Berri Proposes Exchange of President for 1701 to Five-Country Coalition

In recent discussions with a five-nation group focusing on Lebanon and other diplomatic entities, Hezbollah, through Speaker Nabih Berri and various officials, has expressed its readiness to adhere to Resolution 1701. However, this commitment comes with a caveat, as reported by diplomatic sources to the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. Hezbollah insists on the condition that the Lebanese authority overseeing this implementation must not be adversarial towards them.

The sources reveal that Hezbollah seeks a Lebanese governing body that offers them security, particularly concerned about withdrawing from the area south of the Litani River if faced with a hostile president or authority. This apprehension stems from a fear of betrayal by the national leadership. Consequently, Hezbollah is asking for political assurances as a prerequisite for fulfilling Resolution 1701.

This situation aligns with the stance of Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces. Geagea has emphasized that the Lebanese presidency should not be viewed as a mere compensatory position, either in domestic politics or in strategic terms. He asserts that the execution of Resolution 1701 should be independent of the presidential role, emphasizing a clear separation between the two issues.