Lebanese Premier Hariri meets French president in Paris

Paris receives Lebanese leader, who recently announced his resignation in Saudi Arabia, 'with honors due to prime minister'

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS (AA) - Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who recently announced his resignation, arrived in Paris along with his family from Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Hariri later met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee palace. He was received "with the honors due to a prime minister", according to a French presidency statement.

Both leaders held talks before they were joined by their spouses and Hariri's eldest son for lunch.

The Lebanese premier had abruptly announced his resignation on Nov. 4 during a televised address from Saudi Arabia, citing an alleged plot to assassinate him. Lebanese president is yet to accept his resignation.

Elysee said Macron earlier spoke on the phone with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who "thanked him for the action of France in favor of Lebanon".

Aoun also confirmed to Macron that Hariri will be in Beirut on Nov. 22, National Day, as the presidency had announced earlier.

Kaynak: