Naharnet

Berri Says Lebanon Will Defend its Maritime Borders ‘With All Necessary Means’

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed during a meeting with U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams that the UNIFIL can play a role in the demarcation of the disputed maritime borders with Israel “unless the navy forces of the UNIFIL are only found to monitor our regional waters and shores.”

As Safir newspaper reported on Tuesday that Williams was insisting on his stance during the discussion, saying that the “U.N. isn’t specialized in demarcating any maritime border, and the two disputed countries have to negotiate” over the issue.

Berri told the U.N. diplomat that Lebanon is willing to use all the necessary means to “protect” the country from any Israeli attack.

Williams informed the speaker after the meeting that the U.N. would be more flexible in its stance over the issue.

Concerning Hizbullah’s arms, the daily reported that Berri finds it imperative to preserve the weapons to halt any Israeli aggression on the Lebanese oil fields.

He urged the officials to meet over the national dialogue table, that President Michel Suleiman called for, as it can resolve all the disputes and reach a national defense strategy.


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