Lebanon govt still in place after PM quit: Speaker

BEIRUT

The Lebanese government is still in place despite the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, the parliament speaker said Wednesday.

“The resignation announced by Hariri from Saudi Arabia in this way will not change the government’s capacity,” Nabih Berri said in a statement released by his media office.

He said the Lebanese people are “able to overcome all difficulties by fortifying their internal front”.

Last week, Hariri announced a surprise resignation during a televised address from Saudi Arabia. In his speech, he criticized Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, accusing them of sowing “sedition” in the region and meddling in Arab affairs.

Hariri's resignation, which has not yet been endorsed by President Michel Aoun, came amid tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Aoun said he would not accept Hariri's resignation until he returns to Lebanon to explain his position.

Hariri was appointed prime minister late last year. Before Saturday’s resignation, he had led a 30-member government that included Hezbollah.

Reporting by Wasim Saif al-Din; Writing by Ali Abo Rezeg