Berri Engages in Critical Discussions on Lebanon’s Political and Security Landscape.

Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri has been actively engaging in discussions with key political and international figures, focusing on Lebanon's political and security developments. On Wednesday, Berri met with Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at the Second Presidency in Ain al-Tineh, where Bou Habib provided insights from his recent international meetings and discussed the latest political developments affecting the country. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Berri also held a meeting with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, to deliberate on the political and field developments within Lebanon. This meeting was part of a series of engagements that underscore the ongoing efforts to address the complex political situation in the country. In a separate engagement, Berri convened with Deputy House Speaker Elias Bou Saab to focus on legislative matters and the prevailing political climate. Bou Saab addressed two significant topics following this meeting. He criti cized Israel's actions as violations of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that such actions breach the terms of the agreement, which does not permit aggression. Bou Saab noted that Berri assured him of the prompt activation of a monitoring committee to enhance enforcement of the agreement and reduce violations. Regarding the presidential election, Bou Saab confirmed that the parliamentary session scheduled for January 9 will proceed as planned, highlighting the necessity for consensus. He stressed the importance of electing a candidate who can secure 86 votes, representing unity rather than division, and warned against electing a president with a narrow margin of 65 votes, which could exacerbate divisions. Bou Saab concluded by emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in the upcoming phase to ensure stability, restore trust, and initiate rebuilding efforts in Lebanon.