Security Sources Advise Hariri Not to Return to Lebanon, Expect Syria Crisis to Spill Over to Country
Obstacles are blocking attempts by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri to return to Lebanon, media reports said on Saturday, as the situation in the neighboring country Syria is expected to have a “strong” impact on Lebanon which may prompt the postponement of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
“Hariri is receiving advises from local, regional and international security agencies not to return to Lebanon,” al-Joumhouria newspaper reported.
The newspaper considered his statements during the commemoration of the eighth anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, were based on “emotions.”
“I assure you today that I'll be by your side in the next electoral battle, whatever the law, the challenges and the risks, on the basis of a national political project that refuses to compromise on the state,” Hariri told his supporters.
Hariri, who currently lives in Saudi Arabia, has been living abroad for nearly two years for security reasons.
However, a high-ranking source told al-Joumhouria newspaper that the recent developments indicate that the polls will not be held on time.
The source expected that a “dramatic” development will take place in Syria during the upcoming two months which will have a great impact on Lebanon.
The international community and analysts have continuously expressed fears that the conflict in Syria may spill over into Lebanon.
Lebanon has recently witnessed several security violations after a sharp rift between the March 14 and 8 alliances over the revolt in Syria which began in March 2011.
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