Hariri arrives in Lebanon first time since resigning
Ex-Prime Minister lands in capital, expected to attend National Day celebrations
Resigned Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri visits the grave of former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated, upon his arrival to Beirut after resigning from his post and leave the country 17 days ago, in Beirut, Lebanon on November 22, 2017. ( Houssam Shbaro - Anadolu Agency )
By Furkan Guldemir
BEIRUT, Lebanon
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri landed in the capital Beirut on Tuesday for the first time since resigning on Nov. 4.
Hariri was expected to attend National Day celebrations Wednesday in Beirut.
The resigned premier left Saudi Arabia on Saturday for Paris after being invited by French President Emmanuel Macron.
He then travelled to Cairo and Greek Cyprus on Tuesday before landing at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport late in the day.
Police sources said Hariri made his way to his home after paying respects to his late father Rafic Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.
Lebanon has remained in the throes of an unprecedented political crisis since Hariri announced his resignation during a televised address from Saudi Arabia, accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing “sedition” in the region and “meddling” in Arab affairs. He also mentioned an alleged plot to assassinate him.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has yet to accept Hariri's resignation.
Saudi Arabia, Hariri’s long-time political patron, is Iran’s arch-foe in the region. Riyadh supports Syria’s armed opposition while Iran and Hezbollah both support Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime.
