Exclusive interview with Berri: ‘We insist on the application of Resolution 1701 as it stands’

Lebanon finds itself navigating precarious terrain on political, diplomatic and military fronts.

Berri is at the helm of this delicate balancing act. His role as the primary negotiator holds significant weight amidst tensions along the southern front. Berri’s objective is clear: To pursue a political resolution and prevent the escalation of conflict that has embroiled Hezbollah and its allies in the “Axis of Resistance” against Israel since Oct.8, after Hamas’ surprise attack the day before.

For Berri, the situation in the south is of paramount importance, warranting both domestic and international attention. He emphasized that major powers must not exclusively heed Israel’s demands for a cessation of hostilities.

In an interview with L’Orient-Le Jour, Berri outlined his strategic vision grounded in this inclusive approach.

“We insist on the application of Resolution 1701 as it stands, without adding or taking anything away from it,” Berri told L’Orient-Le Jour. “It is a decision of the UN Security Council and all countries must comply with it.”

In broad terms, Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 war, provides for Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River in exchange for halting Israeli intrusions into Lebanese sovereign territory.

“Efforts have been made to amend this resolution, whether through diplomatic channels at the Security Council or through indirect means,” Berri said. “We, however, have conveyed to all stakeholders our steadfast rejection of any modifications to the text and insist on its full implementation by both parties.”

When asked about the application of Resolution 1701, Berri said, “It entails the cessation of military operations on both sides, as well as the halt of Israeli violations and ongoing aggression against Lebanon via land, air and sea.”

“Additionally, the resolution addresses the issue of liberating occupied territories, including the Shebaa farms. From this standpoint, any subject open for debate on our end falls within the scope of this resolution. Consequently, we are not engaged in negotiations to pursue new treaties or agreements, especially given the absence of a President of the Republic at this stage, and Lebanon’s inability to enter into new agreements.”

Amidst warnings from the Christian camp, spearheaded by the Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, cautioning against finalizing border agreements during a presidential vacuum — as this task falls under the president’s prerogative — Berri seeks to allay concerns: “I am not assuming another’s role; I am simply fulfilling our duty.”

“When I spearheaded negotiations on the framework agreement for demarcating the maritime border [delineated in October 2022], I did so with the authorization of then-President, Michel Aoun, and then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri.”

“What is unfolding now is fundamentally distinct and pertains to the implementation of international resolutions,” Berri added.

‘To speak of Hezbollah fighters’ withdrawal is nonsensical’

Regarding Israeli demands for the withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Litani, Berri dismissed such rhetoric as illogical. He explained that what is essential is the cessation of military operations and the absence of any military movements or activities in the region, as stipulated by the 1701 agreement.

“To speak of a withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters and members is nonsensical,” Berri said. “I’ve stated it before and I’ll reiterate: It’s easier to relocate the Litani River further south than to displace Hezbollah northward.”

He went on to say, “I responded in this manner to diplomats who approached me due to the recurrent mention of this unreasonable demand.”

“Members of Hezbollah, the Amal movement, or any faction of the resistance are sons of the south, the inhabitants of these villages,” Berri added. He emphasized the absurdity of calling for their expulsion, stating, “What we seek is the return of those displaced by war,” because of the war.

“Some have suggested that Hezbollah should withdraw with its weapons 10 kilometers away,” he added. “However, the implementation of Resolution 1701 permits much more than that, encompassing the entirety of the south of the Litani. The essence, however, is the cessation of military operations and activities.”

Berri underscored a crucial distinction between the regular army and the “resistance.”

“The regular army may withdraw a unit or brigade from a particular area, as its members are not necessarily native to that region,” he said. “However, the situation differs with a popular resistance, where fighters are indigenous to the land they defend.”

‘I will be the first’ to defend Lebanon

Berri stressed Lebanon’s stance as a deterrent force. “Neither Hezbollah, its Secretary-General, nor I desire war,” he said.

“While Hezbollah stands in solidarity with Gaza, it also defends Lebanon,” he added. “The same applies to Amal.”

“However, in the event of an Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon, I, alongside my movement, will be at the forefront to defend our nation,” the speaker added. “We will precede Hezbollah.”

Berri said that Amal lacks the military capabilities for long-range attacks or operations. “If we possessed such weaponry, we would not conceal it,” he added.

Berri disclosed ongoing communication with American envoy Amos Hochstein regarding international negotiations involving Lebanon.

“Our most recent meeting took place just days ago,” Berri said. “Hochstein reiterated proposals previously made during his last visit to Lebanon. I suggested that a written document detailing all aspects of the proposals would be preferable,” he added. “He promised to do so within a few days.”

Berri indicated that the American proposals are now well known: “Primarily, to cease military operations; secondly, to facilitate the return of displaced persons, both Lebanese and Israeli; and thirdly, to explore the comprehensive implementation of Resolution 1701, including discussions on Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories, or what they refer to as disputed areas.”

‘How can the Frangieh option be discarded without dialogue?’

In addition to monitoring developments in the south, Berri remains committed to brokering an agreement on the presidential election.

He emphasized that “there is no alternative to dialogue within Parliament.”

“If agreement is reached on this principle, then electoral sessions can be convened,” he added. This aligns with the consensus reached with the quintet comprising the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.

“When the ambassadors of these five countries visited me, they conveyed their unified stance of neither endorsing nor vetoing any candidate,” Berri explained. “In return, I clarified that the presidential election is unrelated to developments in the south.”

“Instead of convening a meeting at the foreign minister or delegate level, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian has initiated discussions with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt,” Berri explained. “Subsequently, [Le Drian] will coordinate with the Americans to formulate a unified position. He will then return to Lebanon to brief the Lebanese.”

“We [Amal and Hezbollah] continue to endorse our candidate, Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh,” Berri said. “How can we be expected to withdraw our support for him without engaging in dialogue and reaching an agreement on an alternative candidate? Is such a move even feasible?”

Akin to Saudi Arabia

In this context, the speaker emphasized his primary concern for Lebanon to receive support not only from the international community but also from Arab and Gulf nations, notably Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

“During my discussions with the ambassadors of the quintet, I underscored our desire to reach a consensus under Arab auspices and emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Lebanon,” Berri said.

He further explained, “Without this Arab commitment, particularly from the Gulf, Lebanon will struggle to recover.” Berri stressed the necessity for both internal and external political consensus, alongside a comprehensive reform agenda.

“Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) has spearheaded an extensive program of reforms and revitalization in Saudi Arabia, guiding his country toward economic, political and cultural prosperity,” he said. “This is precisely what Lebanon requires.”

Berri further elaborated, “We have no illusions about relying solely on Saudi interest in the form of aid and financial support.”

“That’s not our objective, nor is it how they perceive the situation,” he added. “The relationship must be founded on shared interests, which entail investments mutually advantageous for both countries, rather than mere donations and aid.”

This article was originally published in L'Orient-Le Jour. Translated by Sahar Ghoussoub.