Today, Tuesday, Speaker of the House Nabih Berri received Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab at the second presidency in Ain al-Tineh. Bou Saab stated: "During today's meeting with President Berri, we discussed several topics. First, we would like to extend our greetings to the Lebanese Army on their holiday, for this institution and the officers and soldiers who have steadfastly persevered despite all difficulties. We can only express our appreciation for all their sacrifices, and may the days be fairer to them and their families."
He added: "As for the topics we discussed, they relate to laws that have been completed and need to be legislated in the general assembly, such as the important legislation concerning the sovereign fund that has been finalized in the Finance Committee, and the capital control currently in the general assembly. These are essential laws necessary because Lebanon will soon begin drilling operations in the south regarding gas and oil. It is crucial that we have our laws ready so that there are no questions regarding the sovereign fund and the preservation of funds. Even if it's too early to discuss the results, we must be legislatively prepared and proactive, as this is one of the essential matters."
Bou Saab further stated: "I also raised the issue of funding for the health sector and hospitals, which we previously presented to the general assembly but was not approved. We hope this will also be considered as urgent legislation because citizens are in dire need of it. Additionally, we touched upon the need for stability on the southern borders and the possible reconsideration of activating the technical committee that works with the United Nations to delineate the land border points that have been disputed. We are not talking about border demarcation because, as you know, Lebanon's borders are delineated; we are discussing affirming the disputed points, seven of which remain out of thirteen."
Regarding the presidential file, Bou Saab stated: "I went back and discussed this matter with the President. The citizen cannot bear this deadly vacuum, and as everyone knows, we are waiting for the French envoy who is expected to return to Lebanon in September. Ultimately, this matter will only be resolved through consultation and dialogue among the parties within Lebanon. I directly asked the President what the solution would be if we could not reach an agreement. He reminded me that had we engaged in this consultation, we would have accomplished this entitlement. It would have been wise for us, after seven months of vacancy, to engage in dialogue and consultation to reach a solution regarding the presidency. I reiterate that after the anticipated attempt in September, if we cannot reach a solution through dialogue, whether bilateral or however structured, there must be consultation among all parties to reach a result. We must arrive at an outcome, and if we cannot, I repeat what I said earlier: we, as deputies, must seriously consider early parliamentary elections, as it is inappropriate for us to sit as witnesses for three years without electing a president for the republic."
Berri also received the Chairman of the Defense and Interior Committee, MP Jihad al-Samad, where they discussed the general conditions and the latest political and security developments, as well as legislative matters. In the afternoon, the Speaker continued addressing developmental and legislative matters during his meeting with MP Walid Baa'rlini.
On another note, concerning the situation in the Ain al-Hilweh camp, Berri received a phone call from the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, with whom he discussed the serious repercussions of the events in Ain al-Hilweh camp. The Mufti praised President Berri's efforts to halt the fighting in the camp. For his part, President Berri commended the Mufti's stance, which condemned the fighting among brothers of the same cause, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
