Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday held discussions with Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Chen Chuandong, at the second presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh. The meeting focused on developments in Lebanon and the region, the latest field updates, the repercussions of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the displacement dossier, and bilateral relations between Lebanon and China.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Speaker Berri also met with Nicolas Von Arx, the Near and Middle East Regional Director for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The meeting included Agn¨s Durand, the head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, and Shawki Amin al-Din, the ICRC's Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon. They discussed the ICRC's humanitarian missions amidst the escalating Israeli aggression and its humanitarian consequences. A detailed presentation on the humanitarian situation and the displaced persons' dossier was provided.
The ICRC delegation confirmed their continued presence on the ground, particularly in the most affected and hard-to-reach areas, to support those affected alongside other organizations aiding displaced persons in shelters. They highlighted their efforts in southern Lebanon, particularly in Tebnine and Marjeyoun, to ensure aid and healthcare services reach those in need as these areas become increasingly isolated.
The delegation emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, infrastructure, essential services, paramedics, and medical personnel. Speaker Berri praised the vital humanitarian role played by the ICRC during these challenging times.
Additionally, Speaker Berri held talks with Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Gebran Bassil and a delegation from the Strong Lebanon Bloc, which included MPs Ghassan Atallah, Edgar Traboulsi, Asaad Dergham, and George Atallah. Present were also the Free Patriotic Movement's Vice President for Political Affairs, Martine Kteily, and Speaker Berri's Political Advisor, MP Ali Hassan Khalil. The delegation presented the Free Patriotic Movement's proposal aimed at protecting Lebanon, discussing the latest political and field developments, particularly concerning displaced persons and ways to provide them with shelter and necessities amid the ongoing Israeli aggression.
After the meeting, MP Bassil emphasized the critical importance of national unity as the foundation of Lebanon and its survival.