Politics
14:57, 18-Nov-2017
Lebanese PM Saad Hariri arrives in Paris
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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived in Paris, France Saturday from Saudi Arabia, where his resignation announcement two weeks ago sparked accusations that he was being held there against his will.
Hariri is in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, who is attempting to help broker a solution to a political crisis that has raised fears over Lebanon's fragile democracy.
Hariri and his wife Lara, who landed at Le Bourget airport outside the French capital at 7:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) after flying in from Riyadh overnight, were due to meet Macron later the day.
A poster depicting Saad Hariri, who announced his resignation as Lebanon's prime minister from Saudi Arabia, is seen in Beirut, Lebanon November 17, 2017. /Reuters Photo
A poster depicting Saad Hariri, who announced his resignation as Lebanon's prime minister from Saudi Arabia, is seen in Beirut, Lebanon November 17, 2017. /Reuters Photo
The couple were whisked to their Paris residence in a seven-car convoy under tight security.
"To say that I am held up in Saudi Arabia and not allowed to leave the country is a lie," Hariri had tweeted just before his departure, adding to repeated denials of the rumors from Saudi officials.
A source close to Hariri said the premier had held an "excellent, fruitful and constructive" meeting with powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman before he left.
Hariri, a dual Saudi citizen who has previously enjoyed Riyadh's backing, made the shock resignation announcement on November 4.
He said he feared for his life, accusing Iran and its powerful Lebanese ally Hezbollah of destabilizing his country.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Twitter on Saturday that Hariri will be in Lebanon on Wednesday for Independence Day celebration.
Source(s): AFP