Germany behind minister in riot with Riyadh

- The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs defends the statements of its own minister Sigmar Gabriel. On Thursday, he raised the annoyance of Saudi Arabia by suggesting that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri was being held in that country against his will. Gabriel also warned of bloody conflicts in Lebanon.

BERLIN

In response, Saudi Arabia called his ambassador back from Berlin. Yet Germany does not differ. 'We are very concerned about the stability in the region and are calling on all parties to reduce the tensions,' the ministry said. 'The open approach of our international partners fits in with this. 'We focus our message on all players in the region. '