Lebanese PM Saad Hariri Announces Resignation

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation on Tuesday. Hariri said that he would head to Baabda Presidential Palace to submit the resignation of the Lebanese government to President Michel Aoun.

"I spare no effort to stop deterioration in the country and to find a solution to meet people's demands and protect Lebanon from the security and economic risks," Hariri said during a press conference.

"I have reached a deadlock. A solution to the current crises has to be found. Hence, I will head to Baabda Presidential Palace to submit the resignation of the Lebanese government to President Michel Aoun," he added.

He also called up all Lebanese to put the country's interest above anything else. Hariri urged all the political powers in the country to protect Lebanon and prevent "disturbance."

[caption id="attachment_87686" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Lebanon Protesters Call on Government to Step Down[/caption]

"My resignation will be at the disposal of the president and the Lebanese. What matters here is the safety and security of the state," the PM minister concluded.

Beirut and several areas have witnessed since October 17 a popular movement, in the form of demonstrations unprecedented for years, to reject the government’s approach to the adoption of new taxes on citizens, at a time when these citizens can no longer afford the cost of living, unemployment and poor public services.

Lebanese protesters arrived in the morning at Riad Al Solh Square in Beirut amid security measures described as “normal,” Lebanese media reported on Sunday.