Berri: No Power Can Force Disposing of Syria's Chemical Arsenal in Lebanon
Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Thursday that no international power can force the disposition of Syria's chemical arms in Lebanon.
"Sources close to the Hague assured that there are unofficial reports saying Lebanon will take part in the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons,” Berri said in a speech he gave during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Imam Sadr Foundation.
He assured, however: "No international power can convince or force us to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in Lebanon.”
Berri tackled the political deadlock in his speech, urging the resumption of national dialogue sessions.
"I am banking on dialogue and on the principals included in the initiative I came forward with on August 31,” he noted.
The Shiite leader had suggested in a televised speech he gave in the 35th memory of the disappearance of spiritual leader Moussa al-Sadr holding a five-day dialogue retreat to discuss pending issues in the country.
He proposed to President Michel Suleiman “setting a roadmap that includes holding a five-day dialogue retreat to discuss the formation of the cabinet and its policy statement.”
Berri added: “I reassure that the basis is trust in Arab-Iranian relations, due to their regional importance.”
"Holding the Geneva II summit will help in liberating Lebanon from regional crises, in the formation of a new cabinet and in launching legislative work at the parliament.”
"The international agenda is no longer the same. Our goal is to fill in the gap that was caused by political vacuum,” he said.
“Halting the cabinet's formation will drag Lebanon into a dangerous place.”
The Speaker called on officials to protect the Lebanese petroleum, warning against Israeli dangers and aspirations to violate the country's land and sea.
He also demanded urging the United Nations to commit to U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.
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