Naharnet

Geagea Calls on Businessmen to Safeguard Interests of Expats

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea called on Lebanese businessmen to safeguard the interests of the expats abroad, expressing concern over the campaign targeting Saudi Arabia and its repercussions.

Geagea stressed after a meeting with a delegation from the Lebanese Business and Investment Council in Saudi Arabia that endeavors are ongoing to reduce any harm targeting Lebanese businessmen in any foreign country.

The gatherers discussed the challenges facing expats in the Gulf due to a "campaign of falsifications," targeting in particular Saudi Arabia.

"Businessmen are concerned... they don't understand the reason behind the verbal assault as it doesn't match the kingdom's hosting of a large number of Lebanese," Geagea pointed out.

The LF leader conveyed the concerns of the businessmen over their interests, expressing relief over the kingdom's positive role in Lebanon.

Geagea called on Lebanese politicians not to harm the interests of the Lebanese.

Hizbullah has been recently directing a barrage of criticism at Saudi Arabia over its airstrike campaign targeting Yemen's Shiite Huthi rebels.

Hizbullah officials have warned Riyadh that it would be defeated and would pay a heavy price for its attacks.

There are around 500,000 Lebanese expats in the Gulf.

Last month, the UAE, which hosts 100,000 Lebanese workers, expelled around 70 expatriates, mostly Shiites.

In 2009, dozens of Lebanese Shiites who had lived in the UAE for years were expelled on suspicion of links with Hizbullah.

In 2013, Qatar deported 18 Lebanese nationals after the Gulf Cooperation Council decided to impose sanctions against Hizbullah for its military intervention in war-torn Syria to support President Bashar Assad.

H.K.

M.T.


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