of Maria Tsangari
Hariri supporters in Lebanon were celebrating in anticipation of his arrival. They took to the streets waving and holding flags and photos of him.
Mayeda Alhatib, Supporter of Hariri
He is coming, we are waiting for him and we are proud of him.
The Lebanese Prime Minister arrived in Beirut at midnight and took part in the celebrations for the anniversary of the country's independence.
Hariri watched the parade from the podium, with President Michel Aoun at his side.
The Lebanese prime minister has decided to temporarily suspend his resignation in order to protect the country and maintain its security.
Saad Hariri, Prime Minister of Lebanon
I submitted my resignation to the President and he asked me to wait for further consultations on the reasons for his resignation and its political background.
After a meeting at the presidential palace with President Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Hariri stressed that a meaningful dialogue would now begin.
Saad Hariri, Prime Minister of Lebanon
I agreed, hoping that it would be the beginning of a responsible dialogue that would renew the commitment to the Taif Agreement and the basis of national consensus and address their differences and consequences in Lebanon's relations with the Arab brothers.
As soon as he arrived in Lebanon, he visited the grave of Rafik's father, who was prime minister and had been assassinated in 2005.
Hariri announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia on November 4, a move that surprised many. He has been abroad ever since.
President Aoun did not accept Hariri's resignation, insisted he return to the country, and accused Saudi Arabia of forcing him to resign.