Berri says army to finalize South Litani disarmament by year's end
Speaker Nabih Berri said Thursday that the Lebanese Army has implemented 90 percent of the cessation of hostilities agreement in the South Litani area and will completely finalize what’s left by year’s end.
“This is what UNIFIL, the Mechanism and Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal have confirmed,” Berri added, in a meeting with a delegation from the Press Syndicate.
Asked about the “threats launched by some diplomats, especially what U.S. envoy Tom Barrack has repeatedly said about annexing Lebanon to Syria,” Berri said: “Let no one threaten the Lebanese.”
“It is utterly unacceptable to address the Lebanese people in this manner, especially by diplomats, and particularly by someone like Ambassador Tom Barrack. His statement about annexing Lebanon to Syria was a grave mistake and completely unacceptable,” Berri added.
The Speaker also affirmed that the current electoral law is in effect and that the parliamentary elections will only be held according to it.
"There's no way to cancel or postpone them. Everyone wants elections, and we remain open to any formula that leads to consensus on the outstanding issues that are points of contention among the political forces, especially regarding the expatriate vote. No one wants to exclude expatriates," he reassured.
“Before discussing any amendments, I want to remind everyone that for over eight years, the Development and Liberation bloc and I have been calling for the implementation of the Taif Agreement, specifically the section concerning the electoral law and the establishment of a Senate. This matter, of course, encroaches upon the powers of Parliament and its Speaker. Despite this, I have said, and I reiterate now, that I agree: let's implement the Taif Agreement, specifically the section related to the electoral law and the establishment of a Senate, but will they agree?” Berri wondered.
Source: Naharnet
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