BEIRUT: Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon Sheikh Malek al-Shaar said Saturday his return to Lebanon awaits steps by Prime Minister Najib Mikati to ensure his safety.

“I hope to come back home soon and I am waiting for the completion of procedures supervised by Mikati to secure my safe return and stay in Lebanon,” Shaar, who spoke to the state-run National News Agency, said.

In December, Shaar extended a visit to Europe and decided to remain abroad for a period of time after saying he received death threats.

According to the mufti, members of the Internal Security Forces had appealed to him to leave the country because his life was at risk.

Shaar Saturday said that he was waiting for Mikati to ensure he had freedom of movement once in Lebanon.

“Mikati has called me several times and said he would do everything possible to ensure my safety and I am still waiting for him to ensure me safety of movement so that I can move freely and don’t feel like am under house arrest once I am back,” the mufti said.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said his ministry would be able to secure protection for the Muslim preaches once he decides to return to the country.