Interior Minister Highlights End of War as Speaker Berri’s Primary Concern

Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri received Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmed Al-Hajjar at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain Al-Tineh. Their meeting focused on Lebanon’s overall conditions along with the latest political, field, and security developments.

Following the meeting, Minister Al-Hajjar stated, "I had the honor today to visit Speaker Nabih Berri. Meetings with him always carry a special character due to his patriotism, extensive experience, and detailed knowledge of Lebanese and regional affairs. I had planned this visit a few days ago, but it coincided with the announcement yesterday of a regional agreement on a ceasefire across the entire area, including Lebanon."

He added, "The foremost concern for every Lebanese official, especially Speaker Nabih Berri, is ending the war, halting Israeli attacks, securing Israeli withdrawal, facilitating the return of displaced persons, restoring prosperity and stability to the south, and enabling people to resume their normal lives."

Al-Hajjar continued, "Everyone hopes this agreement brings good for Lebanon. All efforts being made are commendable, including those by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, who maintain very close and continuous coordination with Speaker Berri on all matters. We hope the regional agreement and the Lebanese state’s efforts, starting with the President, will soon bring security, safety, an end to bloodshed and war, Israeli withdrawal, restoration of our land and sovereignty, and the return of displaced persons to their towns and regions. I reiterate that we hope the coming days will bring all good to Lebanon."

He also mentioned, "In addition to this, we discussed several internal Lebanese issues, including security matters and preparations for commemorations of Ashura starting tomorrow."

Al-Hajjar pointed out, "God willing, the Lebanese people will remain united and supportive of their state and all officials so the country can overcome its current crisis."

When asked about guarantees to ensure Israel complies with the ceasefire, Minister Al-Hajjar responded, "We always emphasize and look forward to the implementation of any ceasefire agreement. We welcome any party capable of assisting Lebanon. However, the foundation begins within Lebanon, requiring unity among Lebanese officials and solidarity among the Lebanese people. This collective effort supports officials to work seriously toward the actual application of any ceasefire and stopping attacks. I reiterate that the main objectives in the upcoming phase must be Israeli withdrawal, the return of displaced persons, the release of prisoners, and reconstruction. These will be key challenges that all officials will work intensively to address."

Regarding the absence of an official Lebanese stance on the agreement, Al-Hajjar said, "We learned about the agreement through the media. The first official I met was Speaker Nabih Berri, and I will be in contact with the President and the Speaker as usual every day. There is also a Cabinet session this afternoon. In any case, no official or Lebanese citizen can do anything but welcome any step that leads to a ceasefire and helps Lebanon overcome this crisis."

Speaker Berri also received former MP Nazih Najm.

On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, President Berri received a congratulatory message from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which read: "I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the beginning of the new Hijri year."

The message added, "On the anniversary of the noble Prophet’s migration, whose noble teachings guide us, we pray to God Almighty to make this a year of goodness and prosperity and to bring security and peace to all Islamic nations, wishing the Lebanese people further progress and prosperity."