BEIRUT: Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where he met with the emirate’s crown prince just days after announcing his resignation from the Lebanese premiership, local media reported.
A statement from the prime minister's media office had reported earlier Tuesday that Hariri left Riyadh in the morning and was set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan at noon.
Hariri announced his resignation from the Lebanese premiership Saturday in a televised address broadcast from Riyadh, where arrived from Beirut Friday, and from where he headed to Abu Dhabi.
In his resignation speech, the prime minister cited Iran’s expansionist policy and fears for his life as key factors in his decision – one that has sent shockwaves across Lebanon and the region.
Information regarding the content of Hariri’s meeting with the crown prince has yet to emerge, but the news of Hariri’s visit to Abu Dhabi may put to rest rumors circulating on social media and in news reports that he was being held in the custody of the Saudi Arabian authorities.
President Michel Aoun has yet to accept Hariri’s resignation, and has said that he will wait for the prime minister to return to Lebanon before making any decisions on the matter.
Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk said Monday that he had the impression Hariri would return to Beirut in the coming days, but the prime minister's press office has yet to make an official announcement regarding Hariri's return to Lebanon.
Hariri en route to Bahrain after Abu Dhabi visit: Future TV |