Saudi Gazette report

BEIRUT — The Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari confirmed that there is no intention to amend the Taif Agreement.

Bukhari’s confirmation came on Saturday, during the national conference called for by Saudi Arabia’s embassy, on the 33rd anniversary of the conclusion of the Taif Agreement.

He stressed that the Taif Agreement conference reflects the keenness of Saudi Arabia and its leadership to preserve Lebanon’s security, unity, stability and the National Pact.

He added that the Arab League and the Tripartite Committee were keen, under the patronage of King Fahd, and the support and efforts of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, for the security and stability of Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia has always relied on the wisdom of the Lebanese leaders and the aspirations of the Lebanese people, he said.

He added, “We desperately need to embody the formula of coexistence that were addressed by the Taif Agreement, especially with regard to the preservation of Lebanon’s identity and Arabism.”

Saudi Arabia and the international community are keen on the content of the Taif Agreement in terms of preserving the formula of coexistence, Bukhari said, clarifying that the alternative would be more on going to the unknown.