Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri received on Wednesday a broad delegation from the Akkar Spiritual Gathering at the Second Presidency in Ain Al-Tineh. The delegation included representatives of all religious communities in the Akkar governorate. Discussions focused on recent national developments, the significance of the upcoming papal visit to Lebanon, and developmental and public service needs in Akkar.
Speaker Berri hailed the delegation as a true reflection of Lebanon’s essence, saying that the Akkar Spiritual Gathering embodies in both word and deed “the genuine image of Lebanon—coexistence and national unity.”
“Lebanon cannot remain the same without this unique formula—a model that stands in stark contrast to Israel’s racism. The South of Lebanon, since the creation of the Israeli occupation entity, has paid the price of history and geography—not because of its sectarian composition, but precisely because of its diversity. The South, much like Akkar and Iqlim al-Kharroub, represents Lebanon’s pluralism. Israeli threats have targeted it and continue to threaten all Lebanese, who must face these dangers with a unified national approach—to be, in essence, all Southerners in wound, struggle, pain, and hope,” Speaker Berri affirmed.
Berri also expressed gratitude to all Lebanese regions—particularly the North and Akkar—for their solidarity and support during the recent Israeli aggression, when they hosted and assisted displaced residents from the South, the Bekaa, and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
He renewed his call for the Mechanism Committee and the countries sponsoring the ceasefire agreement to assume their responsibilities in compelling Israel to end its attacks on Lebanon and withdraw from all remaining occupied territories in the South.
The Speaker further stressed that Lebanon’s internal crises stem from the failure to implement the reform clauses of the Taif Accord, especially those concerning balanced development. He noted that Akkar, in particular, has long suffered from deprivation as a result of neglecting this key provision.
Mufti Bakkar: Speaker Berri Is a National and Regional Guarantee
Speaking on behalf of the Akkar Spiritual Gathering, Mufti of Akkar Sheikh Mohammad Zeid Bakkar said, “We were honored today, along with our fellow religious leaders, to meet Speaker Berri and discuss the latest political developments and the repeated Israeli aggressions against our South. The Speaker remains the central pillar in reconciling differences and is a national, regional, Arab, and Islamic guarantee.”
He added that the meeting also addressed the importance of Islamic-Christian coexistence and welcomed the Pope’s forthcoming visit, which he described as “a beautiful image of Lebanon’s true spirit.” The delegation also raised several Akkar-related development demands, including the activation of Qlayaat Airport, the endorsement and implementation of the partnership law, the acceleration of Lebanese University projects, and support for public hospitals.
Mufti Bakkar reaffirmed the importance of the Taif Accord as the foundation for Lebanon’s unity and coexistence, urging all parties to rise above personal disputes and rally around state institutions, the Lebanese Army, and the country’s security and judicial bodies. He concluded by praying for Lebanon’s protection, success, and ultimate victory and liberation.
Source: Al-Manar Website
