Berri: It is in Lebanon’s Best Interest to Distance Itself from External Affairs

Speaker Nabih Berri noted on Wednesday that Lebanon may act as a center for dialogue in the region.

He stressed before a consular delegation: “It is in the country’s best interest to keep a distance from external affairs.”

“The region is witnessing a major conspiracy and a very dangerous operation called the ‘new Middle East’,” he remarked.

He added that this conspiracy is seeking to create ethnic and sectarian wars in the area.

“Lebanon has several options and it has so far distanced itself from dangers and God willing the conspiracy to create sectarian strife in the country will fail,” said the speaker.

“Lebanon should not only protect its Christians and sects, but it can play a major role in obstructing attempts to create strife in the region and it can therefore serve as a center for dialogue for it,” Berri noted.

“Despite all the developments, Lebanon has a rare opportunity to demonstrate its independence,” he stated.

He continued: “Some sides criticized Lebanon’s policy of keeping a distance from regional developments …. Had it become involved and should strife erupt in Syria, would that not affect Lebanon?”

“The majority of the foreign officials who have visited Lebanon have stated that it has chosen the wise option of distancing itself from regional affairs,” added Berri.