The Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri received on Tuesday the Press Syndicate delegation, affirming the current electoral law is in effect, and elections will proceed accordingly.
Speaker Berri emphasized openness to consensus on outstanding issues, particularly expatriate voting.
Speaker Berri recalled advocating for the Taif Agreement’s implementation, including a Senate, for over 8 years. He reiterated willingness to implement this, questioning others’ agreement.
Regarding diplomatic threats, Speaker Berri condemned language used by US envoy Tom Barrack, deeming it unacceptable. He called Barrack’s comments on Lebanon joining Syria a “grave mistake.”
Speaker Berri stressed Lebanese unity is crucial to address threats and liberate the land, highlighting Lebanon’s fulfillment of ceasefire obligations, with 9,300 troops deployed, and accused Israel of 11,000 breaches.
Regarding the ceasefire agreement and negotiations, Speaker Berri questioned: “Isn’t the mechanism a negotiating framework?” He listed agreed-upon principles: Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese army deployment, and monopolizing arms south of Litani River.
Speaker Berri stated Lebanon fulfilled obligations since November 2024, deploying over 9,300 troops with UNIFIL support. UNIFIL confirmed Lebanon’s compliance, while ‘Israel’ breached the agreement 11,000 times.
He revealed the Lebanese army implemented 90% of the agreement, to be completed by year-end, citing UNIFIL and army commander Gen. Rudolf Hilou. Berri criticized Israel’s non-compliance, noting increased occupation of Lebanese territory.
Speaker Berri praised Pope Francis’ Lebanon visit, urging Lebanese to capitalize on its impact, revealing the Pope promised a future visit to southern Lebanon.
On the Lebanese-Saudi relations, Speaker Berri described his ties as very good and the countries’ relations as good, reaffirming Lebanese bank deposits are sacred rights, not to be compromised.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
