Lebanese Christian cleric calls on authorities to defuse tensions with Gulf states over Yemen criticism

A top Christian cleric called on Lebanese authorities to defuse tensions with Gulf states on Sunday, without suggesting any specific measures to end the crisis that erupted following criticism of Saudi Arabia's intervention in Yemen.
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Four Gulf countries have recalled their ambassadors from Lebanon to protest comments that criticised the Saudi-led coalition's military intervention in Yemen [source: Getty]

Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai called on the authorities on Sunday to take a "decisive step" to defuse a crisis with Gulf Arab states over critical comments made by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.

Rai, who made the plea to President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati in his Sunday sermon, did not suggest any specific measure.

Kordahi says he made his comments about the war in Yemen before becoming a minister and so far resisted calls to resign.

Saudi Arabia expelled Lebanon's envoy and banned all Lebanese imports on Friday. Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit, giving the top Lebanese diplomats 48 hours to exit. The United Arab Emirates later said it would withdraw all its diplomats and banned its citizens from travelling to Lebanon. 

MENA
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