UAE backs Hariri in turf battle
abu dhabi — Days after announcing his shock resignation in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon’s outgoing prime minister Saad Al Hariri on Tuesday visited Abu Dhabi, where he met His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Hariri flew to Abu Dhabi and then returned to Riyadh, his office said. His Future TV channel said he would also visit Bahrain.
Hariri announced his resignation on Saturday in a televised speech from Riyadh. He said he feared for his life and accused Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of taking over his country and destabilising the broader region.
Sheikh Mohamed assured Hariri of his country’s support for Lebanon in the face of regional challenges and interferences in its affairs. —
abu dhabi — His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received Saad Al Hariri, Lebanon’s outgoing prime minister, on Tuesday.
The leaders discussed the brotherly relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them.
Sheikh Mohamed and Al Hariri also discussed current developments in Lebanon and the region.
During the meeting, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi reaffirmed that the UAE stands by Lebanon in all the regional challenges it currently faces, impeding the development of the nation and threatening the safety and security of its people.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wished Al Hariri all the success in his endeavours to ensure Lebanon overcomes its current ordeals and achieves the aspirations of the Lebanese people to live in a dignified and secure manner.
Al Hariri expressed his happiness at the meeting and conveyed his thanks and appreciation to the UAE leadership, which has supported Lebanon in various circumstances. He relayed his greetings to the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. — Wam