Hariri from Tripoli: I Won't Allow Anyone to Eliminate Me Politically

Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday stressed that "only the project of (building) the State can protect all the Lebanese equally without discrimination."

During a meeting with the Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek al-Shaar and a delegation of Muslim religious scholars, Hariri added: "Some ask why did Saad Hariri suddenly sharpen his political rhetoric. We do not have a problem with anyone, Lebanon has a problem with the intimidation of weapons and their use in the political life."

"I worked according to my conscience and national duty to resolve the political crisis, so I visited Syria and Iran and met with all political leaders, without exception, I have done everything for this purpose, and some of you even wondered about the purpose of these concessions," Hariri went on to say.

The outgoing premier said that he had "endured the unbearable."

"But when it came to the point of trying to eliminate me politically, I will not allow anyone to do so," he added.

Hariri also vowed that he will not abandon his allies or give up on "the dignity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon."

Earlier Wednesday, Hariri began his three-day visit to the northern city of Tripoli by meeting a number of officials from the city, saying before the visiting delegations that the March 14 camp will work on empowering the State.

He said that the March 14 camp aspires for the state to have the decision of war and peace and maintain the people's security and stability.

"This is not an impossible proposal as some sides are trying to demonstrate … but it is a goal that we will work to accomplish for the sake of the country and the Lebanese," he continued.

"Everyone knows the sacrifices we had presented during the past six years in the name of maintaining national unity and I have been honest in my negotiations with the other sides in order to achieve comprehensive and real national reconciliation between all Lebanese," he added.

"Those who believe that toppling the government and pressuring some political sides through arms would alter the balance of power in their favor and marginalize us are being completely delusional."

Hariri said that "terrorizing" the people will fail "as demonstrated in the March 14 rally on Sunday."