Al-Akhbar newspaper received a letter, issued by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beirut, on 31/10/2017, which means 4 days prior to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Saudi Arabia and after his return from Riyadh where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
According to special sources, Hariri received a Saudi blame over the Lebanese official stance, stressing that Lebanon cannot bear to stand against the Arab states and has to have an official position which stands in harmony with the positions of other Arab countries. This position must not be supportive of Iran, according to the sources.
Hariri also heard that there are new measures to be taken against Iran and its allies in the region in order to contain its influence.
Moreover, Hariri also received keenness by the Saudis on the relations with him and keenness on his position as Prime Minister, given the balance he represents. “However, despite the understanding shown by the Saudis over the critical balance in Lebanon, Hariri was urged to take firm positions against Hezbollah and Iran, while he noted that toppling the government will lead to him being outside the authority and the formation of a new cabinet loyal to Hezbollah.”