Lebanese PM puts resignation on hold

Beirut – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced on Wednesday that he was putting his resignation on hold to give way for more consultations, nearly three weeks after he unexpectedly announced he was stepping down.
It was a quick reversal – a day after his return to Lebanon – and a likely embarrassment to Saudi Arabia, which was widely seen as having orchestrated his resignation.
In conciliatory comments from the presidential palace, Hariri said he was putting Lebanon’s interest first and was looking forward to a “real partnership with all political forces to put Lebanon’s higher interest before any other interests”.
He said he presented his resignation to President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace, but then responded to Aoun’s request to take more time for consultations, “hoping it will constitute a serious opening for a responsible dialogue.
“Our beloved nation needs in this critical period exceptional efforts from everyone to protect it in the face of dangers and challenges,” Hariri said in a statement after meeting Aoun.
He reiterated the need for Lebanon to remain neutral on regional disputes and conflicts “and all that undermines internal stability and brotherly relations with Arab brothers”.

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