Suleiman's Gulf tour to boost Arab ties

Lebanese president Michel Suleiman plans to embark on a tour of four Gulf states to enlist their support in nudging rival political leaders into talking to each other, as well as to reassure the leaders of the four states that the security situation in Lebanon is stable. The president want to affirm that Lebanon is keen to maintain security and preserving the dignity of Arab visitors to the country, after reports emerged of tourists being badly treated at Lebanese airports and checkpoints. Suleiman's words came during a cabinet session held at Baabda Palace, which was dominated by insability and clashes in the north and Beirut that threatened to destabilise the country. In addition to Saudi Arabia, Suleiman plans to visit Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, three of the four countries which have warned their nationals against traveling to Lebanon following the violence in Tripoli. Bahrain is the fourth country to take the same measures. The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Awad Assiri, said earlier this week his country has no plans to issue a similar warning. The cabinet, meeting under Suleiman, voiced support for the Lebanese army and promised to provide it with all the necessary tools to enable it to protect the country and citizens, according to a statement. It asked the defence and interior ministers to make proposals for supporting the army’s mission in maintaining security.