House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Monday met with Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Abdullah Bou Habib, with whom he discussed the general situation and the latest political developments.

“Without a doubt, the arrival of the Greek ship to the Karish field is a strong challenge for us, especially since the borders have not yet been demarcated, and it is not yet known whether the drilling is taking place within the occupied Palestinian borders or within the disputed Lebanese borders,” Bou Habib said in the wake of the meeting.

“The reason behind this chaos is the absence of the US mediator; if the US wishes to assume the mediator’s role in this issue, then the US mediator must be present. He must pay an express visit to Lebanon in order to swiftly reach an agreement so that each side drills within its borders,” Bou Habib explained.

On the date of Hochstein’s visit to Beirut, Bou Habib replied, “I haven’t been informed about the date of the visit yet.”

Asked whether there were any Lebanese steps that should be taken to stop Israel from drilling, Bou Habib replied, “We do not wish to start a war.”

However, the Foreign Minister said that the mere fact that the ship had docked in Karish gas field did not mean that Israel had the right to drill.

Minister Bou Habib then denied that Lebanon had given any guarantees to the Greek company.

Regarding the signature of Decree 6433, and the obstacles that prevent it, Bou Habib said, “The agreement must be made between the three presidents, and communication is ongoing with the US mediator.”

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon