Foreign ministers of Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia met Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in an attempt to resolve differences on a security plan to stop factional fighting in the Beirut region.
The talks opened after Syrian Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam and Lebanese Foreign Minister Elie Salem arrived in the kingdom for the daylong session, official Riyadh radio said in a broadcast monitored in Beirut.
‘We will discuss everything that can help restore peace to Lebanon and realize national entente (between Lebanese warring factions,)’ Khaddam was quoted as saying by Riyadh radio.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal, who met both men separately on their arrival, expressed hope the talks would be ‘succesful in achieving peace for our brother country Lebanon.’
Lebanese leaders said Saturday the foreign ministers were expected to discuss ‘sticking points’ of a Saudi-inspired plan calling for Lebanon’s Christian-led army to take over some positions controlled by the country’s warring Christian and Moslem factions.
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt initially rejected the security plan but issued a statement Saturday saying he had reviewed the plan in Damascus with Shiite Moslem leader Nabih Berri and Saudi mediator Rafic Harriri.