Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mosby

(16,256 posts)
Sun Nov 12, 2017, 04:16 PM Nov 2017

Lebanese prime minister whose resignation shook the region says he will return very soon

BEIRUT - Lebanon’s prime minister insisted Sunday that he was “free” to move as he pleased, speaking in his first interview since his unexpected resignation from the Saudi capital, where political allies and Western diplomats have suggested he was coerced into leaving his post.

In a live television interview from Riyadh,  a tired-looking Saad Hariri was calm and measured, blaming his departure on “interference,” in an apparent reference to Saudi Arabia’s arch foe, Iran. 

His Nov. 4 resignation came amid heightened rivalries by the two regional powers, and coincided with an aggressive purge of rivals by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed Salman under the cover of an anti-corruption drive. 

In his interview Sunday, Hariri suggested that he would withdraw his resignation if the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah committed to remaining neutral on regional conflicts.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/lebanese-prime-minister-whose-resignation-shook-the-region-says-he-will-return-very-soon/2017/11/12/942c638e-c7dd-11e7-b506-8a10ed11ecf5_story.html

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Middle East»Lebanese prime minister w...