Berri: Geagea does not want a dialogue or a president

Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri said that “the proposal of US President Joe Biden seems acceptable and can be built upon, despite the set of remarks surrounding it.

Speaking with Al Joumhouria he highlighted that “Biden needs the Gaza war to stop for the upcoming US presidential elections.” Berri added that he senses "the prolongation of this conflict has become a pressing concern for him, particularly with the recent change in the sentiment of US society, as evidenced by the unprecedented student demonstrations in universities."

Berri pointed out that "some items in the proposal constitute an achievement for the Palestinian resistance and a reflection of its resilience.” Emphasizing that “the ball is now squarely in Benjamin Netanyahu's court, who finds himself cornered and embarrassed."

He emphasized that "once a ceasefire is reached in the Gaza Strip, it will automatically extend to the southern front. The US envoy Amos Hochstein will arrive the next day to finalize negotiations regarding the situation along the border with occupied Palestine."

Berri revealed that "he had made progress in understanding with Hochstein on some of the principles that any final agreement would be based upon, especially concerning the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from the border points they currently occupy."

Some analysts called for "a distinction between the issue of reclaiming our land rights and the matter of border demarcation, which is non-negotiable and settled."

Berri stressed adherence to Resolution 1701 as the guiding framework for the "day after" the conflict on the Lebanese front, stating: "This resolution was made here in my office, and we remain committed to it and its equitable implementation, despite Israel's numerous violations since its issuance in 2006. It requires a complete cessation of violations of our sovereignty on land, air, and sea, as well as a withdrawal from the Shebaa Farms and the occupied Kfar Shuba hills, and we will fulfill our obligations accordingly."

The Speaker emphasized that he is negotiating from a position of strength and legitimacy, stating: "We cannot accept to concede defeat while we are still strong. By the grace of God, all indications suggest that Lebanon will emerge victorious from this confrontation for its rightful rights."

Regarding the presidential issue, Berri affirmed his flexibility and responsiveness to the efforts of the Quintet committee, stating that "they wished to replace dialogue with consultation and I had no objections," clarifying that "he told them, as well as Le Drian, that the terms consultation, communication, meeting, and deliberation are all synonymous with dialogue."

He noted his previous experience in organizing consultations among political forces in Ain al-Tineh before the Doha conference in 2008.
Berri emphasized that "there are certain principles that cannot be compromised. Unlike what some think, they are not mere formalities but rather institutional rules.” He made sure to state that “Parliament is the natural place for any consultation to take place. This institution has a president, who, regardless of his identity, is responsible for chairing the consultation sessions between the blocs.” Berri considered this right not as his personal possession to relinquish but as inherently tied to the position and its powers.

Responding to repetitive accusations from the Head of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, regarding his alleged disruption of the presidential elections, Berri stated: "It is evident that Geagea does not seek dialogue or the election of a president. He aims to promote federalism. A concept he never gave up on. Unfortunately, he remains trapped in inevitable circumstances."

Regarding Geagea's objection to the decision of the parliament to provide financial compensation for southerners affected by Israeli attacks, Berri condemned this stance, asserting that "the people of the south deserve compensation for bearing the brunt of confronting the Israeli enemy on behalf of all Lebanon. It amounts to no more than one million dollars. It is the duty of all Lebanese to contribute to reconstruction and compensate for losses."

مقترح بايدن يبدو مقبولاً"... بري: جعجع لا يريد حواراً ولا رئيساً"