Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah plunged Lebanon and the region into a new phase of violence.

 

In a statement on Saturday, he added, "It is a cowardly act, condemned in every way by us, who have paid dearly with our loved ones when assassination became a substitute for politics."

 

Hariri affirmed that Lebanon "remains above all, above parties, sects, and interests, no matter what. Alleviating the suffering of our people and our families from all regions is a national priority, not a partisan, sectarian, or factional one."

 

The statement reads as follows:

 

"The assassination of Mr. Hassan Nasrallah has plunged Lebanon and the region into a new phase of violence. It is a cowardly act, condemned in every way by us, who have paid dearly with our loved ones when assassination became a substitute for politics. May God have mercy on Mr. Hassan, and my deepest condolences to his family and comrades. We disagreed greatly with the late Mr. Hassan and his party, and rarely found common ground, but Lebanon was the umbrella for all. During this extremely difficult phase, our unity and solidarity remain essential. Lebanon remains above all. Above parties, sects, and interests, no matter what. Alleviating the suffering of our people and our families from all regions is a national priority, not a partisan, sectarian, or factional one. Preserving Lebanon as a homeland for all its citizens can only be achieved through our collective unity. What is required now from everyone is to rise above differences and selfishness to bring our country safely to shore."