Lebanon's resigned PM visits Abu Dhabi

Days after announcing his shock resignation in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri visits Abu Dhabi, where he meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

Hariri announced his resignation Saturday in a televised speech from Riyadh. He said he feared for his life and accused Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of taking over his country and destabilising the broader region.

Saudi King Salman, right, meets with outgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 6, 2017. (Saudi Press Agency, via AP)

Hariri’s announcement from Riyadh, which coincided with a Saudi purge of princes, ministers and a billionaire business tycoon, sparked speculation in Lebanon that he quit under duress and was subject to Saudi movement restrictions.

Prince Mohammed strongman assured Hariri of his country’s “support” for Lebanon “in the face of regional challenges and interferences in its affairs”.

— AFP