Speaker Nabih Berri has stressed that "stability and protecting the country are everyone's responsibility," calling on "all parties" to stop everything that would increase tension and deepen internal divisions.
Commenting on recent sectarian tensions, he told al-Akhbar newspaper: "Is it reasonable for matters to reach the point of preventing a Lebanese from buying property in a Lebanese region because of his sectarian background?"
Separately, Berri stressed that the repeal of the 1955 Anti-Israel Boycott Law will not pass in parliament, a stance that comes amid U.S. pressure aimed at repealing the law, and moves led by some MPs in this direction.
Asked about these pressures and parliamentary efforts, Berri emphasized that matters in Lebanon are not left unchecked, saying: "Whoever thinks that things are chaotic and that the country has descended into chaos is mistaken. The country hasn't gone out of control yet." He added, in a sarcastic tone: "I am waiting on pins and needles for someone to submit a draft law in this regard."
Last week, the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, when asked about Berri's approval to repeal the law criminalizing communication with Israel, said: "You always mention Nabih Berri. Does Nabih Berri decide on his own? We need to end this matter."
Issa had met with 11 MPs from various parliamentary blocs last week and raised with them the judicial complaint that was filed against Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, for her alleged phone call with the Israeli ambassador to Washington over the injury of his son in a Palestinian attack in the occupied West Bank. Issa considered that the time has come to repeal the Anti-Israel Boycott Law, especially in light of President Joseph Aoun’s decision to conduct direct negotiations with Israel.