Lebanon: PM Hariri suspends resignation Nov. 22 /update 1

Event

On Wednesday morning, November 22, Prime Minister Saad Hariri - who had announced his resignation via a televised address while in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) on November 4 - stated that he would suspend his resignation upon request of Lebanese President Michel Aoun. Hariri, who has just returned to the country for the first time since his resignation, claims that this suspension will allow for time for dialogue and further consultations. 

The Future Movement party, headed by Hariri, has called for a rally to take place at 13:00 (local time) on Wednesday in front of the Maison du Centre in Beirut, Hariri's private residence. Other demonstrations and rallies are possible in Beirut and across the country in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Hariri unexpectedly announced his resignation while on a visit to Saudi Arabia earlier in the month. The circumstances surrounding the resignation remain unclear; some reports allege the move was due to Saudi pressure, despite Hariri's blame of the rising influence of Hezbollah and suspected assassination plots. In addition, Saudi Arabia has threatened to consider Lebanon a "hostile state" for as long as the Iran-backed political party Hezbollah remains in power in the current Lebanese coalition government. Both Saudi Arabia and Hariri have denied any Saudi involvement in his decision to resign.

Advice

Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor the situation and avoid any protests or demonstrations as a precaution.