Beirut, (SANA) - The visit of President Bashar al-Assad and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia to Lebanon received welcome from key Lebanese personalities.

Former Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said President al-Assad's visit to Lebanon serves as a safety valve in light of the political bickering threatening to undermine Lebanon's immunity.

"President al-Assad is today the one entrusted with the decisions and the initiative adopted by the Arab Summit held in Beirut in 2002," Lahoud said in a statement issued by his press office.

He hoped this visit would help strengthen Lebanon's return to the special relationship it once had with its closest sister, Syria.

In an interview with the Syrian Satellite Channel, Lebanese Minister of Defense Elias al-Murr said that the visit of President al-Assad and King Abdullah is an important sign for solidarity, unity and preserving civil peace in Leabnon.

He pointed out that after the events of past years and the things that were said by some circles in mass media, the visit of President al-Assad to Lebanon proves that he has a big heart, adding "it shows that he is coming to his country and is among his kin in Lebanon."

Al-Murr said that President al-Assad's initiative can help Lebanon overcome the critical stage and the crisis that began to loom within the past few days.

In turn, Lebanese Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud said that Syrian, Saudi and Qatari roles are friendly and welcome, and that they will bring good things to Lebanon.

Baroud said that the timing and goals of the tripartite summit and the Arab concern for the situation in Lebanon are always welcome, stressing the importance of Arab support for Lebanon on the highest level which is taking place because the challenges facing the region are very serious.

For his part, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri underlined that Lebanon possesses resistance factors against any Israeli aggression represented by national unity, people, army and resistance.

In a speech delivered during the opening of 'Bint Jbeil' Hospital, Berri hoped that the visit of President Bashar al-Assad, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,  will be an opportunity to enhance the process of building trust among all Lebanese sides and avoid falling in the Israeli traps aimed at dragging Lebanon back to the sedition.

Lebanese Agriculture Minister, Hussein al-Haj Hassan said President al-Assad and King Abdullah's visit affirms keenness of Syria and Saudi Arabia to the safety and stability of Lebanon, which is appreciated by all Lebanese people.

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Salim El-Hoss said the tripartite summit pleased the hearts of Lebanese people, because they found in it positive and promising opportunities for stability of Lebanon and protection of peace and national unity.

He added that the Lebanese people have to take advantage of this occasion to strengthen the constituencies of the national reconciliation, and to focus on the issues of development at all levels and in all fields.

For his part, Minister of State for Parliament Affairs Michel Faroun said this extraordinary visit and the tripartite summit reflect the Arab joint desire for cooperation to fortify the Arab arena and prevent using Lebanon as a field for conflict in the region.

This visit of the two Arab leaders to Lebanon is a historic event which makes it imperative for the Lebanese people to respond and turn a new page," said Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council.

Member of the Liberation and Development Bloc MP Qassem Hashem described the visit as "important especially in light of the fierce attack targeting Lebanon."

"The Lebanese count greatly on this visit to help stop those who are targeting Lebanon and the Arab Nation through trying to reignite sedition that might set the whole region on fire," Hashem added.

Member of the Future Bloc MP Mohammad al-Hajjar said President al-Assad and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' visit to Lebanon is important to fortify the region against the risks facing it, as it is also an opportunity to stress the Arab attention given to Lebanon.

Lebanese Minister of labor Boutros Harb said the joint visit of President al-Assad and King Abdullah is distinct from other visits as it confirms that there is joint effort by the two countries for joint action to help and support Lebanon and its unity in face of the huge challenges facing it. 

Lebanese former Minister Jean Obeid said the summit is an example that should be emulated both in Lebanon and abroad.

He said that the summit is a reminder of the importance of unity and a warning against falling into the Israeli trap, adding that the visit of President al-Assad and King Abdullah is an Arab guarantee of the unity and immunity of Lebanon in face of Israel.

Head of Lebanese Popular Congress (LPC) party Kamal Shatila said the visit comes at a time of increasing Israeli threats against Lebanon, and the timing of the visit made it a practical one to provide immunity for Lebanon.

Shatila called for enhancing Arab solidarity, considering the visit an honest Arab message to all Lebanese people to sustain their unity and preserve their country's stability.

In the same context, Beirut Union Party issued a declaration saying the tripartite summit can be a real entrance for true Arab solidarity that puts an end to the current Arab state of retreat.

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