Former Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri has reportedly accepted invitation to travel to France from Saudi Arabia where he is currently being 'held hostage by the Saudi authorities' after announcing his resignation on November 4, 2017. An Elysee Palace spokesman who confirmed the report to CNN added that Hariri could leave any moment from now.
The reported plan to visit France is coming a day after Lebanon's president Michel Aoun accused Saudi Arabia of holding their Prime Minister hostage, claiming that the move amounts to an act of aggression.
After a brief meeting with the crowned Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during a joint press conference said "He (Hariri) will come to France and the prince has been informed. Hariri, whom I will see soon today, has been invited to France with his family by President Macron - he will come there when and if he will wish it. And will be received as a friend."
He however declined to mention the date Hariri will arrive France stating that "Mr. Hariri's schedule is a matter for Mr. Hariri."
Meanwhile, Le Darian's counterpart in Saudi Arabia debunked claims by Lebanon's president that Hariri is being held hostage. He explained that "Hariri is currently living in Saudi Arabia by his own will and can leave anytime he wants."
Al-Jubeir said Hezbollah is an 'A-class terrorist group' in the hands of Iran. He added that the group will continue to threaten the stability of Lebanon.
Lebanon's president, Michel Aoun has welcomed the planned trip to France and expressed optimism that the crisis has been resolved.
"I hope that the crisis has ended and that a door to the solution has been opened with Hariri's acceptance of the invitation to go to France. I await PM Hariri's return from Paris so that we can decide on our next steps when it comes to the government," he added.
