'Saudi Arabia imposed Hariri’s resignation'

Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Hezbollah, said on Sunday the resignation of Saad Hariri had been "imposed" by Saudi Arabia.

"It is clear that the resignation was a Saudi decision that was imposed on Prime Minister Hariri. It was not his intention, not his wish and not his decision" to quit, Nasrallah said in a televised address.

Earlier, Hariri cited the "grip" of Hezbollah ally Iran on the country, and also said he feared for his life.

"We did not seek this resignation," said Nasrallah, whose powerful movement has participated in Hariri's government for almost a year.

He did not directly address the accusations levelled by what he called Hariri's "very hard" speech, saying only that these were "a matter for Saudi Arabia".

Nasrallah questioned the timing of Hariri's announcement at a time when "things are proceeding normally... in the heart of government" in Lebanon.

The Hezbollah leader also questioned why Hariri gave his resignation speech from Saudi Arabia.

"Is he at home? Will they let him return? These are legitimate concerns," he said, referring to a purge of princes, ministers and businessmen in Saudi Arabia in an anti-corruption operation.

Meanhwile, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed concern Sunday over the resignation of Lebanese premier Saad Hariri, calling for security and stability.

"The secretary-general is concerned by news of the offer of resignation of Lebanon prime minister Saad Hariri," Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"He hopes all sides will focus their efforts on supporting the continuity of Lebanon's State institutions, in adherence with the constitution and safeguarding the country's security and stability.

"The United Nations remains committed to supporting the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon."