Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh. He met with the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, alongside an accompanying delegation. This meeting was attended by German Ambassador to Lebanon Kurt Georg St¶ckl-Stillfried, Lebanese Ambassador to Germany Abir Ali, and Speaker Berri's Media Advisor Ali Hamdan.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, discussions during the meeting centered on developments in Lebanon and the broader region, current political and field updates, and the Lebanese-German relations. Speaker Berri expressed gratitude to German President Steinmeier for Germany's support, particularly for the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, as well as contributions to various development projects. Berri emphasized the need for international efforts to urge Israel to stop its attacks and violations of Resolution 1701 and the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which Lebanon has adhered to since its inception. He highlighted that Lebanon and its people do not desire war and will not accept Israeli occupation of their land. German President Steinmeier reassured ongoing support for Lebanon.
In response to media inquiries following the meeting, Speaker Berri confirmed that parliamentary elections would occur as scheduled, without postponement.
In other diplomatic engagements, Berri met with the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who was on a farewell visit at the conclusion of his diplomatic mission. The two discussed general situations and bilateral relations between Lebanon and Iran.
Additionally, Berri welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon, Kenji Yokota, to discuss the general situation in Lebanon and the region and bilateral relations between Lebanon and Japan.
Later, Berri held discussions with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, focusing on the latest developments, particularly in the context of Israel's continued aggression against Lebanon and ongoing violations of the ceasefire terms.