Prime Minister Saad Hariri declared Wednesday from Baabda Palace his decision to stall his resignation at the request of President of the Republic, Michel Aoun.

"As we meet on this day over loyalty to Lebanon and independence, it was an occasion to thank the President for his noble passion and his keenness on preserving national unity under any and all circumstances. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all the Lebanese who have surrounded me with their love and sincerity. I would like to assure you of my full commitment to cooperate with His Excellency the President to continue the process of Lebanon's rapprochement and protect it from wars and fires and their repercussions at all levels," said Hariri.

"I especially thank House Speaker Nabih Berri, who showed wisdom, adherence to the Constitution and stability in Lebanon, and sincere affection towards me personally," he added.

"I offered my resignation to the President, who wished that I keep it pending to allow for further deliberations on its causes and background, and I responded to this wish in the hope that it would constitute a dialogue to address the controversial issues at stake and their implications on Lebanon's relations with the Arab brethrens," the Prime Minister went on.

"Our nation requires the extraordinary efforts of everyone to protect it in the face of dangers, so we have to adhere to the policy of self-distancing from regional conflicts and anything that harms relations with Arab brethrens," Hariri concluded

Source: NNA