Hariri Says March 8, March 14 Can't Rule Country without 'Partnership'

Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed Tuesday during meetings with his visitors that “partnership” among all political components is essential for the country.

“This country is a magical, unique and wondrous formula among the countries of the region and the world. After the martyrdom of ex-PM Rafik Hariri, we in the March 14 camp tried to lead the country on our own, and then the March 8 camp also tried. We both failed,” Hariri said.

“We disagreed over the one-third veto power and the 'kingmaker minister' and all of this was futile. We believe that partnership among everyone is what holds the country together, and through accord among each other we have made a lot of achievements during this period,” the premier added.

Hariri had caused widespread perplexity on November 4 when he resigned during a TV broadcast from Saudi Arabia, citing alleged threats to his life and blasting the policies of Iran and Hizbullah in Lebanon and the region.

After a puzzling mini-odyssey that took him to France, Egypt and Cyprus, Hariri returned to Lebanon and then rescinded his resignation after securing a deal with the Hizbullah-led camp on distancing Lebanon from regional conflicts.