BEIRUT, Nov. 22 -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri said Wednesday that he is putting his resignation on hold after President Michel Aoun asked him to reconsider it pending consultations.

Hariri said he discussed his resignation with the president, who asked him "to wait before submitting it and allow for more consultations."

Hariri said so to reporters after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Palace with Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He also extended his appreciation for the president's affection.

"I thank Aoun for the affection he had shown towards me, and also I express appreciation to all the Lebanese throughout the past period," he added.

He also thanked Berri for "wise commitment to the constitution."

Hariri's announcement came during national celebrations of Independence Day, hours after his return to Beirut following almost three weeks absence since his resignation on Nov. 4 from the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh.

President Aoun had said he would not consider the resignation of Hariri until he hears from him in person.

Hariri resigned in a televised statement he read from the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, saying he was protesting the meddling of Iran and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, in Arab affairs.