Berri, in his speech, called for a return to the Taif Agreement and its implementation, especially with regard to the election law and the formation of the Senate, asking: “But do they agree?”
In a firm tone, Berri responded to Ambassador Tom Barack’s recent statements, saying: “No one threatens the Lebanese. It is unacceptable to address the Lebanese in this language, especially from diplomats,” and considered Barack’s statements about annexing Lebanon to Syria to be “a big mistake and completely unacceptable.”
Regarding the security situation, Berri affirmed that the Lebanese army has completed 90% of the ceasefire agreement clauses in the South Litani area, and will complete the rest by the end of the year, asking: “Where, when, and how did Israel commit to a single clause of the ceasefire agreement?”
The Speaker of the Parliament addressed the issue of the Mechanism Committee, describing it as a framework for negotiation, and stressed that there are constants that are negotiated through this committee, which are: Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army, and restricting weapons south of the Litani to the army.
In the context of foreign relations, Berri stated that his personal relationship with Saudi Arabia is excellent, as is the Kingdom’s relationship with Lebanon, calling for “investing in the positive effects of His Holiness the Pope’s visit at the national, spiritual, and popular levels.”
Berri concluded his speech by emphasizing that the deposits of the Lebanese in banks are sacred rights, and cannot be compromised or waived.
