Bassam Mawlawi, the Minister of Interior and Municipalities, has warned that any delay in resolving the diplomatic crisis with the Gulf countries risks affecting the lives of more Lebanese who are already suffering from a crippling economic crisis.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Mawlawi stated that the solution to the crisis begins with the resignation of Information Minister George Kordahi, whose statements enraged Saudi Arabia, and called the resignation “long overdue.”

He continued, “It’s taking a long time. The crisis should be resolved in no more than a month. He should have stepped down sooner.” He should have resigned right away… Each delay causes more harm to the Lebanese, whether in Lebanon or the Gulf.”

Mawlawi warned of “the possibility of broadening the scope of the Saudi import ban to include all types of trade with the Gulf countries, which may also jeopardize the employment or residence of Lebanese living there.”

Mawlawi pointed out that “Kordahi will not resign because he needs the approval of his political supporters, including Hezbollah.”