Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri affirmed that the proposed framework agreement with Israel will not proceed in its current form and will not be implementable. This will only be possible if amendments are made to it that take into account Lebanon’s national principles and interests.
Berri explained that any agreement concerning borders or security arrangements must have full national consensus and must guarantee the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and rights. He also stressed that the currently circulated version does not meet the requirements insisted upon by the Lebanese side.
He pointed out that the Lebanese position is based on the necessity of protecting national interests and rejecting any clauses that might infringe upon Lebanon’s rights or diminish its sovereignty. He emphasized that negotiations, if they continue, must proceed from these principles.
He added that the Lebanese authorities are continuing to study the various aspects of the proposals presented, in coordination with the relevant parties. The aim is to reach a formula that achieves the national interest and maintains stability without making concessions that compromise Lebanese rights.
Berri’s statements come at a time when diplomatic and regional efforts are ongoing to advance the understandings between Lebanon and Israel. This is taking place amidst continued consultations on a number of outstanding security and border issues.
