PM-designate Hariri steps down as crisis escalates in Lebanon

Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down on Thursday, nine months after he was named to the post by the parliament, citing “key differences" with the country's President. The development is likely to plunge the country further into chaos and uncertainty. Lebanon is going through an unprecedented economic crisis, described by the World Bank as one of the worst in the world in 150



years.

“It is clear that we will not be able to agree with the president,” Hariri said, after a 20 minute meeting with President Michel Aoun.

Hariri met Wednesday with Aoun after weeks of a stalemate in renewed efforts to resolve the political deadlock and following a quick trip to Cairo, a close ally.