Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri addressed the latest political and media developments on Tuesday, underscoring the urgency of national cohesion amid mounting regional tensions.
During a meeting with the board of the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate, led by Joseph Al-Qusayfi, Berri was asked about what he described as a “programmed campaign” targeting him and the Parliament.
“It stems from the current electoral law and the dispute surrounding it. Everyone knows the nature of this disagreement. Unfortunately, a coordinated offensive is being directed at me personally. As the saying goes, a fruitful tree is always pelted with stones—and this attack comes from a familiar source. I will not respond,” Speaker Berri stated.
Electoral Law Dispute
Berri underscored that the electoral law is a constitutional matter mentioned four times in the Lebanese Constitution and that no electoral law can be adopted without national consensus.
“I warned against throwing this ball of fire into Parliament. I do not understand why the government formed two committees but did not commit to their decisions. It passed the problem to Parliament, yet I have received nothing from the government. Some are in an unjustified rush, demanding that I resolve the electoral law crisis while no draft has even reached me,” the Lebanese Speaker said.
He affirmed that parliamentary elections will be held on time, with “no delay and no extension.”
Berri also revealed that “for over 12 years, certain parties have been inciting the United States to impose sanctions on me. So be it.”
Southern Front
Turning to the situation in southern Lebanon, Berri noted that, “For 11 months, Hezbollah has not fired a single shot—a fact acknowledged by the entire international community, by the mechanism itself, and by UNIFIL. Lebanon has fully implemented its obligations under the ceasefire in the area south of the Litani, where the Lebanese Army has deployed more than 9,000 troops carrying out their duties.”
“But when has the Israeli enemy ever complied with even one clause of that agreement? This is the nature of Israeli aggression. What is neither understandable nor acceptable is the absence of a unified Lebanese stance regarding Israel’s actions and intentions toward Lebanon and its people,” Berri added. Give me unity, and Lebanon will fear nothing, no matter the challenge.”
Has the Israeli enemy stopped its aggression against Lebanon? No one can predict its next move. What is essential is a unified Lebanese position. ” He reaffirmed that there is “absolutely no fear of internal strife,” Berri questioned.
Arab Relations
On the renewed Saudi and Arab engagement with Lebanon, Berri stressed, “Lebanon belongs to all Arabs. Our hand has always been, and remains, extended to all our Arab brothers. My relationship with Saudi Arabia has never been severed.”
Hezbollah and Internal Reorganization
Asked about claims that Hezbollah is rebuilding and reorganizing its structure, Berri responded, affirming that “it is entirely normal for any party, movement, or political entity to rebuild and reorganize itself periodically. After Israeli aggression, Hezbollah is fully entitled to do so. As for allegations of weapons smuggling by sea, land, or air, they are false and baseless.”
Source: Al-Manar Website
