NNA – House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Tuesday received at the Second Presidency in Ain El-Tineh, the Dean of the Order of Engineers of Beirut, Fadi Hanna, and Dean of the Order of Engineers of Tripoli and the North, Chawki Fatfat, accompanied by members of both syndical councils, who came on a protocol visit.

Speaker Berri hailed the competitive and democratic atmosphere that prevailed in the recent elections of the two unions, stressing “the pivotal role that the free professions unions, including the lawyers and engineers unions, must play in creating the resurrection of Lebanon and presenting its best image at home and abroad.”

 Berri reiterated that "Lebanon is not a bankrupt country, but rather a defaulter in paying depositors their dues, which are sacred, whether they belong to individuals, unions, or institutions, and must be returned to their owners sooner or later."

Discussions during the meeting also reporetdly touched on union demands and affairs related to engineers.

Separately, Berri received the Venezuelan Ambassador to Lebanon, Jesus Gregorio Gonzalez, with whom he broached the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Berri later received Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Dr. Abdallah Bou Habib, with whom he discussed the latest political developments.

On the other hand, Berri has called for a general discussion session on stances regarding the European initiative, scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th at 11:00 am. 

=============== L.Y