Lebanese Speaker Berri Defends Resistance Arms, Urges Calm National Dialogue

Marking the 47th anniversary of the disappearance of Imam Sayyed Musa Sadr and his two companions, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reaffirmed his openness to discussing the issue of arms—”our pride and our honor”—but only within the framework of a calm, consensus-driven national dialogue under the constitution.

Speaker Berri firmly rejected any attempt to impose outcomes “under threats, the erosion of the National Pact, constitutional violations, or attempts to dismantle the ceasefire agreement.”

Tribute to Resistance and Its Martyrs
Berri paid tribute to all martyrs, particularly those killed in the latest Israeli aggression on Lebanon, and saluted Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, describing him as a lifelong companion on the path of resistance.

He underlined that Lebanon has fully implemented UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while Israel has flagrantly violated all of its provisions—politically and militarily.

Turning to domestic affairs, Speaker Berri defended the position of ministers from the Amal-Hezbollah alliance, asserting that their actions were “national, not sectarian,” and motivated by concern for the country’s stability. He condemned attempts to scapegoat the Lebanese Army, which he called “the nation’s shield and stronghold, now and always.”
Rejecting the US Proposal as an Alternative to a Ceasefire
On the latest American diplomatic proposal, Berri dismissed it outright, stating that the so-called “American paper” fails to uphold the principle of limiting arms to the state and instead seeks to replace the standing ceasefire agreement. He stressed that the Israeli enemy has ignored the proposal altogether while expanding its presence in southern Lebanon.

Additionally, Berri warned of the dangerous convergence of ignorance and extremism, calling it “a direct path to national ruin.” He also condemned rising hate speech, blaming some media outlets for “providing platforms for incitement and division.” Reiterating his position, Berri declared, “We are advocates of unity and cooperation—nothing else.”

No Compromise on Imam Sadr
Addressing the ongoing case of Imam Musa al-Sadr’s disappearance, Berri stated firmly, “We will neither bargain nor forgive.” He accused current Libyan authorities of obstructing Lebanese judicial efforts, saying their lack of cooperation “raises serious suspicion and places them squarely in the circle of complicity.”

Support for President Aoun’s Inaugural Address
Berri reaffirmed his support for the content of President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural address and reiterated his readiness to engage in a constructive national dialogue on the future of arms in Lebanon—as long as it is based on consensus.

The Lebanese Speaker of the Parliament concluded by warning that “demonic minds” pose a greater threat to Lebanon than the weapons of the resistance, which liberated occupied land. He added that Lebanon remains targeted within the framework of the so-called ‘Greater Israel’ project, asking, “Isn’t the recent visit by the Zionist Chief of Staff to South Lebanon an insult to our sovereignty?”