Hariri returns to Lebanon after surprise resignation

Beirut, Nov 22 (IANS) Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has returned to Beirut for the first time since announcing his surprise resignation in Saudi Arabia more than two weeks ago.

Hariri is expected to take part in the country's independence day military parade on Wednesday and the customary reception at the Presidential Palace.

He was greeted at Beirut airport late on Tuesday by members of the security forces as he disembarked from his plane. He then visited the grave of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005, CNN reported.

Hariri stunned the Lebanese people when he announced on November 4 in Riyadh that he was resigning from his post because he feared his life was in danger.

Hariri denied speculation that Saudi Arabia had forced him to depart as part of a regional power struggle with Iran.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who refused to accept Hariri's resignation earlier, will meet him later in the day.

Hariri visited Cairo and Cyprus on Tuesday before flying to Beirut. He met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and thanked him for his support for Lebanon.

Later he flew to Larnaca in Cyprus where he met President Nicos Anastasiades.

During Hariri's stay in Riyadh, Aoun accused Saudi Arabia of holding Hariri against his will but both the Saudis and Hariri denied this.

After mediation efforts by Egypt and France, Hariri left Riyadh last week. He headed to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and pledged he would be home by Wednesday.