Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has outlined the future political landscape, revealing messages related to relations with Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Iran, while discussing his stance on internal affairs and relations with Syria. He emphasized that stability in Lebanon can only be achieved through consensus and openness to various factions.
Berri, in an interview with 'Asas,' responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments by saying, 'It seems President Trump understands me better than some Lebanese,' adding, 'Whoever Saudi Arabia loves, the whole world loves, and it seems Saudi Arabia loves me more than some Lebanese.'
Berri affirmed that Lebanon requires a 'triple guarantee' involving Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Iran, underscoring that his relationship with the Kingdom is strong. He stated he has never expressed any negative stance towards it, acknowledging its role in supporting Lebanon and reinforcing its stability.
He revealed recent intensive communications with Saudi officials, particularly with Prince Yazid bin Farhan, who reportedly informed him that the Kingdom supports the current path and is keen on its success in coordination with Washington.
Regarding domestic affairs, Berri mentioned his 'excellent' relationship with President Joseph Aoun, noting he advised him before his visit to Washington to focus on stabilizing the ceasefire, the complete Israeli withdrawal, and the return of residents to their villages. He described his relationship with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as based on love and constant communication.
Berri clarified that he does not oppose the current political course but is not optimistic about swift decisive outcomes, suggesting that events in Western Zottar reflect the challenges to implementing full Israeli withdrawal and the return of Southerners to their towns.
On Syria, Berri disclosed details of his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Shbani, advising him to avoid confrontation with Syrian factions, particularly the Alawite community, and to reassure Christians and ensure the rights of Shiite citizens, emphasizing that rebuilding a new Syria cannot be based on exclusion.
Berri stressed that the future of Lebanese-Syrian relations should be based on controlling and fully delineating borders both on land and at sea, and respecting the sovereignty of both states, considering that the stability of Lebanon and Syria remains an indispensable mutual interest.