Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his political comeback, stating he will revive his Future Movement party and participate in elections after previously stepping away due to concerns over Iranian influence. Speaking in Beirut, he called for unity, support for reform initiatives, and stability in Syria. His remarks also included a pledge to support UN Resolution 1701 and emphasize army-led protection for all Lebanese.
Saad Hariri, the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, announced his political revival on Friday during a rally commemorating the 20th anniversary of his father, Rafik Hariri’s assassination. He plans to reactivate his Future Movement party and participate in upcoming elections, reversing his 2022 decision to withdraw from politics. In his address at Martyrs’ Square in Beirut, Hariri emphasized the importance of unity and rebuilding Lebanon, aligning with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s reform initiatives.
Hariri’s initial withdrawal from political life was due to concerns over Iranian influence and the perceived collapse of state institutions. However, he now cites changing regional dynamics, particularly Syria’s forthcoming leadership transition in 2024, as motivation for his return. Hariri advocates for stability in Syria through equal diplomatic relations amidst criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accuses of obstructing peace efforts.
He reaffirmed his backing for UN Resolution 1701, which demands Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, and called for state authority over Hezbollah’s strongholds for security. Hariri stated firmly, “Only the army can protect all Lebanese.” The rally not only marked a personal and political milestone for Hariri but also served as a reminder of the ongoing complexities in Lebanese political life, particularly stemming from the unresolved aspects of his father’s tragic assassination in 2005.
A UN tribunal attributed the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri to a Hezbollah member in 2020 but did not establish direct responsibility on the part of the group’s leadership, a finding that Hezbollah dismissed as politically motivated. Hariri’s return to the political arena could potentially reshape Lebanon’s political landscape amid a backdrop of continuous regional challenges and internal governance issues.
Saad Hariri’s announcement to return to Lebanon’s political sphere marks a significant shift, with a focus on unity and reform as he realigns his Future Movement party’s involvement in elections. He framed this comeback against a backdrop of evolving regional realities, particularly addressing concerns related to Syria’s future and Israeli policies. Hariri’s appeal for state authority and support for UN resolutions underscores his commitment to a united Lebanon. This political move could redefine his role as a leader amid the ongoing complexities of Lebanese governance.
Original Source: www.chinadailyhk.com
