Saudi ambassador to Arab League will represent his country at Arab summit
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the Arab League says he will represent his country at the upcoming Arab summit in Damascus instead of the Saudi king.
Monday's announcement by Ahmad al-Qattan is a big blow to Syrian attempts to ensure high-level representation at the first Arab summit held in the country. The meeting is normally attended by the heads of state of the participating Arab countries.
"I will represent King Abdullah, and Saudi Arabia will abide by decisions" taken at the summit, al-Qattan told reporters in Damascus, where he is attending preparatory meetings for the March 29-30 gathering.
Saudi Arabia's decision reflects tension between Damascus and Riyadh that has been mounting for the past couple of years over Syria's alleged role in fueling Lebanon's deepening political crisis.