Berri Says Lebanon's Politics is 'Inverted Cup'

Speaker Nabih Berri described the political situation in Lebanon as an “inverted cup of water” but stressed that the dialogue between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal Movement was guaranteeing stability.

“The country is functioning in reverse order and illogically,” Berri, whose remarks were published in local dailies on Friday, told his visitors.

“In most countries, political stability reflects (positively) on security,” he said.

“But the situation in our country is similar to an inverted cup of water, where unlike the political situation, there is security and stability,” Berri added.

The speaker praised the talks being held under his auspices between al-Mustaqbal and Hizbullah since December, saying “stability and security wouldn't have been achieved without this dialogue.”

On whether he had fears that rising political tension between the rival parties would have repercussions on the talks, Berri said: “No one can stop the dialogue which enjoys Iranian and Saudi sponsorship.”

“No one will be able to paralyze it. Shortly, the dialogue is an axiom,” he told his visitors.

Asked why the dialogue does not reflect on the government and its productivity, Berri replied: “Let it first reflect on the parliament.”

“The basic problem is the absence of a president. That's why (MPs) should head (to parliament) to elect a head of state,” he said.

The country's top Christian post has been vacant since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended a year ago.

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