Berri praised, in statements to “Al Joumhouria,” the approach of President Joseph Aoun regarding the negotiation and weaponry file. He considered that “the method he is using in dealing with this file is good.” Berri noted the remarks of the American envoy Tom Barrack about “the necessity of taking practical steps to disarm (Hezbollah),” considering Barrack’s words directed at the government. The Lebanese Speaker indicated that he is still concerned with “seeking agreed national solutions that preserve sovereignty and prevent slipping into internal conflict.” Before the anticipated legislative session today, Wednesday, Berri emphasized “the importance of approving the laws of judicial independence and banking restructuring,” considering that “the parliament is performing its full legislative role within the framework of reform,” stressing that the required reforms “are a national necessity before being an external demand.” Sources from “Lebanon Debate” noted that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun “will precede this potential step with a surprise announcement on August 1, the day of the Lebanese Army.” According to the sources, “Aoun will address the Lebanese with a detailed message, in which he will discuss all files, from the visits of the American envoy Thomas Barrack, to the issue of weaponry and the security situation in the south, in addition to the subject of reforms and the laws that will be issued in this context.” Last week, the Lebanese “Hezbollah” presented its official response regarding the issue of its weapons, confirming its position with specific conditions. The party emphasized that its weapons are “an internal matter” subject to national dialogue or a comprehensive defensive strategy that ensures Lebanon’s security and sovereignty. Lebanese political sources clarified that Speaker Nabih Berri, who conveys the party’s position, seeks to unify the Lebanese stance concerning the proposed paper’s clauses. The sources added that “Lebanon will make amendments to the paper, especially regarding the timeline for disarmament, to ensure a phased withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.” Lebanese “Hezbollah” Secretary-General Naim Qassem expressed his rejection of any Israeli intervention in the discussion within Lebanon regarding the weapon issue, stressing that “the party will not hand over its weapons to the Israeli enemy.” He added: “As for our affairs, we handle them, and others have no relation to intervene,” continuing: “With threat and force, they want to supervise us, and they want to decide what they want; threat and force do not work with us.” These developments come amid escalating tensions on the Lebanese-Israeli border, with intense international efforts to support Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, amidst repeated Lebanese demands for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese lands and the cessation of its violations of UN Resolution 1701.
