Today, Wednesday, the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri received former MP Emil Rahma at the second presidential headquarters in Ain al-Tineh. Following the meeting, Rahma stated: "In the presence of President Berri, one listens to benefit; crises refine. As in ordinary days, but in times of crisis, they crystallize nationally, and what is most necessary in this crisis that Lebanon is experiencing today is for the presidency to not remain vacant. There can be vacant positions, but three positions must not be: first, the presidency, second, the parliamentary council, and third, the cabinet."
He added: "The overarching issue that occupies President Berri is what is happening from arrogance, killing, and destruction in Palestine, and he is putting all available resources and capabilities to end this process, which has known no tolerance at all. The number of victims is fifty out of 12,000, of whom many are children and five are women in Gaza; no Lebanese leader, official, or any Lebanese citizen can be indifferent to this. The escalation in the south has reached a point where it must be said that this escalation is not beneficial. Your requests must include that Lebanon should not be dragged in, but you should convey this message to those who are targeting the bodies of children in the south, in the scouting and in civilian areas."
He continued: "The goal set by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to eliminate Hamas is an unattainable goal; objectives that cannot be achieved were attempted during the July 2006 war, which lasted 33 days and did not achieve its aims. We ended up negotiating and exchanging prisoners."
Rahma wished, "from the bottom of my heart after leaving the meeting with President Berri, that efforts continue to unite all Lebanese in cohesive national unity, which is what the president desires. I hope all parties come together as one hand and one opinion. Lebanon needs today a comprehensive national unity; it is the beneficial remedy for Lebanon."
President Berri also received the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, where they discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region in light of the "escalating Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the Lebanese border villages with occupied Palestine." The French ambassador emphasized the importance of avoiding the expansion of conflict in the region.
Additionally, President Berri received the Mayor of Sidon, Hazem Bdeir, where they addressed the city's situation and service and development issues. The Speaker also met with the Chairman of the Middle East Airlines (MEA), Mohammed Al-Hout, who briefed President Berri on the company's operations and the measures it has adopted in light of the current situation and events in the region. Al-Hout conveyed President Berri's appreciation for the efforts that the company and its employees are making, especially during this critical and difficult phase that Lebanon and the region are experiencing.
