This year’s independence day in Lebanon was not like any other. Seventeen days ago, the Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fact that he resigned outside the Lebanese territory was suspicious. Many politicians believed that Hariri was pressured to resign. Yesterday night, Hariri arrived in Lebanon to take part in the celebration of the Independence Day. He was also expected to present his resignation. The Prime Minister visited his father’s tomb and paid respect to the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Today, he attended the military parade where he met the President Michel Aoun and the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri for the first time after announcing his resignation. The Prime Minister was expected to hand his resignation letter at the Baabda Palace after the celebration. Following a discussion with the President and the Speaker of the Parliament, Hariri postponed his resignation. In his speech, he thanked the President for strengthening the national unity. He also thanked the Lebanese people who stood beside him. Hariri said that he would closely work with the President to protect Lebanon’s stability and maintain healthy relationships with fellow Middle Eastern countries.

إن وطننا الحبيب يحتاج في هذه المرحلة الدقيقة من حياتنا الوطنية إلى جهود استثنائية من الجميع لتحصينه في مواجهة المخاطر والتحديات. وفي مقدمة هذه الجهود، وجوب الالتزام بسياسة النأي بالنفس عن كل ما يسيء إلى الاستقرار الداخلي والعلاقات الأخوية مع الأشقاء العرب. #بعبدا #عيد_الاستقلال — Saad Hariri (@saadhariri) November 22, 2017

The Prime Minister is looking forward to see all political parties putting Lebanon’s needs first and maintaining the coexistence between Lebanese people.