After controversy surrounding the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement announced following US-sponsored talks in Washington on Wednesday, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday clarified his position, saying he supports Hezbollah's withdrawal from south of the Litani River in parallel with an Israeli withdrawal from the areas it occupied, while describing the remaining provisions as “unfair”. Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, Berri said: “Instead of this hybrid agreement, we could have viewed the beginning of the text positively had it provided for an unconditional ceasefire on land, at sea and in the air, without the destruction of existing structures. But it was booby-trapped by the addition of a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah, as well as the withdrawal of all its members from south of the Litani.” He added: “To be brief, I approve the following: The ceasefire shall be understood as complete and comprehensive, without conditions, on land, at sea and in the air, and without bulldozing or destroying existing structures. Hezbollah's withdrawal from south of the Litani in parallel with the Israeli withdrawal from the areas it occupied. The rest of the text is unfair and not worth mentioning.” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that implementation of the ceasefire could begin within 24 hours of final approval. He said that once responses are received from all relevant domestic parties, particularly Hezbollah, Lebanon's position will be conveyed to the United States. He stressed that “the agreement that has been reached is the last opportunity; otherwise, each side must bear its responsibilities.”
