Berri says national unity and civil peace are red lines

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri stressed Friday that "national unity and civil peace are red lines that will not be crossed under any circumstances."

He emphasized that "any attack on these two pillars, from any side, is an attack on Lebanon's very existence and a free gift to the Israeli enemy and its projects, which can only succeed through sectarian strife."

Berri was speaking hours after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah entered into effect.

Berri added: "Sectarian strife is dormant, and may God curse those who awaken it."

Berri continued: "I take this opportunity, on the first day of the ceasefire and the return of residents to their villages and towns, to reiterate my gratitude to Beirut, which, like Mt. Lebanon and the north, opened its doors and neighborhoods to those displaced from the south, the southern suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley."

Berri also expressed his "dismay, condemnation, and rejection" of the celebratory gunfire that took place overnight in relation to the ceasefire with Israel, asserting that "every bullet fired into the air, in addition to posing a threat to the lives of civilians and endangering people's properties, is an affront to their dignity and a violation not only of the law but also of all divine laws."

In separate remarks to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, Berri expressed his "cautious" satisfaction with the ceasefire agreement, while simultaneously reiterating his rejection of "direct negotiations" with Israel.

He stated that his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, confirmed during a phone call on Thursday morning that the ceasefire was reached according to a comprehensive formula that included Iran.

Berri stated that the important thing now is that the process has moved forward, describing the ceasefire is a step in the right direction.

He also emphasized that he is not at all worried about the internal situation, which is becoming "increasingly stable," following the ceasefire.