Hariri hints at return to politics, urges Shiite Duo not to be 'obstruction force'

In a speech to a crowd of supporters at his father's tomb on Friday, ex-PM Saad Hariri stopped short of announcing a return to politics, but did say his al-Mustaqbal Movement would "stay with you and be your voice in all national milestones and in all upcoming events."

“The same as I bow to all martyrs from our people in the South, the Bekaa, Beirut, Dahieh and all regions, I pride myself in the solidarity that you showed during the (latest Israeli) war (on Lebanon), when you opened your homes to the aggrieved and welcomed the displaced, proving through action and not words that Lebanon is unified and that the Lebanese are one body,” Hariri added, in a speech marking the 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri’s assassination.

Hariri added that the election of a new president and the formation of a new government represent a “golden chance” for Lebanon.

“To our people in the South, the Bekaa and Dahieh I say: you are partners in this chance, and without you it cannot be fulfilled. But you must break any past impression that you are a force of obstruction and arms,” Hariri said, apparently addressing the Shiite Duo -- Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.

He added: “We will support the presidential tenure, the government and every effort aimed at building a normal state and normal relations with our Arab family and the international community.”