Speaker of the House Nabih Berri received Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab today, Wednesday, in Ain al-Tineh, where they discussed the latest developments in the political situation following Bou Saab's meeting with U.S. envoy Amos Hoekstein, as well as the ongoing military actions by Israel against Gaza and Lebanon, and legislative matters.
After the meeting, Bou Saab stated: "The meeting with President Berri was to brief him on the atmosphere of the meeting I had with U.S. envoy Amos Hoekstein on Monday evening in Rome. The President was already aware of the visit before going to Rome, and it is natural that I return to inform him of the results in preparation for the meeting that will take place tomorrow in Beirut with the American envoy."
Bou Saab added: "We have grown accustomed in crises and wars with the Israeli enemy that, eventually, there should be solutions to work on. President Berri has always played a crucial role in proposing solutions to avert the specter of war from Lebanon. The atmosphere has now changed; President Berri certainly has more insights than what I conveyed to him. We hope that tomorrow's visit will establish a step forward towards the stability that is required for Lebanon."
He pointed out: "The second point I will discuss is that it has become clear to the whole world that the American administration's interest and even the demands from the Israeli enemy focus on establishing stability in the southern region and northern occupied Palestinian territories, to allow settlers to return to their settlements. The rhetoric we hear from the Israeli enemy about threats of war that they claim they want to use to bring back the settlers, I want to clarify by saying: war does not return settlers to their settlements, but rather causes them to be displaced further away from the settlements they currently inhabit. This matter can extend not just for months but for years. War is not the solution. If the goal is to return settlers to their settlements, we also have a goal of returning the residents of Lebanese villages to the borders of their villages and farms. The solution lies in diplomatic frameworks and diplomatic efforts, and no one can devise another solution. Those who delude themselves that war can resolve an issue like this are certainly making erroneous calculations. The diplomacy and political action that we have come to see from President Berri in difficult crises will be the solution, God willing."
Additionally, Berri received the Minister of Interior and Municipalities in the caretaker government, Judge Bassam Al-Mawlawi, where they reviewed the general situation, security updates, and the course of investigations into the cyber breach at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
After the meeting, Minister Al-Mawlawi stated: "Despite all the difficult circumstances and the injustice that southern Lebanon and the region are living through, we hope that from here in Ain al-Tineh, the new year will be a year of goodness and justice, and that injustice will be lifted from our steadfast and patient people. It is natural for President Nabih Berri to be informed about all the matters that the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities is undertaking. The meeting with His Excellency can be described as a national meeting to discuss all the national matters of concern to all Lebanese, including the work of the ministry, which took up part of the meeting, in addition to everything that took place during the holiday period as well as the work of municipalities and security forces, which serves all citizens. We also informed His Excellency about the ongoing investigations regarding the cyber breach that Rafik Hariri International Airport suffered."
In response to a question regarding the results of the investigation into the cyber breach at the airport, the Minister of Interior replied: "As long as we say that investigations are ongoing, they are confidential, conducted by specialized officers from intelligence and security information, under the supervision of the public prosecutor. We discussed this matter with His Excellency and everyone in order to achieve security and safety for Rafik Hariri International Airport and for all Lebanese. The operation of the airport is the responsibility of civil aviation, not the Ministry of Interior, which is doing its necessary efforts in conducting airport inspections and ensuring flight safety and the safety of luggage that goes onto the planes and the safety of passengers."
Berri also reviewed political updates and media matters during his reception of the Minister of Information in the caretaker government, Ziad Makari, who said after the meeting: "The visit to His Excellency was primarily for greetings and secondly to discuss all the matters that Lebanon is going through. As you know, our country is in a state of war, and the region as a whole is on a volcano, and most of the envoys are visiting Ain al-Tineh. Thus, our visit today was to discuss all matters and the direction the country is heading."
He added: "Without a doubt, the Israeli enemy wants to escalate against Lebanon, and the resistance is aware of this. We also discussed the topic of electing a president of the republic, and as you know, efforts must be made to elect a president to organize matters within the Lebanese administration and the republic. Naturally, all efforts are directed towards two main matters: keeping Lebanon neutral from the destructive war being waged against occupied Palestine and electing a president of the republic."
Makari concluded: "In these circumstances, we wish to emphasize to all Lebanese that despite all the political disagreements, it is essential that we remain united in facing the crises that are sweeping the region."
The Speaker also followed up on general conditions, especially the economic situation and the latest political updates, during his reception of the Minister of Economy in the caretaker government, Amin Salam.
