Hariri visits Saudi Arabia today

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri headed today to Saudi Arabia for a private visit, from which he will travel to the French capital for a similar visit and return to Beirut during Ramadan.

Hariri traveled yesterday to Damascus where he paid a short visit during which he met with Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and high-ranking Syrian officials before heading to Saudi Arabia. Hariri delivered an address today at a celebration being held by the association of the American University in Beirut's graduates on the 75th anniversary of the university's establishment.

In his address, Hariri discussed the role he played during his tenure as prime minister, emphasizing his readiness to cooperate with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.