Lebanese nationals recently deported from gulf countries did not have their residence permits revoked arbitrarily, the Daily Star quoted Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors to Lebanon as saying on Thursday, stressing that their dispute is not with Beirut, but with Hezbollah.

"The Gulf has not deported even one Lebanese national arbitrarily," Kuwait's Ambassador Abdel Aal al-Qanaai said during a press conference at the Maronite Church's seat in Bkirki. "They were deported for specific reasons, such as expired visas."

Qanaai's remarks came after a meeting between the ambassadors and Patriarch Mar Beshara Botros al-Rai.

Thursday's meeting took place amid tension between Lebanon and the Gulf – particularly Saudi Arabia – over what the GCC says is Hezbollah's "terrorist role" in the region.

Source: MENA