UK hopes Lebanon's Hariri to return to Beirut 'without further delay'

'Prime Minister [Saad] Hariri has been a good and trusted partner for the UK,' Boris Johnson said during his telephone conversation with Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.

'…, and we hope that he will return to Beirut without further delay, not least in the interests of Lebanon’s political stability,' Johnson said over the phone.

'We urge all parties with an interest in Lebanon to do all they can to encourage this, and to work more broadly to reduce recent tensions.
'I reiterated to him the United Kingdom’s full support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon.'

About the security situation in Lebanon, the UK foreign secretary said, 'The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is the only legitimate authority within Lebanon, and no militia groups or foreign forces should aim to challenge the LAF as the ultimate guarantor of the Lebanese people’s security.

'We echo the concerns of the United States and our European partners that Lebanon should not be used as a tool for proxy conflicts, and that its independence and integrity should be respected by all parties – within the country and beyond,' Johnson concluded.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Hariri declared his resignation during a trip to Saudi Arabia on November 4. Analysts believe that Hariri's move which made many surprised was taken under the Saudis' pressure.

After Hariri's unprecedented resignation, Saudi Arabia has ordered its nationals to leave Lebanon. Riyadh action has brought adverse economic effects for Lebanon.

In a related development, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Sunday that Hariri's remarks and stance have not been made and taken by himself due to the complicated situation in Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on Hariri's speech broadcast by the Future TV from Saudi Arabia, President Aoun said Hariri's stance is 'suspicious and ambiguous.'

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