Berri Refuses to Isolate LF, Slams Geagea’s ‘Ingratitude’

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly referred to Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea as “ungrateful,” according to his visitors, as mentioned in Ad-Diyar newspaper on Friday. Berri stated that he had opposed holding a dialogue without the participation of the Lebanese Forces (LF).

Berri recounted rejecting a proposal from Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil, which suggested proceeding with dialogue and elections even if some MPs chose to boycott. “I declined that idea without hesitation because I cannot support the exclusion of any Lebanese group, especially the Lebanese Forces party, which is the largest Christian bloc in parliament,” Berri explained.

“It is perplexing that my stance was met with such incomprehensible ingratitude,” he added.

In an effort to resolve the presidential deadlock, opposition lawmakers initiated a proposal on Tuesday, offering two suggestions to facilitate the presidential election, including holding consultations in parliament without Berri presiding.

Amal MP Qassem Hashem remarked that Berri’s initiative is the most efficient path to elect a president and that “anything else would be a waste of time.”

In response, Geagea accused Hezbollah and Amal of rejecting dialogue, stating, “They have been advocating for dialogue continuously. Their deceit and hypocrisy are now clear to all Lebanese. The mask has fallen.”