Report: Aoun Expands Meetings in Wake of Hariri's Resignation

In the wake of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation, President Michel Aoun will expand his political and party meetings on Tuesday to consult with everyone the steps that can be taken in order to ensure political consensus at all levels, al-Joumhouria daily reported.

Invitations have been extended to former presidents and governments and to leaders of parties participating in the cabinet, as well as to the head of the Kataeb Party MP Sami Gemayel, to visit Baabda Palace, informed sources told the daily on condition of anonymity.

They added that the President wishes to consult with all political components on the expectations for the upcoming phase and the steps needed to be taken, and that he refuses to monopolize decisions at this critical stage.

Speaker Nabih Berri announced Monday that it is “too early” to speak of accepting the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri or forming a new government, following talks with President Michel Aoun.

A statement issued Saturday by the Presidency had said that Aoun was “waiting for PM Hariri's return to Beirut to inquire about the circumstances of the resignation and decide on the next steps.”

Hariri stunned the Lebanese with his resignation on Saturday and a haltingly delivered televised statement from the kingdom fueled speculations. In the speech, he accused Iran of meddling in Arab affairs and Iran-backed Hizbullah of holding Lebanon hostage.

Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speculated on Sunday that Saudi Arabia had forced Hariri to resign amid the deepening Saudi-Iran rivalry.