Thamer Al-Sabhan met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the head of the Kataeb Party, Sami al-Gameel, to discuss developments in Lebanon and the region.

:: The Minister of State for Arab Gulf Affairs in Saudi Arabia, Thamer Al-Sabhan confirmed that the efforts of the Lebanese military prove that only legitimate institutions can protect the state.

Al-Sabhan on his Twitter account on Friday lauded the efforts of the Lebanese army in maintaining the security and stability of its homeland and said that this proves that only the legitimate institutions can protect the country.

“Nationalism, not sectarianism, is what builds nations,” he added.

The statements by Al-Sabhan come as the militant Hezbollah militias are extolling their protection claims in Lebanon along the Syrian border from ISIS and Al-Nusra militants.

This comes in light of an operation by the Lebanese army to restore the cities of Jroud, Al-Qa’a and Ras Baalbek from militant extremists. Currently, the Lebanese Army is preparing to start the fourth phase of the Jroud Dawn operation.

Al-Sabhan met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the head of the Kataeb Party Sami al-Gameel, to discuss developments in Lebanon and the region.

On Thursday evening, Al-Sabhan also met Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, .

No concessions for Iran

Arab sources familiar with the visit told Beirut-based Markazia news agency that Al-Sabhan discussed regional developments and the settlement of the Syrian conflict.

The sources said that Al-Sabhan expressed that any settlement cannot be in the interest of expanding the Iranian influence in the region.

“He stressed that the situation is not different in Lebanon, and the country must regain its sovereignty,” according to a source.

“He said this requires a Lebanese decision to confront the Iranian tide rather than co-exist with it. Saudi Arabia as well will do its part to support the Lebanese people to ensure a balance that prevents Iran from controlling it,” the source said.

Saudi Arabia is betting on the upcoming parliamentary elections to highlight a supportive Lebanese position to restore the state’s sovereignty”.