Hariri will return to Lebanon for Independence Day next week, says president

Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri said he will return home for the country's independence day celebrations next week, after a surprise visit to France from Saudi Arabia.

It was first time since making a sudden resignation announcement from Saudi Arabia earlier this month he has spoken in public, and denied accusations he was being held captive by Riyadh.

"I will return to Beirut in the coming days," Hariri said after crisis talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

"I will participate in the celebrations for our independence and it is there that I will make known my position on all the issues after meeting with the president of our republic, general Michel Aoun."

Earlier, Hariri telephoned President Michel Aoun after and informed him that he is expected to return home on Wednesday, a presidency said in a statement.

"PM Hariri told the president that he would be in Lebanon to take part in Independence Day celebrations, especially the military parade marking the occasion, on Wednesday," the statement said.

The independence day ceremony is usually headed by the president, prime minister and parliament speaker, and Hariri's presence could help calm uncertainties that have escalated since his unnerving resignation on 4 November.

Hariri and his wife met on Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who invited the Lebanese leader to Paris to dispel fears that he was being held in Saudi Arabia against his will.

Hariri, a dual Saudi citizen who has previously enjoyed Riyadh's backing, announced his sudden resignation in a televised address from the kingdom. 

He said he feared for his life and accused Iran and its powerful Lebanese ally Hizballah of destabilising the country.

The shock announcement sparked fears that Lebanon was being caught up in rising tensions between regional arch rivals, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Hariri's failure to return from Saudi Arabia only added to the concerns, prompting claims he was being held hostage.

Aoun has refused to accept Hariri's resignation from abroad, insisting he return home to confirm it or withdraw it.

Agencies contributed to this report.