Turkey voices support for Lebanon in resignation's wake

By Ercan Canbolat

ANKARA

Turkey on Monday expressed its support for Lebanon's political unity and stability in the wake of the resignation of the country's Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

On Nov. 4, Hariri tendered a surprise resignation during a televised address from Saudi Arabia.

In his speech, Hariri criticized Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, accusing Tehran of planting “sedition” and meddling in Arab affairs.

"Turkey will continue to stand by Lebanon and the Lebanese people to support the political unity, stability, prosperity and security of Lebanon," a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said.

"We sincerely hope that these developments will not lead to a new political crisis and expect restraint from all the relevant parties towards this end," the statement added.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, for his part, said there was no reason for Hariri’s resignation, accusing Saudi Arabia of forcing the Lebanese premier to quit.

Hariri was appointed prime minister in late 2016 and led a 30-member government that included Hezbollah.