Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who is believed to be held by Saudi authorities in Riyadh, met Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi on Tuesday and announced that he will return to Lebanon in the coming days.
As Hariri and Rahi met in Raiyadh, journalists were barred from covering the meeting in a move seen by many observers that raises doubts over the “freedom” which Hariri enjoys in the Gulf Kingdom.
Separately, it was announced on Hariri’s Twitter account that he will return back to Lebanon within days.
“Guys, I am perfectly fine, and God willing I will return in the coming days. Let’s calm down,” a tweet on the Lebanese premier’s Twitter account said.
However, Hariri’s family will stay in Saudi Arabia, according to the Tweet.
On November 4, Hariri resigned in a surprise announcement from Riyadh. International, Arab and local media then reported that Hariri was forced by Saudi Arabia to do so, in a move aimed at toppling the Lebanese government. Media also reported that Hariri has been under house arrest in Riyadh.
On Sunday (November 12), Hariri appeared in an interview. As the move was aimed at denying reports’ that Hariri has been held, it raises more questions about his situation in Saudi Arabia. The Lebanese premier appeared to be exhausted and concerned during the interview.
Shortly before the interview, President Michel Aoun, who refused so far to accept Harrir’s resignation, stressing that the ambiguity of his situation makes all what he has states unreliable.
Source: Al-Manar
