Berri: Waiting for Syrian Crisis to End Will Only Exacerbate Problems in Lebanon

Speaker Nabih Berri noted on Thursday that Lebanon fell into vacuum due to the ongoing disputes among the rival parties, adding that a lack of political and security initiatives has thwarted a solution to the deadlock.

He said: “The powers' banking on the conclusion of the Syrian crisis will not end Lebanon's problems.”

He made his remarks in an interview with al-Shiraa magazine.

Berri continued: “Stalling will only exacerbate problems in Lebanon and increase military wings, gangs, mafias, and militias.”

“One can only count on a Saudi-Iranian understanding to end the deadlock,” he stressed.

The speaker said that all sides are awaiting an expected visit by Iranian President Hassan Rowhani to Saudi Arabia to meet King Abdullah.

“Perhaps Lebanon's crisis and other pending regional issues would be resolved,” he stated.

Moreover, he warned of the ongoing repercussions the Syrian crisis is having on Lebanon, saying that the Baabda Declaration can still be implemented to ease the impact of the unrest.

“Lebanon's interference in the Syrian conflict will not alter the reality on the ground,” said Berri.

“I see no near conclusion to the Syrian crisis,” he added.

The 2012 Baabda Declaration calls for Lebanon to disassociate itself from regional conflicts, especially the one in Syria.