Berri discusses Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon with Quintet ambassadors

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received the ambassadors of the Quintet countries at Ain al-Tineh on Tuesday, with whom he notably discussed the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanon, reports the National News Agency (NNA).

Following the meeting, Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa described the talks as “fruitful,” noting that the main focus of the discussions was on southern Lebanon and efforts to expedite the Israeli army's withdrawal from the region. “We are working earnestly to expedite this withdrawal,” he insisted. He added that “it was an opportunity to discuss upcoming challenges and government steps, in line with the inauguration speech and the ministerial statement.”

A cease-fire agreement took effect on Nov. 27 to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah that had been ongoing since Oct. 8, 2023, and had intensified last September. The agreement notably stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the occupied villages in southern Lebanon so that the Lebanese Army can deploy in areas previously under Hezbollah’s influence. However, the Israeli army has maintained its presence in what it considers five strategic points and continues its now almost daily military operations.

Discussions between the ambassadors and Berri also addressed the situation in Syria. “We exchanged views with Berri on developments in Syria. There is consensus that stability in Syria will have a positive impact on neighboring countries, and we are working to reduce tensions in the region,” the Egyptian ambassador concluded.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which has a wide network of sources in Syria, reported on Monday a death toll of 1,068 civilians since March 6 in clashes between Syrian security forces, their allies and supporters of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad, now exiled in Russia. These killings occurred in the western region populated by the Alawite minority, from which Bashar al-Assad hails. These acts of violence threaten the stability of a country already embroiled in a fragile transition since the Islamist-dominated coalition came to power in December.