Hariri Calls on Lebanese to Mourn King Abdullah, Describes him as Remarkable Leader
Head of al-Mustaqbal Movement leader and Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri expressed condolences on Friday to Saudi Arabia over the death of King Abdullah, calling on the Lebanese to mourn the monarch in all regions to express loyalty.
“I share my deep condolences with the Saudi people and call on the Lebanese people to mourn him in all regions to express loyalty to a man who never hesitated to support Lebanon,” Hariri said in a statement issued by his press office.
He described the late king as a “brilliant leader with a remarkable personality,” stressing that King Abdullah always stood by Lebanon in the hardest stages.
“He gave us two generous grants in support of the army and the security agencies to enable them to defend Lebanon, its unity and sovereignty... considering himself directly responsible,” Hariri added.
Hariri pointed out that King Abdullah “played an extraordinary role in leading Saudi Arabia at the international community and in averting crises in the region.”
The Sunni leader, who is a close ally to the late king, expressed certainty that King Salman will lead Saudi Arabia to glory “on the footsteps of King Abdullah.”
Hariri holds dual citizenship, Lebanese and Saudi Arabian
The ailing Abdullah died early Friday aged about 90, after almost a decade on the throne.
Abdullah is succeeded by his half-brother Salman, 79, who has been defense minister and previously governor of the capital Riyadh.
Another of the late monarch's half-brothers, Moqren, was named the new crown prince.
Abdullah will be buried later Friday following afternoon prayers, and citizens would be invited to pledge allegiance to the new monarch and the crown prince at the royal palace.
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