BEIRUT: Saad Hariri returned to Beirut on Tuesday for the first time since he resigned as prime minister on Nov. 4.
Hariri cited fear of assassination and meddling by Iran and Hezbollah in the Arab world in his resignation speech.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has refused to accept the resignation until he returns to present it in person.
Hariri drove straight from Beirut airport to read a prayer at the grave of his father, Rafik Hariri, whose 2005 assassination forced him into politics.
Asked if had a message for the Lebanese, who have largely united in demanding his return, Hariri said: “Thank you.”
Hariri is expected to take part in Lebanese independence day celebrations on Wednesday.
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Hariri back in Lebanon for first time since quitting as Prime Minister
Hariri back in Lebanon for first time since quitting as Prime Minister
UN chief Guterres condemns Middle East escalation
NEW YORK: The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned an escalation of violence in the Middle East on Saturday after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, plunging the region into a renewed military confrontation.
Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel and called the strikes against it unprovoked and illegal.
“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security,” he said.
“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.
“I reiterate that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter,” he added.
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