Aoun Calls on KSA to Clarify Delay in Hariri's Return, Says Beirut Marathon to Run in Solidarity with PM
President Michel Aoun has called on Saudi Arabia to “clarify the reasons for the delay in Prime Minister Saad Hariri's return to Lebanon” after his shock announcement last week from Riyadh that he was resigning and amid reports that he is being held in SA.
Aoun added that “Lebanon does not accept its prime minister to be in a situation that contradicts the international agreements.”
Aoun called on the participants in the Beirut Marathon that takes place tomorrow to “run under the slogan of the return of Hariri to Lebanon to confirm solidarity with him and to clarify the ambiguity surrounding his presence outside the country.”
Addressing a delegation from the Beirut Marathon led by May Khalil, Aoun said: “Lebanon with its people, politicians and athletes does not accept that its prime minister is in a situation that contradicts the international agreements and the rules adopted in relations between countries.”
He called on Saudi Arabia whom “Lebanon has deep-rooted ties of brotherhood and friendship to clarify the reasons that have so far prevented Hariri's return to Lebanon to be among his people and supporters.”
“The Marathon of Beirut will be a national event tomorrow, in solidarity with Prime Minister Hariri and with his return to his homeland," he said.
A political crisis has gripped Lebanon and shattered the relative peace maintained by its coalition government since Hariri's announcement Nov. 4 from the Saudi capital that he was resigning.
Lebanese officials have insisted on the return home of Hariri from Saudi Arabia amid rumors he is being held against his will.
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