The US Ambassador provided explanations... and Berri: No trust in the Israelis! (Al-Diyar)

The Al-Diyar newspaper reported that "in Ain el-Tineh, in-depth discussions took place between Speaker Nabih Berri and the US Ambassador regarding the Speaker's statement issued following Washington's statement."

Sources familiar with the atmosphere of the meeting indicated to Al-Diyar that "Speaker Berri explained at length to the US Ambassador his remarks on the rejected points, which he did not comment on in his statement regarding what was issued by Washington, reiterating the lack of trust in the Israelis, who did not implement the provisions of Resolution 1701 and the October 24 agreement, and renewing his rejection of them, considering that some are unrelated to the Lebanese file, and others constitute concessions by Lebanon without any reciprocity from 'Israel'."

The newspaper added:

"While Issa attempted to provide explanations regarding the plan, especially the pilot areas that include the return of residents and the entry of the army after the 'Israeli' withdrawal, he did not provide answers regarding the timeframe and verification mechanism, which the 'Israelis' exploit to evade their commitments."

In this context, Speaker Berri reiterated to the Ambassador that what is acceptable to him and Hezbollah is the principle of mutual and simultaneous withdrawal from the South Litani region, following a comprehensive ceasefire, without granting 'Israel' freedom of movement.

The Ambassador promised to study the position and obtain answers!

Concerning the status of the 2300 Hezbollah fighters , President Berri issued the following :

“The Lebanese state accepted the list of 2,300 names of Hezbollah fighters whose withdrawal from south of the Litani River is demanded, but I categorically rejected it.

They are the people of the land and the sons of the South, and no one can uproot them from it."