BEIRUT: Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblatt and MP Sleiman Frangieh Friday called for the return of Prime Minister Saad Hariri to Lebanon, echoing other political leaders who have said Hariri’s presence in the country is necessary to end the current deadlock.
Hariri resigned Saturday while in Riyadh, and has not returned to Lebanon since making the televised address announcing his decision.
“After one week of either house arrest or voluntary [presence in Saudi Arabia], it’s time for the return of Sheikh Saad, in order for us to work with him to complete the process of building and stability,” Jumblatt said in a tweet, suggesting that there was no alternative.
Jumblatt also told Reuters on Friday that his country did not deserve to be accused of declaring war against Saudi Arabia, saying it was "really sad" that Riyadh had made such a statement after decades of friendship.
Jumblatt was referring to remarks made by Saudi Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan earlier this week, in which Sabhan warned, “We [Saudi Arabia] will treat the Lebanese government as one that has declared war [against us] because of Hezbollah militias.”
"We do not deserve, as Lebanese, such accusations," Jumblatt told Reuters by telephone. "For decades, we've been friends."
Frangieh also took to Twitter to call for the return of the premier. "The dignity of the Lebanese stems from the dignity of our leaders. Let us exhibit national interest at the expense of our haters with the return of Saad Hariri," he said.