Hariri accepts Macron's invitation to Paris : French FM

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has accepted French President Emmanuel Macron's invitation to Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced from Riyadh on Thursday.

Macron on Wednesday had invited Hariri and his family to come to France for a "visit" after Lebanese President Michel Aoun said that Hariri was being held against his will in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

"He will come to France and [Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman] has been informed," Le Drian told reporters.

Asked about the date of the visit, Le Drian replied: "Mr. Hariri's schedule is a matter for Mr. Hariri," French daily Le Figaro reported.

Macron clarified on Wednesday night that he had invited Hariri “for a few days with his family" and that it was "not at all" for an exile in France.

Hariri, who has remained in Saudi Arabia since his abrupt resignation on Nov. 4, tweeted on Wednesday that he was "fine", adding that he planned to return to Lebanon.

"I want to repeat: I am fine and will return to my beloved Lebanon as I promised you, you will see," Hariri tweeted minutes after Aoun issued his statement.

Hariri announced his resignation from the Lebanese premiership in a televised address delivered from Saudi Arabia on Nov. 4.

According to several media reports quoting sources close to Hariri, he plans to leave Riyadh for Paris within 48 hours, then go to Beirut to officially resign as prime minister.