Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe on Wednesday asked President Michel Aoun to be exempted of his duties, following the storm caused by his recent statements against Saudi Arabia during a TV interview.

"In light of the latest developments and the circumstances that accompanied the interview I gave to a television station, I have decided to submit my resignation in the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese, which is above all other interests and calculations," Wehbe said following his meeting with Aoun at the Presidential Palace

"I hope from the bottom of my heart that this problem will be completely closed and left behind so that the Lebanese relations with the Arab countries, friendly and brotherly countries will be recognized on the basis of mutual respect,” he said.

For her part, Defense Minister Zeina Akar has been asked to take the portfolio in an acting capacity as a Foreign Minister until a new government is formed.