Lebanon’s Hariri leaves Saudi Arabia for UAE for talks

By Wasim Seifeddine

BEIRUT (AA) – Resigned Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Tuesday left Saudi Arabia for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a few days after he announced a surprise resignation.

According to a statement issued by his office, Hariri will hold talks with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed during his visit.

On Monday, Hariri met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh to discuss developments in Lebanon.

Last week, the Lebanese premier announced a surprise resignation during a televised address from Saudi Arabia.

In his speech, Hariri criticized Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, accusing Tehran of planting “sedition” and meddling in Arab affairs.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, for his part, said there was no reason for Hariri’s resignation, accusing Saudi Arabia of forcing Hariri to quit.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and led a 30-member government that included Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are regional arch foes. While Riyadh supports the Syrian opposition, Iran and Hezbollah are main backers of Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime.