Berri on Washington Summit: Success Depends on Ceasefire, Israeli Withdrawal
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that following the Washington summit between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the focus must now be on results on the ground, not just the appearance of the meeting.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Berri said that the focus must be on consolidating the ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from the South, which has not happened yet.
He noted that the withdrawal that took place in Zawtar El Gharbiyeh can hardly be called a pullout because the town is so small and was not fully occupied.
Moreover, [Israel’s] criminal detonations of houses, civilian neighborhoods and infrastructure continue, he added, while also citing Israel’s ongoing attacks against residents.
The achievement of these steps will signal the result of the summit, he stressed.
I have previously demanded that achievements should be made... and that has not happened yet, Berri said.
Asked by Asharq Al-Awsat to comment on Trump’s remark that Berri could join the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel when the desired progress is achieved, the speaker replied: It seems he understands me better than most Lebanese.
