Saudi Arabia: Hariri's Decision to Return to Lebanon is His Own

Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Foreign Minister, stated that the decision regarding when Saad Hariri, the resigned Prime Minister of Lebanon, wishes to return to Lebanon is up to Mr. Hariri himself. These remarks came a day after reports emerged about Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, inviting Mr. Hariri to visit the country, which the Lebanese Prime Minister has accepted. Mr. Hariri, who had traveled to Riyadh, suddenly announced his resignation thirteen days ago and has not returned to Lebanon since. During his resignation, he strongly criticized Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, claiming that his life was in danger. Following these statements, some Lebanese officials, including Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, accused Saudi Arabia of holding Hariri as a 'hostage'. According to the Associated Press, the Saudi Foreign Minister announced on Thursday, November 25, that 'it is up to Saad Hariri, the resigned Prime Minister of Lebanon, to decide when to travel to Lebanon.' He stated that the resignation was Hariri's own decision and that the matter of returning to Lebanon also depends on his own decision. Al-Jubeir further mentioned that Mr. Hariri is assessing the security situation before returning to Lebanon. The report adds that France has invited Mr. Hariri and his family to travel to the country. This has been welcomed by the President of Lebanon, as Hariri's resignation has placed Lebanon in a critical situation. Al-Jubeir also dismissed claims regarding Hariri's detention and arrest as baseless. He stated that Hezbollah must respect Lebanon's sovereignty. He accused this Iran-aligned Shia group of supporting Shia rebels in Yemen. In this context, Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, welcomed Hariri's acceptance of the trip to France, expressing hope that this action would open doors for resolving Lebanon's crisis. He stated that he is waiting for the return of the Lebanese Prime Minister so that the government can decide on the next steps. He refrained from commenting on whether to accept or reject Hariri's resignation.