Berri walks fine line between Aoun and Hezbollah
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper, in remarks published Monday, that "the only acceptable path" is securing a ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.
"What we wanted yesterday, today, and tomorrow is securing a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory," Berri said, adding that he still rejects the framework agreement and any direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
Berri said he fears these direct talks would not be fruitful. "What is happening in the pilot zones confirms our fears."
He explained that any flexibility on his part is strictly tied to whether these talks can secure a ceasefire, ensure a full Israeli withdrawal, and return displaced residents to their villages and homes.
Beyond that, he hasn't changed his stance against direct talks because they "bypass long-held Lebanese principles."
In a separate interview with Asas Media, Berri had said he does not oppose the current political course of action taken by Aoun and Salam, but he is "not optimistic about achieving decisive positive results."
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://prod.naharnet.com/stories/en/321479 |