Developments in Lebanon since Hariri's Resignation Announcement

A timeline of developments since the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Saad Hariri from Saudi Arabia that he was resigning:

- Shock resignation -

On November 4, Hariri announces his shock resignation while in Saudi Arabia, citing Iran's "grip" on Lebanon and threats to his life.

In a speech broadcast by the Al-Arabiya news network, he accuses Tehran of "creating a state within the state" and blasts its Lebanese ally Hizbullah.

Iran rejects what it calls "unfounded accusations."

The announcement to quit by Hariri, a dual Saudi national long backed by Riyadh, comes as Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman carries out a purge of Saudi princes, ministers and businessmen.

On November 5, Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah says Hariri's resignation had been "imposed" by Saudi Arabia.

The next day President Michel Aoun, a Hizbullah ally, says he will not take "any unilateral decisions" to formalize Hariri's resignation until they can meet face to face.

On November 7, Hariri, a day after meeting Saudi King Salman, briefly visits Abu Dhabi before returning to Riyadh. 

French President Emmanuel Macron during a regional trip makes a surprise detour to Saudi Arabia on November 9 for talks with Prince Mohammed that cover the situation around Hariri's resignation. 

- 'Detained' or 'free'? -

On November 10, Nasrallah ups the ante by insisting Hariri was "detained" by Saudi Arabia and accusing Riyadh of "inciting Israel to strike Lebanon."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says Hariri is "free to move around."

On November 12, Aoun criticizes "the obscure circumstances in which... Hariri is staying in Riyadh."

The same day, Hariri says he will "return to Lebanon very soon."

"I am free here. If I want to travel tomorrow, I will," he says in an interview from Riyadh with his political movement's Future TV.

- French push -

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterates his wish that "Hariri can go to Lebanon," during a meeting with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil.

On November 15, Aoun accuses Saudi Arabia of having "detained" Hariri.

Hariri replies on Twitter: "I want to repeat and confirm: I am totally, totally fine and I'll come back, God willing, to beloved Lebanon like I promised you all. You'll see."

French top diplomat Le Drian on November 16 flies to Riyadh and meets Hariri, as Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir insists he is free to leave the kingdom "when he pleases."

After the talks the French presidency announces that Hariri will travel to Paris to meet Macron. 

Aoun welcomes the news and says he hopes "the crisis is over and Hariri's acceptance of the invitation to go to France is the start of a solution."

- Hariri in Paris -

Two weeks after announcing his resignation, Hariri leaves Saudi Arabia for France on November 18 with his wife. Two of his children remain in Riyadh. 

Hariri is greeted at the Elysee Palace by a smiling Macron. Aoun announces he has spoken to the premier by telephone.

Hariri says he will return to Lebanon in time for the country's Independence Day celebrations on November 22 and will explain his situation.

- Homecoming, resignation postponed -

Hariri returns to Lebanon on November 21 for the first time since his shock resignation, stopping off in Egypt and Cyprus along the way for talks with the presidents of the two countries.

The next day, at Aoun's request, he agrees to suspend his decision to resign pending talks on the political situation.

After officiating over Independence Day events, Hariri delivers a rousing speech to crowds of supporters outside his home in Beirut and pledges to stay in the country and protect its "stability."