The central news agency reported that the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, received the head of the American Task Force for Lebanon, Ed Gabriel, and the accompanying delegation at the second presidential headquarters in Ain al-Tineh, in the presence of American Ambassador Dorothy Shea. After the meeting, Gabriel stated: "We had constructive and candid discussions with His Excellency Speaker Nabih Berri, emphasizing the importance of swift action from both the government and the parliament to enact laws and policies that would advance negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. We also discussed with the Speaker of the Parliament the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the United States, support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, and humanitarian programs. We informed him that the United States has supported the Lebanese Army and some developmental programs last year with $700 million."
Gabriel pointed out that "there is no more time to waste for the Parliament to initiate a legislative path to save Lebanon and assist the Lebanese people. The Task Force for Lebanon confirms its continued commitment to support the needs of Lebanon." For his part, Speaker Berri told the American delegation: "There is no time left for procrastination or delays in demarcating the maritime borders and allowing the companies awarded the tenders to begin their work, and there is absolutely no justification for this delay or obstruction."
