Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated Lebanon's stance on avoiding war while being prepared to defend itself.
Berri emphasized his ongoing efforts with international stakeholders to create conditions conducive to implementing UN Resolution 1701, which Lebanon has adhered to since its inception.
"We see an opportunity for a permanent halt to aggression on Gaza or at least a weeks-long truce,” Berri noted.
Moreover, the Parliament Speaker criticized Israel's recent provocations, stating, "Israel's latest arrogance, rejecting all proposals and persisting in violating the rules of engagement and carrying out assassinations, is dragging the region towards dire consequences."
These remarks were made during Berri's meeting at the second presidential residence in Ain El-Tineh with the visiting British ministerial delegation, which included Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Defense Minister John Healey, senior advisors, and British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell, alongside Lebanese Ambassador to the UK Rami Mortada and Berri's media advisor Ali Hamdan.
Discussions focused on the general situation and recent political and field developments in Lebanon and the region amid ongoing Israeli aggression.
The British delegation expressed its country's concern over the recent escalation and emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
The UK delegation also warned that any miscalculation could widen the conflict.
In turn, Speaker Berri thanked the UK for its support and assistance to the Lebanese army.
Speaker Berri also met with Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, with whom he discussed the latest political and field developments. Ambassador Moussa reaffirmed Egypt's support for Lebanon during these challenging times and condemned any attacks on the country. He stressed the importance of de-escalation, warning that an expanded conflict would have severe consequences for Lebanon and the entire region.
Moussa further elaborated on Egypt's coordination with regional and international partners to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Egypt believes that the core issue lies in Gaza, and we warned early on that Israeli aggression there would escalate violence across multiple fronts, which has indeed occurred,” Moussa added.
The Egyptian diplomat then underscored his country’s opposition to political assassinations and the cycle of violence they perpetuate, urging international responsibility through the UN Security Council to mandate a ceasefire in Gaza and de-escalation on all fronts, particularly in southern Lebanon.
Berri also welcomed Amin Nasrawi, the Charge d'Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Beirut, with whom he discussed the overall situation and bilateral relations between Lebanon and Iraq.
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