Berlin Urges Hariri Return, Reconciliation, End to Foreign Influence

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Monday said there was a danger of Lebanon falling back into "political and sometimes military confrontations."

"In order to prevent this we need especially the return of the current prime minister (Saad Hariri), reconciliation in the country and the prevention of influence from outside," he said.

"Lebanon has earned the right to decide on its fate by itself and not become a pinball of Syria or Saudi Arabia or other national interests," Gabriel said in Brussels.

In his first TV interview since he announced a surprise resignation on November 4 from Riyadh, Hariri said Sunday he will return to Lebanon from Saudi Arabia "within days" to seek a settlement with Iran-backed Hizbullah and President Michel Aoun.

Hariri, looking downcast and tired, denied he was being held against his will in the kingdom and said he was compelled to resign to save Lebanon from imminent dangers, which he didn't specify.