American envoy Amos Hochstein and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, in Maarab, Nov. 19, 2024. Photo from the Christian leader's X account
Article 52 of the Constitution grants the president the power to “negotiate international treaties in consultation with the Prime Minister,” specifying that such agreements “shall enter into force only after the Cabinet’s approval.” However, in the absence of a president, it is the Cabinet that exercises his powers. This has prompted several experts to suggest that the caretaker Prime Minister should be the one leading the negotiations. But, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, does not seem to agree. There is no longer any doubt: Berri is taking full advantage of his unique position on the political scene. He leads cease-fire talks with the international community in a president-less Lebanon and, at the same time, he is the ‘big brother’ to whom Hezbollah has entrusted the difficult task of negotiating an end to the hostilities. Read more...
Article 52 of the Constitution grants the president the power to “negotiate international treaties in consultation with the Prime Minister,” specifying that such agreements “shall enter into force only after the Cabinet’s approval.” However, in the absence of a president, it is the Cabinet that exercises his powers. This has prompted several experts to suggest that the caretaker Prime Minister should be the one leading the negotiations. But, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, does not seem to agree. There is no longer any doubt: Berri is taking full advantage of his unique position on the political scene. He leads cease-fire talks with the international community in a president-less Lebanon and, at the same time, he is the ‘big brother’ to whom Hezbollah has entrusted the difficult task of negotiating an end to the...
