LOC14:50
11:50 GMT
BEIRUT, Nov 4 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri announced his resignation in a televised broadcast on Saturday.
Al-Hariri said in a statement to Al-Arabiya satellite channel that the current atmosphere in Lebanon was exactly similar to the atmosphere before his father Rafik Al-Hariri was killed.
"We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of martyr Rafik Al-Hariri. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life," he said.
The Lebanese prime minister reiterated his refusal to use Hezbollah's weapons against Lebanese and Syrians.
Lashing out at Iran, Al-Hariri emphasized that "Iran's hands in the region will be cut off".
Al-Hariri headed a government that comprised various political groups and forces, including Hezbollah. (end)
ayb.mt