Saudi Moves its Ambassador in Damascus to Doha

Saudi Arabia has decided to move its ambassador to Syria Ahmed Ali Qahtan to Doha in a move that reflected Riyadh”s desire to lower its representation in Damascus.

 

Arab Diplomatic sources in Damascus said the “swift” Saudi measure was a result of the deterioration in relations between Syria and Riyadh over the Lebanese crisis.

 

They said Qahtan was awaiting Doha”s approval as Riyadh”s ambassador after six years without a diplomatic mission.

 

Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Doha in 2002 when the Al-Jazeera television network aired a debate in which participants strongly criticized the Saudi royal family, and the two neighbors often snipe at each other through their respective media.