Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said the direct negotiations between the Lebanese authorities and the Israeli enemy that produced the “framework agreement” have delivered no tangible gains for Lebanon or its rights, expressing skepticism over ongoing diplomatic efforts and proposed mechanisms.
In remarks to Al-Jomhouriya Lebanese daily on Tuesday, Speaker Berri stressed that what matter are the outcomes, not processes, stating: “I would be pleased if they could achieve the withdrawal, the return of the displaced, the release of prisoners, and reconstruction, because what matters to me in the end is achieving the desired outcome, not engaging in pointless conflict.”
He reiterated firm opposition to the proposed “pilot zones,” warning they could delay full withdrawal for up to two years. “Besides, we fundamentally object to this proposal,” he said, noting he had instead suggested adopting a “districts” approach.
Speaker Berri cautioned that many of the suggested pilot zones are not occupied areas, raising concerns that “the intention might be to embroil the Lebanese Army in internal confrontations and instigate strife that serves only the Israeli enemy, which seeks to lure us into its trap. This is something we will confront with all the strength and wisdom at our disposal.”
Downplaying expectations for the upcoming direct talks in Rome, the Lebanese speaker indicated they would likely amount to a continuation of an already “convoluted process.”
He also decried the ongoing Israeli destruction in occupied southern villages despite the recent Washington agreement, speaking of “horrific acts of barbarity” targeting homes.
On regional tensions, Speaker Berri described the atmosphere as “negative and gloomy” amid renewed US-Iran escalation, voicing hope it would be contained and ultimately return to negotiations and implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Responding to a question whether the renewed US-Iranian clash proves the validity of the argument against linking Lebanon to the Islamabad track, he said: “I wouldn’t be upset if any track achieves a positive outcome that contributes to stopping the aggression and ending the occupation.”
“My friend, let them show me a real achievement, not an illusion… I haven’t seen anything yet,” the Lebanese speaker said referring to President Joseph Aoun and PM Nawaf Salam who have been insisting on the direct negotiations approach.
