Berri Claims Trump Signed Pledge for Lebanon Ceasefire

Speaker Nabih Berri mentioned that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump had signed a commitment at Hassan Abbas’ restaurant in Michigan, pledging to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon once he takes office.

When asked by Mustaqbal Web about the ongoing discussion concerning the future of Lebanon’s Shiite community, Berri declined to engage with what he described as sectarian rhetoric, emphasizing that “all Lebanese are suffering, and no one can take another’s place.”

Commenting on Lebanon’s situation amid the Israeli conflict, Berri stated that decisions are currently driven by the battlefield. He added that U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein might return to Lebanon if there is an indication of positive action from Israel, as an agreement had been reached previously and the next step lies with Israel.

Berri noted that if Hochstein sees cooperation, he could return to Beirut anytime before January 20, the end of Biden’s term, to finalize the agreement. He also assured that people displaced from the south, the Bekaa, and Beirut’s southern suburbs would return to their homes immediately upon a ceasefire, even if it meant enduring temporary hardships.

Recalling the 2006 situation, Berri said he had then called on displaced residents to return, and they had done so without hesitation. He expressed hope for a similar response today.

Before the recent U.S. election, Trump addressed a letter to the Lebanese-American community, just days before his eventual win. The letter was prompted by Hassan Abbas, the restaurant owner, who had asked Trump to commit to ending the conflict in Lebanon during a planned visit by the candidate.

In his letter, Trump highlighted his previous administration’s efforts for peace in the Middle East, pledging to restore stability and resolve issues he attributed to Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, aiming to end Lebanon’s suffering and turmoil.

Trump promised to foster lasting peace in the Middle East, preventing recurrent conflicts, and emphasized his commitment to equal partnerships among Lebanon’s communities. He expressed his vision for a Lebanon where people could live in peace, prosperity, and harmony, attributing this to regional peace and stability.

Trump also voiced his eagerness to collaborate with Lebanese-Americans to ensure the safety and security of the Lebanese people.