Abdullah's tour expected to ease regional tensions

Riyadh: Saudi politicians and experts have concurred that King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz's regional tour will close Arab ranks and clear the atmosphere following a pledge he made at the Kuwait Arab summit in January 2009 calling for solidarity in the Arab world.

Dr Mohammad Al Zulfah, a former member of the Shura Council (parliament), said King Abdullah will discuss a number of issues on his tour, including talks between Palestine and Israel.

He added that Saudi Arabia was concerned with achieving reconciliation between Syria and Egypt.

Al Zulfah said there was a clear Saudi-Gulf and Arab inclination to preserve the power balance in Lebanon and added that the king's talks in Beirut would help ease the tension and reflect Arab concern for Lebanon without interfering in the nation's internal affairs.

Dr Sultan Al Thaqafi, professor of international relations, said the repercussions of the international court's case on the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri made it imperative for Riyadh and Cairo to work together.

GCC Secretary-General Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, in press statements, described King Abdullah's tour as "important and historic" due to the challenges threatening the region and thus necessitating the need for Arab solidarity.

Beirut on edge

King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz visits Syria and Lebanon this week as part of a flurry of diplomatic efforts to contain a potentially explosive situation in Lebanon where there are growing fears of a new sectarian conflict.

The Saudi monarch, who is also visiting Egypt and Jordan, is scheduled to meet with Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad today before heading to Beirut tomorrow for brief talks with Lebanese leaders.