Lebanese Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe has submitted his resignation, following the backlash that was caused by his recent remarks about Arab Gulf countries.
Wehbe who is a minister in the caretaker government submitted his resignation letter to President Michel Aoun during a meeting with him on Wednesday morning.
This comes 2 days after Wehbe implied in a televised interview that Arab Gulf countries were behind the rise of ISIS in the region, among other disparaging comments.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain summoned Lebanon’s ambassadors and issued formal complaints.
Wehbe's comments have threatened Lebanese efforts amid its deep economic crisis to improve ties with Gulf states.
Lebanon's president said on Tuesday that critical comments made by the foreign minister about Gulf states did not reflect official policy, seeking to avoid further strain on ties with countries that have been Lebanon's allies and donors.
Crushed by debt, Lebanon's economy has imploded, sending its currency into tailspin. A massive blast at Beirut port in August added to its woes, prompting the last government to resign. It is now acting in a caretaker role.
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