Second son of Rafik Hariri, the Leb PM who was assassinated in 2005. He has was prime minister in his own right from 2009 through early 2011. He was born in Riyadh to an Iraqi mother and graduated from Georgetown University. He managed his father's business interests in Riyadh until his father's liquidation. When his father died he inherited a fortune of some $4.1 billion, which won't do him much good if Hizbullah has him bumped off, too.
on Thursday stressed that Hizbullah needs to "understand the country is more important than their weapons."
Asked by a Twitter user whether he had any short-term or long-term plans concerning the disarming of Hizbullah, Hariri said: "Very simple, they need to understand the country is more important than their weapons."
The ex-PM lauded Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi's remarks earlier in the day on the Arab Spring, saying "they reflect a real vision."
Al-Rahi hoped on Thursday that the people of the Middle East, "who are currently enduring wars and conflict", would soon witness peace and stability.
He said during his Christmas and New Year address: "We look forward with you to the birth of the real and stable Arab Spring, which is based on democracy and the diversity of its religions and cultures."
Asked whether he was ready for a "reconciliation" with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP
Walid WallyJumblat
... Druze politician, head of the Progressive Socialist Party, who's been on every side in Leb at least four times. He'll sell you his friends for a dollar, but family comes higher because of shipping and handling...
and about a possible Saudi role in such a move, Hariri said: "There's no need for a reconciliation with MP Jumblat, as we're not at odds, and the kingdom's role has always been for the sake of the welfare of all the Lebanese."
On whether he would engage in an electoral alliance with Premier Najib Miqati under the pretext that "he has finally funded" the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Leb, the ex-PM ruled out such a possibility.
Hariri announced that he will return soon to Leb, although "the (security) risk will always be there."
"That's the price I am willing to pay," Hariri added, tweeting in English.