NNA – House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Thursday welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Ain el-Tineh. The meeting was attended by Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Cypriot Ambassador to Lebanon Maria Hadjitheodosiou, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, Lebanese MP Fadi Alameh, Lebanese Ambassador to Belgium Fadi El Hajj Ali, as well as Berri's media advisor Ali Hamdan.
During the approximately hour-long meeting, discussions centered on the general situation in Lebanon and the region in light of Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon and Gaza, as well as the Syrian refugee crisis and its repercussions.
Berri thanked the Europe for "its contribution and participation within the framework of UNIFIL forces on land and at sea," expressing appreciation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Christodoulides for their highly significant visit at this crucial stage for Lebanon and the region.
"Lebanon does not seek war and has remained committed to the rules of engagement, which Israel continues to violate by targeting Lebanon's depth, its villages, and border towns. Israel has not spared civilians, journalists, agricultural areas, or ambulances, and has used internationally prohibited weapons in its aggression,” Berri said.
"Lebanon is awaiting the success of international efforts to stop the aggression in Gaza, which will certainly have repercussions on Lebanon and the region. Lebanon will then be ready to continue discussions on implementing UN Resolution 1701, to which Lebanon has been and remains committed,” the House Speaker added.
Berri also highlighted the important role of UNRWA, urging countries that have suspended their funding for the organization to "reconsider their decision due to the importance of the role it plays for Palestinian refugees."
Regarding Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Berri considered the meeting "exceptionally practical," proposing "the formation of a committee between Lebanon and the European Union to follow up on the visit and the accompanying meetings."
The proposal was welcomed by the President of the European Commission.
==================R.H.
