Speaker Nabih Berri Calls for UNIFIL to Stay Until Resolution 1701 Is Fully Implemented

At the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri received the commander of UNIFIL forces operating in southern Lebanon, Major General Diodato Abagnara, with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lebanon and Humanitarian Coordinator, Imran Riza, present. The meeting focused on developments in the south, particularly regarding UNIFIL’s operational scope and its multifaceted roles, including humanitarian and economic functions, as well as its support for the Lebanese Army in line with UN Resolution 1701. The discussion also addressed the future presence of UNIFIL in the south and the options available.

Speaker Berri stressed the importance of UNIFIL remaining in place according to its mandate under Resolution 1701 until its full implementation. He also highlighted the necessity of supporting the Lebanese Army in its national mission to deploy along the international borders once the Israeli war on Lebanon ends and the occupying forces withdraw behind Lebanon’s international borders.

Additionally, Berri met with MP Faisal Karami, where they reviewed general developments, the latest political and field updates, and national and legislative affairs.

The Speaker also followed up on political and field developments, the issue of displaced persons, and legislative matters during his meeting with the head of the Parliamentary Health Committee and Democratic Gathering member, MP Bilal Abdullah. After the meeting, Abdullah stated:

“I was honored to meet Speaker Nabih Berri today. Our initial discussion focused on the current political situation, especially following the US-Iran agreement and its repercussions on Lebanon. I believe the efforts exerted by Speaker Berri and all Lebanese authorities aim to achieve a ceasefire. This agreement and its positive effects might influence the withdrawal process and security arrangements between us and the Israeli enemy.”

He added, “The political scene remains cautiously optimistic. We hope that after Friday and the days that follow, we will move toward serious optimism to complete negotiations with the Israeli enemy so that all our people can return to their lands and homes. There must be a dignified return and the start of reconstruction, especially considering that the scale of destruction and losses this time is greater than ever.”

Abdullah continued, “The second and essential issue discussed with the Speaker was my request for support, which I will also address with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, to assist municipalities, towns, and villages that have hosted our people. These municipalities have been drained over the past four months. I raised this request repeatedly with Speaker Berri, Prime Minister Salam, and other concerned parties, including the head of the Progressive Socialist Party, Taymour Jumblatt, during multiple visits. We received promises, but unfortunately, no direct support has yet been provided to these municipalities. I speak particularly about Mount Lebanon, which I have the honor to represent, especially the Chouf and Iqlim areas, which have fulfilled their duties fully. This is a national duty before it is a humanitarian one. I believe the government must stand by the resilience of these municipalities, especially since part of the infrastructure has been exhausted by the resources allocated to shelters and our hosted people. Speaker Berri was understanding and supportive and will take the necessary actions in coordination with the Minister of Finance.”

He added, “Today, I submitted an urgent draft law to the Parliament proposing to exempt host municipalities — I emphasize host municipalities, as some have not hosted displaced persons — from waste disposal fees imposed on them, at least for four to six months. This is part of supporting the resilience of these municipalities and thanking them for their hosting, which may extend since the war has not ended. I consider this stance necessary and will definitely continue to pursue it with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. We should also seriously discuss finding shelter centers outside schools so that the younger generation can continue their education if the war or attacks prolong or if the dignified return of our people to their villages and lands is delayed.”

Regarding the third and final point discussed with Speaker Berri, Abdullah said, “We have always relied on his support since we launched the comprehensive health coverage project or the health card. We initiated it during our first visit here as a subcommittee, and we discussed it with the President of the Republic, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in full coordination with the Minister of Health, Dr. Rakan Nasrallah, who supports this project. We completed it within the subcommittee and discussed it in a single, brief session in the joint committees. I asked the Speaker to expedite the discussion of this project because Lebanese citizens still suffer indignity in obtaining health coverage. We studied this project in detail and consulted many countries worldwide to benefit from their experiences. I visited Washington to review the World Bank’s experiences with countries similar to Lebanon. What we have achieved is a complete study regarding revenue assurance, management, and appropriate coverage for the Lebanese people, which they deserve.”

He continued, “It is time to implement this project. Speaker Berri attaches great importance to it and has taken steps and made calls to accelerate this file. We appreciate his efforts and support to see this law enacted and implemented. Unfortunately, there are similar strong and necessary laws for the Lebanese people, such as the pension and social protection system or the National Drug Authority system, which the government delays implementing. I do not know the objective reasons for this delay, but as the Parliamentary Health Committee, the subcommittee, and the Parliament, we always feel, along with Speaker Berri, the social and health needs of the people. We must complete this project. This was the main point in our meeting today, and I believe Speaker Berri is a fundamental supporter determined to see this law enacted as soon as possible. Thank you.”

Later in the afternoon, Berri also met with Minister of Education and Higher Education Reema Karami. The meeting addressed general conditions, especially educational matters and the official exams file. After the meeting, Minister Karami said:

“I visited Speaker Berri today to brief him on the progress of affairs. As you know, everyone is focused on the official exams, and I wanted to update him on all developments, particularly on the consultations I held yesterday with a group representing all unions and schools in the education sector.

We will continue these consultations, and hopefully, the outlook suggests we will reach a consensual solution that balances the consideration of conditions in areas exposed to aggression, especially in the south, while ensuring justice and fairness for all. We also aim to maintain our country’s image by showing resilience not only in fighting but also in education. I always thank Speaker Berri for his continuous support.”

Responding to a question about how the conditions of displaced students in shelters are being considered, Minister Karami replied, “The Speaker and I agreed that there are significant regional developments currently underway. We are all watching closely and hoping for the best. God forbid, if the situation deteriorates, all this discussion would become meaningless. Therefore, we are awaiting regional developments and monitoring them closely. As Prime Minister Salam said, I am tasked with reconsidering the plan for this matter, and I will return to the Cabinet with the results. At the same time, we have allowed room for regional developments. Thank you very much.”