Lebanon's PM-designate steps down after months of deadlock

Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has stepped down, nine months after he was named to the post by the parliament

BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down Thursday, citing “key differences” with the president after nine months of political wrangling that failed to put together a government for the crisis-ridden country. The development is likely to plunge Lebanon further into chaos and uncertainty amid an unprecedented economic breakdown — and also dim prospects for a recovery package from the International Monetary Fund. “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. “I have excused myself from forming the government. May God help the country.” After the news broke, protesters — mostly Hariri's supporters — blocked roads and set fire to tires in several parts of Beirut, decrying the deepening crisis. Troops deployed to break up a protest at the edge of Beirut, firing in the air and using armored vehicles to open roads. Protesters pelted the soldiers with stones.