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, Al Mayadeen reported.
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 regime.
Violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Zionist regime 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.
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.”