Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri engaged in discussions with Charles Fries, the Deputy Secretary-General for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service, at the second presidential headquarters in Ain al-Tineh. The meeting included the participation of European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, and focused on the general developments in Lebanon and the wider region, including the latest political and field updates.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Berri also held a meeting with Sabine Oueiss, head of the Lebanese “Association of Economic Journalists,” along with members of the administrative body. During the discussions, Berri expressed his desire for an end to the conflict affecting the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, which he described as a war of extermination that has persisted for two years.
Berri emphasized the importance of vigilance regarding Israel’s commitment to agreements, highlighting its history of evading agreements and covenants, including the recent ceasefire agreement with Lebanon last November. He noted that Lebanon has adhered to the ceasefire in the area south of the Litani River, a fact acknowledged by both supporters and opponents of the resistance and Hezbollah.
He further commented on the actions of the resistance, stating that it has refrained from any hostilities since November 27, 2024. In contrast, he accused Israel of occupying new areas, failing to release prisoners, and continuing its aggression which has led to the destruction of villages.
Berri posed the question of what lies ahead after the situation in Gaza, suggesting that the focus should shift to implementing agreements in Lebanon. He called on the international community, particularly the countries that sponsored the ceasefire agreement, to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations to withdraw from occupied territories, halt aggression, and release prisoners.
The Speaker highlighted the absence of economic recovery in Lebanon, attributing it to the ongoing occupation and aggression in the south, and the lack of government-led reconstruction efforts.