BEIRUT: As Lebanon went into mourning Friday following the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, there was an outpouring of condolences and tributes to the late leader.
Politicians and religious figures across the spectrum praised his support for Lebanon and promotion of regional stability.
Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi “With the passing of King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic and Arab worlds, lost a brave and wise leader,” Rifi said in a statement.
He praised the late king for his “strategic stances that aimed at enhancing security, peace, growth and development.”
Foreign Minister Gebran BassilIn a cable to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, Bassil, who is currently participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos, said: “We were hurt by the news of the death of the custodian of the two holy mosques.”
Bassil described the king’s death as a great loss to the kingdom, the Arab world and Lebanon, saying the leader had dedicated his life to his country, his people, his nation and Arab issues.
Information Minister Ramzi Joreige “With his death, we lost [a figure of] support for Lebanon in calamities, especially given that he was one of those big men that take tough and wise decisions in times of hardship,” Joreige said in a statement. He praised Abdullah as a man of peace and equality who always stood by Lebanon and its Army.
“We wish King Salman and the crown prince Muqrin the best so that they can continue with the late king’s path and manage the kingdom’s affairs with justice and wisdom,” he said.
Telecommunications Minister Boutros Harb“The death of King Abdullah is a great loss for the kingdom, the Arab and Muslim worlds and for the globe,” Harb said in a statement, adding that it came at a time when the region was in need of such a strong decision-maker.
“The king left behind numerous achievements for his country and nation in development, reconstruction and education,” Harb said, adding that King Abdullah managed to turn the kingdom into a major power in today’s world.
MP Marwan Hamade King Abdullah was one of the most prominent and influential figures regionally and internationally, Hamade said in statement.
“He opened a new era full of historical achievements, diversified the sources of national income and bolstered liberties,” the MP said, expressing his confidence in the kingdom’s tranquil future following the accession of King Salman to the throne.
Deputy Speaker Farid Makari With the passing of King Abdullah, all Arabs lost a great king who was helping with their issues and seeking all that unites them, Makari said in a statement.
“He was courageous in taking initiatives and a leader whose wisdom characterized him,” he added.
“With his death, we Lebanese have lost a friend who cared about Lebanon,” he said.
Makari also wished luck to the newly ascended King Salman.
MP Mohammad Qabbani “With his absence, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the two Arab and Islamic worlds lost a brilliant leader,” Qabbani said in a statement.
“Lebanon in particular lost a bigger brother who supported [it] in all political and development fields,” he added, noting two generous grants over the past year to the Lebanese Army and security forces.
MP Nadim GemayelWith the passing of King Abdullah, Lebanon lost a supporter who stood by it during hard times, Gemayel said in a statement.
The king “was keen on Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence ... and was the supporter of the Lebanese Army and security institutions,” he said.
He also thanked the late king for his love and faith in Lebanon, offered Saudis his condolences and confirmed the ongoing strength of Lebanese-Saudi relations.
Lebanese Democratic Party leader MP Talal Arslan King Abdullah turned his country into a hub for sciences, education, and social affairs among other fields, Arslan said.
“This puts Saudi Arabia on the rank of countries that are a source of pride on every level.”
Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya Secretary-General Ibrahim Masri King Abdullah’s death is a loss for the Arab and Muslim worlds, Masri said.
“Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya in Lebanon offers you [the kingdom] and the Saudi people its condolences for your deceased and the deceased of Arabs and Muslims,” the group said in a cable sent to King Salman.
The group also prayed that the kingdom would be able to overcome the challenges put in front of it following King Abdullah’s death.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian “The whole world suffered a big loss with the [death] of the custodian of the two holy mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, a pioneer in moderation and openness in the Muslim world,” Derian said in a statement. Druze Spiritual Leader Sheikh Naim Hassan Describing the late king as a devotee to Lebanon’s stability, Hassan said: “He supported the journey of building the Lebanese government and its official institutions.”
He said he admired the late king’s wisdom and courage, adding that Abdullah was a man of chivalry.
“He renounced extremism and opened up the doors of dialogue between religions and civilizations,” Hassan added, expressing his hope that the new king and his heir would continue along the same path.
Head of the Higher-Shiite Council Sheikh Abdel-Amir QabalanThe Arab nation lost one of its icons and pioneers who contributed to its renaissance and advancement, Qabalan said.
“We won’t forget his last stance on terrorism and his demand to renounce violence and aggression,” he said.
Mufti of Tyre Sheikh Hassan Abdallah “We will miss the man who stood by Lebanon in hard times and helped facilitate communication between communities,” Abdallah said, lauding the late king’s contribution to rebuilding the country after each round of Israeli aggression.
“We hope that the kingdom keeps adapting the same approach,” he said, wishing King Salman luck.
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