Berri: Harming Lebanese Army is a Red Line
Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday the importance of national dialogue in ending disputes in Lebanon, most notably after the unrest in northern Lebanon.
He said during his weekly meeting with lawmakers: “Harming the army is a red line.”
He added that Saudi King Abdullah’s recent remarks on Lebanon reiterated his calls for resuming the dialogue.
The Saudi monarch had urged on Tuesday the Lebanese factions to resume dialogue, voicing fears that the recent unrest could lead to strife.
“Harming the Lebanese army would harm the whole of Lebanon,” stressed Berri.
“Any flaws in its leadership should be investigated,” he added.
He renewed the government’s policy of distancing itself from the developments in the Arab world, saying: “We don’t need anyone’s tutelage.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the speaker had congratulated the Lebanese people on the occasion of the Resistance and Liberation day, which falls on May 25, hoping that this day would stand as an opportunity to maintain the country’s stability and sovereignty.
He said in a statement: “This day should also serve as an opportunity to support the army and provide it with arms in order to allow it to properly preserve sovereignty and security.”
“All arms besides those of the army should be incorporated in a defense strategy,” he added.
“This strategy will serve as a resistance alongside the army in confronting Israeli aggression,” continued the speaker.
“On this occasion, we would like all sides to halt their campaigns against the resistance because we are all in a position of resistance and responsibility in defending our country,” remarked Berri.
Furthermore, he said that this occasion must act as an opportunity for the Lebanese maritime border to be demarcated in order to allow the country to exploit its offshore oil and gas wealth.
Moreover, he noted that the Resistance and Liberation day this year came at a time of great tensions “aimed at dragging Lebanon’s towards strife and spreading the regional unrest to the country.”
“This worrisome reality requires all powers to assume their responsibilities towards maintaining civil peace and preventing the violation of red lines that may lead Lebanon to chaos,” stressed the speaker.
“On this occasion, we would like to also confirm the government policy of distancing itself from regional disputes, which serves Lebanon and the Lebanese,” he continued.
Berri reiterated his call for national dialogue in order to allow the Lebanese to reach an agreement over all pending issues.
On regional disputes, he remarked: “Lebanon should pave the way for peace in Syria and the Syrian crisis should not lead to chaos and strife in Lebanon.”
“Lebanon should serve as a source of strength for its Arab brothers,” he stated.
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