Speaker of the House Nabih Berri affirmed that the Amal Movement stands with Hezbollah in defending every inch of Lebanon. He noted that he heard from all ambassadors that there is no veto on any name, including from Saudi Arabia, and that there is a consensus that electing a president requires agreement. He mentioned that they prefer to call it consultation rather than dialogue, and he is open to anything that serves the presidential file. He indicated that if necessary, the Deputy Speaker could lead the dialogue, and he has no problem with that.
Berri clarified in a press interview that there cannot be consecutive sessions without consultation or dialogue. He stated, “If they have any other way, they should let me know, and I am ready.” Without consultation, repeating sessions without the ability to elect a president is futile, and he cannot prevent any team from boycotting any session as it is a constitutional right. The council cannot achieve the 86-quorum without agreements and understandings; he is not demanding unanimity but rather consensus to secure the 86-quorum. "Even if I held fifty consecutive sessions, we would not reach a president," he said, which is why he proposed a dialogue limited to seven days, "assuming that I am bluffing and they come to put me in an awkward position."
Regarding the Quintet's agreement, Berri said: “We agreed that they would help us elect whom we Lebanese name, not whom they name. This time, the Quintet is united, and they told me, ‘We have no candidate at all, and we have no veto on any name. We are ready to help you with what you want.’”
On the eve of the anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Berri welcomed former Prime Minister Saad Hariri back to political work whenever he decides. He noted that the recent elections showed Saad Hariri is the biggest winner, despite his suspension from politics, as he garnered 24% of the Sunni community's votes from the Great River to Naqoura without participating in the elections.
To the audience of the Lebanese resistance, Berri conveyed a message saying: “The Amal Movement stands with Hezbollah in defending every inch of Lebanon, but in this battle, the Amal Movement resists within its military capabilities; it does not possess Hezbollah’s abilities.” He concluded by stating, “I do not fear for my diplomatic role because diplomatic resistance is a fundamental part of resistance.”
