Berri Meets al-Rahi: You Shouldn’t Fear the Resistance, But You Must Protect it
Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Monday that Lebanon is committed to the implementation of international resolutions, noting that Israel’s failure to respect them resulted in the formation of the Resistance.
He said while hosting Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi over a luncheon banquet in the southern town of Msayleh: “The Resistance will defend Lebanon against any aggression and we say to all sides that they should protect it rather than fear it.”
He therefore demanded that the international community pressure Israel to withdraw from the Shabaa Farms and Kfarshouba hills and halt its ongoing violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
“Mutual coexistence in Lebanon is a strength that Israel lacks,” Berri noted before a crowd of dignitaries that included President Michel Suleiman.
“We are keen on direct, frank, and unconditional dialogue in order to reach an agreement over a defense strategy,” the Speaker stressed.
“Dialogue and building trust are central to building partnership among all sides,” he stated.
“We should all stand by the patriarch in liberating man from his fears and insecurities in Lebanon,” Berri said
For his part, al-Rahi noted that the southern residents have put their past behind them, and they now long for a new chapter of partnership between all towns and villages of the South “on condition that it takes place through dialogue”.
He also commended the efforts of the Lebanese army, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and security forces in maintaining the country’s security.
“The Lebanese are now ready for dialogue after 36 years of sacrifices,” he stressed.
The Patriarch concluded his three-day tour of the South on Monday.
He kicked off the tour by visiting Tyre and several other towns on Saturday.
On Sunday, he visited several towns, including the Druze town of Bayyada in Hasbaya.
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