UAE announces withdrawal of diplomats from Lebanon

DUBAI - The UAE announced the withdrawal of its diplomats from Lebanon and advised its citizens not to travel to Lebanon, the official Emirates News Agency said on Saturday.

UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar said the decision to recall the diplomats affirms the UAE's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, given the unacceptable approach of some Lebanese officials towards Saudi Arabia.

Al Marar underlined the continuity of work in the consular section and visa center in the country's mission to Beirut during the current period.

The UAE has also decided to prevent its citizens from travelling to Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia on Friday banned all imports from Lebanon and gave the Lebanese ambassador 48 hours to leave the kingdom, after comments by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi that called the Yemeni Houthi militia's actions "self-defense" against the Saudi-led coalition.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Kordahi dismissed claims accusing him of hostility against Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon's Hezbollah has refused to bow to Saudi Arabia's demand for Kordahi's resignation.