Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressed hope that the parliament would be able to finalize the presidential election soon, emphasizing that everyone must realize that no one has the luxury to waste time given the deteriorating financial, economic, and living conditions, especially now that the exchange rate of the dollar has surpassed one hundred thousand Lebanese pounds per dollar. During a meeting with an expanded delegation from the "National Balance Meeting," Berri expressed concern over the presidential vacancy, stating: "I do not hide my concern that prolonging the vacancy and persisting in paralyzing the work of institutions will have catastrophic repercussions that no one, including the obstructors, will escape."
Berri reiterated that electing a president for the republic is the key to a solution that paves the way for a rescue path, considering that Lebanon possesses all the elements necessary for recovery from the crises it faces, with everything dependent on investing in sincere intentions, good will, and the awareness that Lebanon is too small to be divided, and that there is no approach to every issue, no matter how big or small, other than dialogue and consensus, primarily regarding the presidency.
Regarding the division of Beirut in municipal elections, Berri announced that the "Development and Liberation" bloc cannot accept any text that legitimizes the division of the capital in any municipal election law, adding, "Dividing the capital means dividing Lebanon, and we support respecting parity and Islamic-Christian partnership."
On the agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Speaker confirmed that this agreement would have positive implications for the overall situation in the region.
In the file of Syrian refugees, President Berri stressed the need for the international community to fully bear its humanitarian, moral, and legal responsibilities regarding the solution to the refugee issue, noting that the entry point to this should be through opening communication channels with Syria.
