Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressed that "the success of the Iranian-Saudi agreement paves the way to thwart plans for wars and strife." In an interview with "Al-Wifaq" website, he added, "If all its provisions are implemented, it will positively change the face of the region in various aspects, particularly in terms of progress and stability, as Iran and Saudi Arabia are central countries in the geography and demographics of the region."
Berri continued, "There is no doubt that the current scene in the region is unsettling; it is concerning and requires exceptional awareness and vigilance on all levels." Regarding the horizon for resolving the presidential crisis in Lebanon and what he has sensed from Iran's stance compared to others on this issue, he stated: "We always appreciate the supportive positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Lebanon in various fields and in all regional and international forums and parliamentary meetings. The recent position of Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian regarding the presidential issue, considering this entitlement to be a purely Lebanese internal affair, reflects Iran's commitment to respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and the will and choices of its people in accomplishing their constitutional and democratic entitlements freely, without external interference or imposed pressures."
The Lebanese Parliament Speaker concluded: "As for the prospects for the crisis and how to exit it, as I have expressed on multiple occasions, we welcome any effort from friendly countries to assist Lebanon in electing a president who will be chosen by the Lebanese people. I reaffirm that, given the current parliamentary reality that does not allow any party to unilaterally resolve this entitlement, it cannot be accomplished without dialogue and consensus. Any other discourse is just a prolongation of the vacancy for the most important constitutional position. We proposed an initiative on the anniversary of Imam Sadr, calling for a dialogue under the dome of the parliament for a maximum of 7 days, followed by consecutive and open sessions to elect a president. We hope all parliamentary forces and blocs will respond to this invitation, and despite the voices opposing dialogue with justifiable reasons that are completely unconvincing, it can only be interpreted in one way: that no one in Lebanon wants to elect a president. However, the majority of blocs perceive this positively and are welcoming. I reiterate that they await a national conscience awakening among some stubborn individuals, but frankly, we will not wait for them indefinitely, and we will act according to our national duties. We do not despair; we are all confident that Lebanon will ultimately achieve this entitlement sooner rather than later."
