Saudi Monarch and Foreign Minister Boycott Damascus Summit

by **Admin** Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:57 am

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and his Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal would not represent the kingdom at the forthcoming Arab summit in Damascus, reflecting dissatisfaction with Syria over Lebanon.

Riyadh's ambassador to the Arab League Ahmad Qattan, speaking on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting, said he would head his country's delegation.

The decision to send a low-ranking diplomat reflects the strained ties between Riyadh and Damascus over the deep political crisis in Lebanon.

Syria and its ally Iran back the Lebanese opposition led by the Shiite militant group Hizbullah.

Saudi Arabia and its Western allies back the cabinet of Prime Minister Fouad Saniora, which has been unable to push through any of its legislative program since November 2006 when six pro-Syrian ministers quit.