Hariri Asks World to Back Lebanon's Sovereignty

Prime Minister Saad Hariri asked the world powers to support Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, and work toward addressing the needs of its communities as it hosts a tide of refugees from the war in neighboring Syria.

Hariri addressed French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and other dignitaries gathered at a Paris summit on Friday in support of the tiny Mediterranean nation.

It's the first major gathering of key nations to discuss Lebanon's future since a crisis erupted following Hariri's shock resignation last month while in Saudi Arabia. Hariri later revoked his resignation but the affair sparked a renewed debate over foreign interference in Lebanon's domestic affairs.

Hariri says Lebanon has been able to weather its crisis thanks to its international partners and that the country's many parties affirmed their "commitment to dissociation from regional conflicts."

Lebanon hosts 1 million refugees from Syria, according to the United Nations.

The International Support Group for Lebanon held its first major gathering of key nations to discuss Lebanon's future since a crisis erupted following Hariri's resignation while in Saudi Arabia. Hariri has since rescinded his resignation.