Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region with French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sigourney at the second presidential residence in Ain al-Tineh, attended by French Ambassador Hervé Magro, Ambassador Anne Grillo, Director for North Africa and the Middle East at the French Foreign Ministry, and several advisors from the French Foreign Ministry. The meeting addressed recent political and ground developments due to Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon and Gaza. Following the meeting, Minister Sigourney left without making any statements.
For his part, Berri thanked France for its care and role, and President Emmanuel Macron for his efforts to prevent war on Lebanon. The Speaker was clear about Lebanon's commitment to the full implementation of Resolution 1701. He also presented facts regarding Israeli assaults on Lebanon, particularly in the southern border villages, using a map prepared by the National Council for Scientific Research that shows the extent of human and material losses suffered by the villages and towns, as well as agricultural and forested lands, and Israel's use of internationally prohibited weapons and breaches of engagement rules.
Berri affirmed to the French minister that Lebanon is "awaiting to receive the French proposal aimed at de-escalation, halting the fighting, and implementing the UN resolution in preparation for its study and response." Regarding the presidential file, Berri praised the efforts of the quintet committee to reach a consensus for electing a president for the republic. He also raised the issue of Syrian refugees, "which has become a burden on Lebanon and the Lebanese on various levels," noting that he would discuss this matter with the President of the European Commission and the Cypriot President during their visit to Lebanon this week. He urged France and Germany to "reconsider their relations with Syria regarding this file."
