Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri, during a meeting with the Press Syndicate Council delegation led by Dean Aouni al-Kaaki, reaffirmed that the current electoral law will remain in effect and that parliamentary elections will proceed accordingly. Berri emphasized that there will be no cancellation or postponement of the elections, highlighting a collective desire for them to take place. He also expressed openness to any consensus-forming solutions addressing contentious issues, particularly regarding the expatriate vote.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Berri underscored the longstanding demand by himself and the Development Bloc for implementing the Taif Agreement, especially its provisions concerning the electoral law and the establishment of a Senate. He noted that while this could impinge on the powers of Parliament and its Speaker, he remains agreeable to implementing the agreement, questioning whether others would concur with this approach.
In separate engagements, Speaker Berri met with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, at Ain al-Tineh. Their discussions reportedly covered the current general situation, recent developments, and the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the United States. Additionally, Berri held talks with Talal Arslan, head of the Lebanese Democratic Party, and former minister Saleh Gharib, focusing on Lebanon's general situation and the latest political developments.