Saudi Arabi slams Iran ‘destabilizing’ Mideast

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir warned against Iranian efforts to “destabilize” the Middle East,” Al Arabiya reported on Thursday.

Speaking in a joint press conference in Paris with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Jubeir said: “the entire world knows that Iran is working to destabilize our region.

“Iran must respect principles of good neighborliness if it wishes to normalize ties,” Jubeir added.

Speaking on Lebanon, which Ayrault said he would be visiting soon, Jubeir slammed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah for “stalling any efforts to resolve Lebanon's presidential vacuum.” 

Jubeir said the Arab Peace initiative is ongoing, hinting at continuing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and expressed thanks to France for supporting the kingdom's efforts in the Middle East.

Discussing the Syrian crisis, the counterparts urged Russia to pressure the regime of President Bashar al-Assad to stop bombing rebel positions, particularly in Aleppo.

Ayrault said a ceasefire would be the only stipulation for peace in Syria, along with a political solution to the crisis. Meanwhile, Jubeir said the kingdom's stance towards Assad – that he must relinquish power – has not and will not change.

Source : MENA