Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri received UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his accompanying delegation at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh. The meeting included United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza, and Speaker Berri's Media Advisor Ali Hamdan.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting focused on the developments in Lebanon and the region, with particular attention to the political and field updates amid the escalating Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Discussions highlighted the impact on all levels, especially concerning displacement and the forced relocation of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese from their homes. The role of UNIFIL forces was also a critical point of discussion.
Berri reiterated to Guterres Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701, emphasizing the necessity of UNIFIL forces in coordination with the Lebanese army for its implementation. He urged for measures to compel Israel to cease its aggression and adhere to the November 2024 agreement.
Following the meeting, UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed his solidarity with the Lebanese people, noting the significance of his visit during Ramadan and Lent. He acknowledged the suffering of the Lebanese people and called for an immediate ceasefire. Guterres emphasized the importance of peace and serious negotiations to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging UN support to help Lebanon overcome its challenges.