October 22, 2026
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nabih Berri, stressed the priority of fortifying the Lebanese arena in light of a delicate stage in which political and security challenges intersect with escalating debates and divisions, considering that internal unity remains the basic foundation for protecting the country and preventing its slide toward further tension.
In a press interview with Al-Jumhuriya newspaper, Berri stressed that Lebanon “is in desperate need of something that brings the Lebanese together,” calling for strengthening the language of understanding and dialogue and staying away from inflammatory and sectarian rhetoric that deepens tensions and threatens civil peace. In this context, he asked: “What interest is there in provoking sectarian tensions and convulsions?”, denouncing the recent practices that deal with a group of Lebanese as if they were strangers, and warning of cases of preventing a citizen from purchasing a property in a certain area because of his sectarian or sectarian affiliation.
In a related context, Al-Jumhuriya reported that Berri advised Prime Minister Nawaf Salam not to refer the issue of the confiscated explosives to the Judicial Council. In parallel, Berri renewed his adherence to the Taif Agreement, stressing that “internal unity is the only weapon to protect our country,” and stressing that the current stage cannot tolerate raising any issues that raise confusion or disturb the internal peace, which requires awareness and true partnership between the national components.
On the diplomatic and development level, Berri expressed his satisfaction with the results of the Qatari delegation’s visit to Beirut, considering that it reflected a serious effort to address the chronic electricity crisis. He also welcomed the atmosphere of his meeting with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the ideas and positions it brought in support of Lebanon.
In the legislative file, Berri announced his strong objection to any project or proposal that aims to amend the Israel Boycott Law or cancel its effects, blocking the way for any attempt to raise this matter in the Parliament. As for the by-parliamentary elections in the Western Bekaa to fill the seat vacant by the death of MP Ghassan Skaff, Berri stressed that they must be held, expressing his surprise that they have not been completed yet.
Regarding the file of the International Emergency Forces (UNIFIL), Berri stressed the unity of the Lebanese position adhering to Resolution 1701, the survival of international forces, and the survival of the south under the umbrella of the United Nations. He pointed out that the French side stands by Lebanon and shows sincerity in its support, pointing out in return that the international atmosphere opposes French efforts.
