Berri urges unity as Lebanon faces 'most dangerous' crisis in history
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Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri calls for national unity as Lebanon faces the "most dangerous crisis" in its history, criticizing internal divisions and defending the Resistance's restraint.
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Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri opens the session to elect a new president at the parliament building in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2025. (AP)
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized the urgent need for national unity amid mounting internal and regional pressures, declaring, “There is no salvation for Lebanon, no alternative for us, except through unity, and then more unity.”
In an address, Berri highlighted the critical challenges facing Lebanon, the role of Arab solidarity, and the ongoing tensions caused by “Israel,” stressing the importance of a cohesive national stance.
Lebanon’s Arab identity and regional relations
Berri reaffirmed Lebanon’s place within the Arab world, stating, “Lebanon is a country for all Arabs, our hand is extended to all our Arab brothers.”
He also addressed relations with Saudi Arabia, stressing, “My relationship with Saudi Arabia has never been severed,” underlining ongoing diplomatic ties despite regional tensions.
The Parliament Speaker criticized Lebanon’s fragmented political landscape, lamenting that “what is neither understandable nor justifiable is that the Lebanese do not have a unified stance on ‘Israel’s’ actions, and what it harbors against Lebanon.”
He also warned against internal discord, declaring, “We reject the isolation of any political or spiritual component; there will be no internal strife in Lebanon.”
Berri described Lebanon’s current domestic crisis as unprecedented in his experience, calling it “the most dangerous I have personally faced, and it is also the most dangerous in the history of Lebanon.”
He added that the crisis is fueled by “those devoid of mercy, and fostering internal disputes on every issue, as if there is no agreement except on disagreement.”
Read more: Resistance will never surrender, victory is certain: Sheikh Qassem
Israeli aggression and ceasefire compliance
On regional security, Berri pointed to “Israel” violating the ceasefire agreements in southern Lebanon.
“Where and when has ‘Israel’ adhered to a single clause of the ceasefire agreement? This is the aggressive nature of ‘Israel,’” he said.
He also defended Lebanon’s record, noting that “for 11 months, the Resistance has not fired a single shot,” and that the country has “fulfilled all its obligations regarding the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon.”
Regarding accusations of arms smuggling, Berri dismissed them as “false and baseless,” rejecting claims leveled against Lebanon by external actors.
Electoral process and political responsibilities
The Lebanese Speaker confirmed that parliamentary elections will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing, “There will be no postponement or extensions.”
He acknowledged frustration from some political actors over the unresolved electoral law but clarified, “Some are impatient and unfairly want me to resolve the electoral law crisis, even though I haven't received a draft yet.”
Throughout his address, Berri repeatedly stressed that Lebanon’s only path to stability lies in solidarity and national cohesion.
“There is no salvation for Lebanon, no alternative for us, except through unity, and then more unity,” he concluded, urging political factions and citizens alike to prioritize collective interest over division.
Read more: Israeli 'border wall' crosses into Lebanon, violates Blue Line: UNIFIL
