Hours after Saudi Arabia ordered its citizens not to travel to Lebanon and advised those in the country to leave, United Arab Emirate and Kuwait have also warned their citizens to leave the country with immediate effect. On Thursday, the Kingdom's official news aganecy, SPA quoted an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying;
"Due to the situations in the Republic of Lebanon, the official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Saudi nationals visiting or residing in Lebanon are asked to leave the country as soon as possible. The Kingdom advised all citizens not to travel to Lebanon from any other international destinations."
Before Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait, Bahrain an ally of the Kingdom had earlier ordered its citizens to leave Lebanon, citing safety consideration. The tension in Lebanon heightened following the sudden resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri. He announced his departure while on a visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The whereabouts of Hariri who cited threat to his life is unknown with some commentators speculating that he might be under house arrest or temporary detention in Riyadh. He had blamed Iran and Hezbollah for his decision to quit, explaining that he fears the fate that befell his father could reoccur.
According to Al Jazeera, Lebanon's Future Movement party, which is headed by Hariri, demanded on Thursday that the prime minister returns from the kingdom immediately in its sharpest statement over his leave of absence. The statement issued by a former prime minister, Fouad Siniora said;
"The return of the Lebanese prime minister, the national leader, Saad al-Hariri, and the head of the Future Movement, is necessary to restore the dignity and respect to Lebanon at home and abroad"
Meanwhile, Lebanese officials said they have not received Hariri's resignation letter and as such still consider him as Prime Minister. Riyadh claims the former Prime Minister is not under arrest.
