saad hariri

Saad Hariri said he has reached a "dead end" amid widespread demonstrations that paralyzed his country. The move could destabilize a nation that has been relatively peaceful in recent years.

In a speech from Saudi Arabia last month, Saad Hariri shocked his country by announcing he would resign — then two weeks later, he suspended that resignation. On Tuesday, he formally withdrew it.

Hariri had resigned his post while visiting Riyadh amid intrigue over Lebanon's role in the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran for influence in the region.

He has been at the center of concern that he was being detained. He announced from Riyadh on Nov. 4 that he was resigning, and tweeted about his flight to France early Saturday.

Since abruptly resigning in Saudi Arabia, the prime minister has not returned to Lebanon, drawing suspicion he is being held against his will. Now, Hariri's apparently heading to France before Beirut.

Saad Hariri said in a TV interview that he would be back in his country soon. The departure shocked his country with many speculating interference from Saudi Arabia.