October 20, 2026
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nabih Berri, continued his political and diplomatic consultations at the headquarters of the Second Presidency in Ain al-Tineh, where he reviewed developments in the general situation in Lebanon and the region with a number of official and diplomatic figures, and the scene was highlighted by his meeting with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Nabil Fahmy.
Berri held an extensive discussion session with Fahmi and the accompanying delegation, which dealt with political and field developments in light of the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon. During the meeting, Fahmy presented to Berri a portion of his book on the Middle East, entitled “In the Making: The Middle East between the Transformations of the International System and Regional Interactions.”
In press statements after the meeting, Fahmy expressed his happiness at visiting Lebanon as one of his first foreign stops since assuming office, noting that this step reflects an Arab and personal commitment to supporting the Lebanese state, its institutions and its people. He explained that the visit comes as an extension of the decisions of the recent Council of Foreign Ministers of the League of Arab States, which affirmed full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Fahmi confirmed that he heard from Speaker Berri a detailed assessment that puts “the priority of Lebanon and its issues” at the forefront, pointing out his intention to follow up on the ideas presented by Berri in Arab and international forums to mobilize support for Lebanese institutions, especially to confront Israeli attacks and strengthen internal unity.
Regarding his scheduled visit to southern Lebanon, Fahmi indicated that he informed Berri in advance of its details and received his welcome, stressing that the visit carries political dimensions aimed at field inspection and rejection of Israeli attacks, and paves the way for subsequent Arab and international action to provide the necessary aid to Lebanon and the needs of its institutions, most notably the army.
Regarding the file of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States stressed the stability of the Arab position adhering to the international forces remaining under the legitimate cover of the United Nations as the best option. He revealed the existence of an international trend to end the UNIFIL mission, stressing that the League is working to confront it, and stressing that any alternative formula must be based on a positive Lebanese position and clear international legitimacy that ensures that Israel is held accountable for any infringement on it.
During his diplomatic activity in Ain al-Tineh, President Berri received the new Iraqi ambassador to Lebanon, Muhammad Reda al-Husseini, in a protocol visit that dealt with bilateral relations and discussed the general situation. He also met with the Presidential Advisor, Brigadier General Andre Rahal, to discuss the latest developments.
On another level, the Speaker of the House of Representatives cabled Pope Leo
