Beirut/Paris — Lebanon’s president said on Thursday he hoped the crisis surrounding Saad al-Hariri’s resignation as prime minister was near its end after Hariri said he would travel to France from Saudi Arabia, where he has been since stepping down. French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Hariri and his family to France, providing a diplomatic way out for him to leave Saudi Arabia without any side losing face. Lebanese President Michel Aoun said earlier this week that Hariri, who abruptly announced his resignation while in Saudi Arabia, was being held hostage by Riyadh. The crisis has embroiled Lebanon in the bitter rivalry that pits Saudi Arabia and its allies against a bloc led by Iran. Tehran supporters include the Lebanese Shi’ite Hezbollah group. "We hope the crisis is over and the door of solution is opened by [prime minister] Hariri’s acceptance of the invitation to visit France," Aoun said in a tweet on Thursday. "The problem of Hariri’s being held in Saudi Arabia is on...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.