Beirut: Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, on Thursday issued a statement expressing support for the declaration released by the Lebanese Army Command and for its achievements, which he said would have been nearly complete were it not for Israel's occupation of several points, its daily violations through bombardment and destruction, and the obstacles it places in the army's path despite the army not having received the military capabilities promised to it.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Berri said Israel's plots and ambitions in the south include, most recently, targeting UNIFIL forces and calling for an end to their presence, a move that threatens UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and its implementation.

Moreover, the House Speaker stressed that the south has repeatedly affirmed its need for the Lebanese Army's presence and protection, concluding: "Leave our land, vacate our skies, and God has spared the believers the evil of fighting."