Lebanon’s PM retracts his resignation

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has formally rescinded his resignation.

He announced his decision after Lebanon’s first Cabinet meeting since he stepped down in a shock broadcast from Saudi Arabia on 4 November. 

Hariri said all Lebanese parties will commit to a ‘dissociation’ policy to stay out of conflicts affecting the Middle East.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrives today to attend a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda

‘All (the government’s) political components decide to dissociate themselves from all conflicts, disputes, wars or the internal affairs of brother Arab countries, in order to preserve Lebanon’s economic and political relations,’ Hariri said. 

The Lebanese government said in a statement read by Hariri: ‘The cabinet thanks its leader for his position and for revoking his resignation.’

Last month Hariri said he resigned because Iran was meddling in Lebanon’s affairs with the help of Hezbollah, which has 11 members in the Lebanese parliament.

He suspended his resignation when he returned from visiting France and Egypt on 22 November after saying said he could walk back from his resignation if Hezbollah withdrew from regional conflicts, including Syria. 

A dual Saudi citizen who has previously enjoyed Riyadh’s backing, Hariri accused, accusing arch-rival Iran and its powerful Lebanese ally Hezbollah of destabilising his country.

But President Michel Aoun refused to accept Hariri’s resignation, insisting that he present it in person once back in the Lebanese capital.

During Hariri’s two-week stay in Riyadh, Aoun accused Saudi authorities of holding him ‘hostage’ and demanded that he enjoy freedom of movement.

Hariri has denied he was a hostage and has refused to talk publicly about what happened in Saudi.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun (right) and Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the meeting today