Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday that following the Washington summit between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the focus must now be on “results on the ground, not just the appearance of the meeting.” In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Berri said that the “focus must be on consolidating the ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from the South, which has not happened yet.” He noted that the withdrawal that took place in Zawtar al-Gharbiya “can hardly be called a pullout because the town is so small and was not fully occupied.” “Moreover, [Israel’s] criminal detonations of houses, civilian neighborhoods and infrastructure continue,” he added, while also citing Israel’s ongoing attacks against residents. The achievement of these steps will signal the result of the summit, he stressed. “I have previously demanded that achievements should be made... and that has not happened yet,” Berri said. Asked by Asharq Al-Awsat to comment on Trump’s remark that Berri could join the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel when the desired progress is achieved, the speaker replied: “It seems he understands me better than most Lebanese.” Aoun was asked on Tuesday about reports that the speaker rejects the agreement because it could lead to civil strife. He responded by saying that the framework agreement does not need parliament’s ratification and that the constitution grants the president of the republic the authority to hold it. Aoun was keen to defend Berri, saying that he supports an end to the state of war and hostilities, noting that his position as a Shiite leader demands that he approach the file carefully. “Berri is a man of state,” he stressed, noting that he hails from the South and understands the extent of the destruction there. He wants an end to the war, while also taking into account the “sensitivity of his position and ties to Hezbollah.” Trump described Berri as “good man”, saying he believes that he will back the framework agreement when progress is made.
