regarding the war in Yemen.

“I invite you today to say that I do not accept to be used as a reason to harm Lebanon and my Lebanese brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the other Gulf countries,” said Kordahi.

The information minister added that he had resigned before French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Riyadh, in the hope that Macron would help during the visit to ease the crisis with Lebanon and to avoid harming the Lebanese working in the Gulf.

Kordahi’s resignation is expected to help resolve a political and diplomatic crisis that has affected the Lebanese government since October.

SOUNDBITES:

SOT, George Kordahi, Lebanese Minister of Information (Arabic): “May God bless your day. Thank you for responding to this urgent call, which is related to the demand for my resignation from the government. My story has become known, and I do not think there is a need to repeat its details. And the developments that accompanied it since that famous interview was broadcasted on one of the foreign TV channels, and I do not think that there is reason to recall that. That interview was conducted with me more than a month before my appointment as Minister of Information, and that the positions stated in it do not oblige the Lebanese government to do anything. Also, in my words about the Yemen war, I did not mean to offend anyone. Rather, it was a sincere call from the heart to stop this war in the interest of all warring parties.”

SOT, George Kordahi, Lebanese Minister of Information (Arabic): “In the midst of all this, where are we today? Today, we are facing new developments. French President Emmanuel Macron is going to Saudi Arabia on an official visit. I understood from the Prime Minister, Mr Najib Mikati, whom I met three days ago at his request, that the French want me to have a resignation which precedes President Macron’s visit to Riyadh and, perhaps, helps open a dialogue with Saudi officials on Lebanon and the future of Lebanese-Saudi relations. I consulted with Minister Franjieh and all allies on this matter, and they left me the freedom to take the appropriate position. Therefore, after deep thought, and in order to take advantage of this promising opportunity with President Macron, I invite you today to say that I do not accept to be used as a reason to harm Lebanon and my Lebanese brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the other Gulf countries. And between injustice and harm falling on my Lebanese people in the Gulf states, and between that falling on me, I preferred that falling on me. The interest of my country, my family and my loved ones is above my personal interest. Lebanon is more important than George Kordahi, and the interest of the Lebanese is more important than my ministerial position, so I decided to give up my ministerial position, to remain in the service of my country wherever I am. I wish the government from which I am resigning success, as well as the best relations between Lebanon and its Arab surroundings, near and far, especially with the Gulf states. In conclusion, I extend my sincere thanks to the Minister, the Knight, and beloved brother Suleiman Franjieh for his trust in me, his love and magnanimity, and to excuse me if I caused him any embarrassment, and this is the only correct way​.”​

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Video ID: 20211203-013

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