Saad Hariri Steps Back From Resignation in Lebanon
22, 2017
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Saad Hariri of Lebanon pulled back on Wednesday from his resignation as prime minister, another surprise move
that seemed to bring to a close a three-week international drama and to stem the threat of new political turmoil in the country.
He also warned that Iran was behind unrest in the region and said
that Tehran’s "hands" would be "cut off." His abrupt departure from Lebanon, uncharacteristically direct language, and the fact that he did not inform even his closest aides of his intention to resign convinced many Lebanese, as well as Western diplomats, that Saudi Arabia had forced Mr. Hariri to announce his resignation.
Mr. Hariri, speaking from the Presidential Palace in Lebanon during celebrations of the country’s Independence Day, said he had agreed
to delay his resignation to allow for dialogue with other political leaders about the relations with the rest of the region.
He added that he sought to "protect" Lebanon from "the surrounding wars
and fires and all their ramifications." The talks would address "divisive issues and their effects on Lebanon’s relations with the Arab brothers," he said, without providing further detail.
Hezbollah’s activities in the region are contentious in Lebanon, a relatively small country with
a complicated, sect-based political system that is heavily influenced by foreign powers.
On Wednesday, Mr. Hariri said he had tendered his resignation to President Michel
Aoun, who had asked him to hold off to allow for dialogue about its reasons.