Lebanese Parliament Speaker Berri Slams US Envoy’s ‘Unacceptable’ Remarks on Syria
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has condemned comments made by a US envoy regarding the relationship between Lebanon and Syria.
Berri stated that diplomats should not threaten the Lebanese people and that such language is inappropriate. He specifically addressed remarks made by US envoy Tom Barak about Lebanon potentially joining Syria, labeling them a “big mistake” that is entirely unacceptable.
The Parliament Speaker affirmed that Lebanon is committed to negotiating through established mechanisms on fundamental principles. These principles include the withdrawal of Israel, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the restriction of weapons south of the Litani River to the Lebanese military.
Berri noted that the Lebanese army has already implemented 90% of the ceasefire agreement provisions in the area south of the Litani River and expects to complete the remaining aspects by the end of the year.
Tom Barak, the US envoy, had recently made provocative statements about the possibility of annexing Lebanese territory to Syria. He reportedly stated that if Lebanon does not take action, it risks becoming part of Syria, further claiming that some Syrians view Lebanon as merely a coastal resort. Barak’s initial threatening tone against Lebanon triggered strong reactions.
Following the backlash, Barak seemingly walked back his threats, asserting that he did not intend to threaten Lebanon. He claimed that the US is striving to foster equal relations between Damascus and Beirut based on support for sovereignty.
