The daily An Nahar on Tuesday said Saudi ambassador Abdul Aziz Khoja has conveyed to President Michel Suleiman his country's objections to the attacks.
Sources told An Nahar that this objection, an unprecedented step by Saudi Arabia, reflects a negative attitude toward the stepped up campaigns led by pro-Syrian Lebanese leaders and politicians.
They said the protest is clear indication that Riyadh would no longer tolerate continuation of this campaign without an equal reaction from the Lebanese government.
Meanwhile, Western diplomatic circles have advised Lebanon to stay out of this for fear the crisis could explode across Lebanon.
For Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pledged $1.59 billion in assistance and deposits to the Central Bank of Lebanon in 2006 and pledged an additional $1.1 billion in early 2007.Of that aid, $500 million dollars were intended for reconstruction, even though it was oposed to the war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Saudi Arabia is also the largest provider of aid to the Palestinian people Since 2002, Saudi Arabia has given more than $480 million in monetary support to the Palestinian Authority, and has supported Palestinian refugees by contributing to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Through the Arab League it has provided more than $250 million for the Palestinians, and pledged $500 million in assistance over the next three years at the Donors Conference in Dec 2007. Unlike aid from other nations, Saudi Arabian aid to Palestinians was not disrupted by the election of Hamas.
Worldwide , between 1975 to 1987, Saudi l aid amounted to US$48 billion, second only to the United States of America.
Suleiman condemns attacks
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Monday condemned "any form" of criticism against Saudi Arabia and thanked the kingdom for its support for Lebanon. In remarks after talks with Saudi Ambassador Abdel-Aziz Khoja, Suleiman said: "We are very keen on the consolidation of ties between Arab states."
"We refuse at the same time all attacks against these states and its presidents in line with the laws in force," he said, adding that Riyadh had been a "main supporter of Lebanon in all periods and fields."
Suleiman 's remarks followed comments made by former pro-Syrian Minister Wiam Wahhab on Sunday, in which he accused Saudi Arabia of spreading hatred throughout the world.
Ties between Riyadh and Damascus deteriorated after the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri, a citizen and close ally of Saudi Arabia. Many have blamed the killing on Syria, although Damascus has denied responsibility.
Tags: Khoja, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, source: Naharnet, Suleiman, Syria, Ya Libnan
