BEIRUT: In a statement released on Friday, Lebanon’s House Speaker Nabih Berri expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron, the French government, and the international community for their role in organizing a conference aimed at supporting Lebanon amid its ongoing challenges. The conference, held in Paris, addressed Lebanon’s sovereignty as well as its financial, political, and humanitarian needs.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Berri extended his thanks to the European Union, the Lebanese government, and various participating countries, including Arab and international allies. He highlighted the conference’s focus on supporting Lebanon, its citizens, and its military in the face of aggression from Israel. Berri emphasized that this aggression poses a threat to Lebanon’s people, heritage, culture, and regional role.

Berri praised the outcomes of the conference, specifically noting the financial assistance allocated for displaced persons and the strengthening of the Lebanese army. H
e underscored the importance of maintaining national sovereignty, particularly in areas south of the Litani River, through coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as per UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Berri stated that the support from the international community reinforces Lebanon’s resolve in confronting what he described as an existential threat. He expressed hope that the global community would implement the conference’s recommendations, urging a serious humanitarian approach to protect Lebanon and its people from further aggression.