Hariri says will return to Lebanon for Independence Day celebrations

Paris [France] Nov. 18 (ANI): Saad Hariri on Saturday confirmed he will return home to Lebanon in the coming days to take part in Independence Day celebrations.

Al Jazeera quoted Hariri as saying that "I will return to Beirut in the coming days. I will participate in the celebrations for our independence and it is there that I will make known my position on all the issues."

Lebanon will mark its Independence Day on Wednesday, November 22.

Hariri made this statement after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday in a bid to solve the political turmoil surrounding his sudden resignation as prime minister.

Earlier on Saturday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri both posted statements saying Hariri would return for the occasion.

A statement on Aoun's official Facebook page said the president received a phone call from Hariri after his arrival in France's capital, in which the Lebanese prime minister confirmed his participation in the Independence Day celebrations.

Hariri announced his resignation as Lebanese prime minister in a televised speech on November 4, shortly after landing in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

He had also launched a vicious tirade against Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group for what he said was their meddling in Arab affairs.

Hariri accused Tehran of spreading chaos, strife and destruction throughout the region.

Lebanon is sharply divided along a camp loyal to Saudi Arabia, headed by the Sunni Muslim Hariri, and a camp loyal to Iran represented by Hezbollah.

Hariri also said that Hezbollah's policies have put Lebanon "in the eye of the storm."

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and headed a 30-member national unity cabinet that included the Shiite militant Hezbollah. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI