RIYADH, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday that its ambassador to Germany was recalled in objections to remarks made by German foreign minister, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The country also revealed that it would hand over Germany's ambassador to the Kingdom a protest note refuting such remarks.
An official source of the ministry of foreign affairs referred in a statement to the remarks made by German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel during a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart as incorrect.
The German foreign ministry quoted Gabriel as telling his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil that "Germany stands firmly by Lebanon's side," and warned against fanning tension in the Middle East.
The Saudi source said that such remarks provoke the surprise and disapproval of Saudi Arabia, and would not help to bring about stability in the region.
The rifts between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon started with the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri while on a visit to Saudi Arabia on November 4, who accused the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah group of spreading chaos in the region.
He continued to stay in Saudi Arabia despite the endless calls of Lebanon for his comeback. Some accused Saudi Arabia of keeping him hostage, which was denied by Hariri. He said early Saturday that he was heading to the airport in Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to leave for France.
