Mustaqbal: Hariri's Return Necessary to Restore Balance

Al-Mustaqbal Movement on Thursday announced that Prime Minister Saad Hariri's return to Lebanon is “necessary” in order to “restore respect for Lebanon's balance at home and abroad.”

“The return of the head of the Lebanese government, the national leader and the head of al-Mustaqbal Movement Saad Hariri is necessary to restore respect for Lebanon's balance at home and abroad, in the framework of full respect for the Lebanese legitimacy represented in the Constitution and the Taef Accord and in respecting the Arab and international legitimacies,” said Mustaqbal in a statement issued after an emergency meeting for its parliamentary bloc and political bureau.

“The bloc and the political bureau stress that they fully stand by PM Saad Hariri and his leadership... and that they will back anything he decides under any circumstances,” Mustaqbal added.

Hariri had announced his resignation on Saturday in a surprising and pre-recorded statement from Saudi Arabia.

In a haltingly delivered address, Hariri accused Iran of meddling in Arab affairs and Iran-backed Hizbullah of holding Lebanon hostage. He also said he feared for his life.

In his absence, Lebanon has been awash with speculation the prime minister may be held against his will in Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials have denied Hariri is under house arrest.