No Talks Until a Ceasefire is Reached in Lebanon: Berri

By Al Mayadeen English

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri rules out a presidential meeting, saying the political process in Lebanon is in a stalemate until a ceasefire reached.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Tuesday that all political discussions in Lebanon remain on hold until a real ceasefire is reached, ruling out the possibility of any presidential meeting in the near term.

Berri told visitors who met him at his residence in Ain al-Tineh that “everything is on hold, and no matters will be discussed before a ceasefire is reached,” stressing that the current priority is to halt the war.

Asked about the Lebanese president’s remarks calling for a ceasefire before negotiations, Berri deferred the question to the president, asking, “Where is the ceasefire today?”

Addressing reports of a potential government reshuffle discussed with a Saudi envoy, Berri reiterated that “the priority is a ceasefire,” adding that government matters remain on hold until the ceasefire in Lebanon is officially settled.

According to the visitors, Berri indicated that hopes remain tied to the possibility of serious progress in ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad.

He also warned against any attempts to manipulate the Lebanese pound’s exchange rate, cautioning that such actions could have catastrophic consequences on the country.

Meanwhile, confrontations continue along the Lebanese-Palestinian border, where the Resistance in Lebanon is confronting ongoing aggressive attacks by the Israeli occupation. 

Violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli occupation have also persisted, with airstrikes targeting towns and villages across southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties and extensive destruction, including the demolition of homes and buildings.

Lebanon stresses ceasefire preconditions in talks with 'Israel'

Against this backdrop of stalled diplomacy and continued escalation on the ground, Lebanon’s top leadership has sought to present a unified position on the conditions for any future talks.

In the context of the Lebanese president's remarks yesterday, President Joseph Aoun said that Lebanon’s position on the ongoing engagement with "Israel" remains unchanged.

Speaking to a delegation from Hasbaya and Arkoub, Aoun said, “We informed the American side, which is commendably engaged in its efforts, from the very first moment that a ceasefire is a necessary first step for any subsequent negotiations. This is what we reiterated in the two sessions held at the ambassadorial level on April 14 and 23.”

He added that this position was already reflected in a US State Department statement following the first meeting, citing a "clear commitment" that “Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets on Lebanese territory by land, sea, and air.” This commitment has yet to crystallize, as "Israel" continues to strike South Lebanon and Bekaa.

Aoun emphasized that this remains Lebanon’s official stance, saying, “This is the official position of the Lebanese state regarding what is happening in Lebanon or in Washington, and we are not concerned with any other statements, and there is no official Lebanese endorsement of them.”