Berri: Hariri’s Stance on Syria Ties Impractical
In light of conflicting views over restoring ties with Syria, Speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon "needs to coordinate efforts" with the neighboring country, noting that he plans to call for a legislative session if a government is not formed soon.
In an interview with Al Intichar news website on Friday, Berri reacted to remarks made by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri who refused inclusion of said ties in the government policy statement.
“This is unrealistic and unbeneficial,” said Berri, “there are diplomatic relations between the two countries, and a few months ago Hariri himself appointed an ambassador to Lebanon in Syria, not to mention the existence of a Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council."
The Speaker added: “Lebanon has recently asked Syria to provide it with electricity. Cooperation between the Lebanese and Syrian sides is particularly important in terms of the return of Syrian refugees to their country, not to mention that many issues would not have been achieved without Lebanese-Syrian coordination."
Berri hailed the “calm” remarks made by Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah where he indirectly replied to Hariri’s position in that regard.
Nasrallah has urged Hariri without naming him “not to rush things and commit himself to hostile positions rejecting this relationship because it contradicts with Lebanese interest in light of the regional happenings and the racing of the world to open up to the Syrian state.”
On the delayed Cabinet formation, Berri reiterated plans in front of his visitors to call for a legislative session if a government is not lined up soon.
Source: Naharnet
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