(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Political and religious leaders congratulated former Prime Minister Saad Hariri in his surprise return to Lebanon on Friday, expressing hope that he would bring new momentum in a country plagued by an ongoing political and security crisis.
Current Prime Minister Tammam Salam hailed Hariri’s decision calling it a “great step which reflects a high sense of patriotism amid the delicate circumstances the country is witnessing.”
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt described Hariri’s return as “excellent” news, while Speaker Nabih Berri welcomed Hariri with a telephone call early Friday.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea also hailed Hariri’s unexpected reappearance, saying it would boost moderation in Lebanon and improve the performance of the March 14 coalition.
“Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s return will give momentum to the work of March 14. Things will not remain the way they were before his return,” he told a local television station. “Hariri’s return enhances centrist politics and moderation.”
Over three years after he left the country for security reasons, Hariri’s surprise decision to come back to Lebanon prompted Future Movement supporters across Lebanon to celebrate by cruising around cities in their cars with the party’s blue flags waving.
Hariri made his surprise return to Lebanon on Friday in order to manage the spending of the Saudi grant. The former premier had repeatedly claimed that his three-year absence in Lebanon was due to security reasons.
The U.S. and Saudi ambassadors to Lebanon, David Hale and Ali Awad Asiri, paid Hariri a visit at the former premier’s residence in Downtown Beirut to welcome him back. Hariri also received a phone call from Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Kataeb Party leader Amine Gemayel, head of the General Maronite Council, former Minister Wadih Khazen, and visits from State Minister Nabil de Freij and Information Minister Ramzi Joreige.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai said he hoped “it will be a motivation to the good efforts pushing to overcome of Lebanon’s political and social crisis.”
Hariri also received phone calls from a host of other Lebanese politicians and religious figures, according to sources.