Berri reveals his cards: Lebanon’s “triple guarantee” and messages to Washington, Riyadh and Damascus

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri launched a series of notable political positions, addressing Lebanon’s future amid regional and international shifts, revealing details of his contacts with Saudi Arabia and the United States, his vision for relations with Syria, and stressing the need to preserve the balances that protect Lebanese stability.

In remarks to Asas Media, Berri commented on recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, considering them to have come in response to a question, before pausing at Trump’s interruption of President Joseph Aoun’s speech, saying that “whomever the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia loves, the whole world loves,” adding that Riyadh “seems to love him more than some Lebanese do.”

Berri renewed his commitment to what he called Lebanon’s “triple guarantee,” built on the role of Saudi Arabia, the United States and Iran, considering that these three parties constitute influential elements in the equation of Lebanese stability.

On the Saudi front, Berri affirmed that his relationship with the Kingdom is steadfast, noting that throughout his political career he has maintained a relationship based on respect, and stressing his appreciation for the Saudi role in Lebanon. He also revealed ongoing communication with Saudi officials, particularly Prince Yazid bin Farhan, whom he described as a person who is “smart and precise in handling files.”

As for the presidency, Berri confirmed that his relationship with President Joseph Aoun is “excellent,” explaining that communication between them continues despite differences over some positions. He revealed that Aoun sought his opinion before his visit to Washington, where Berri stressed the priority of consolidating the ceasefire, securing a full Israeli withdrawal, and ensuring the return of the people of the South to their villages.

On the government file, Berri confirmed continued communication with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, describing the relationship with him as one based on affection and cooperation.

At the same time, Berri expressed caution about the possibility of achieving rapid political breakthroughs, considering time to be the greatest challenge, especially in light of the continued Israeli occupation of some southern areas and the delay in residents’ return.

In his approach to relations among the Lebanese, Berri stressed the need to move beyond sectarian divisions, affirming that understanding between Sunnis and Shiites forms the basis of stability, summing up his vision by saying: “I am Shiite in identity, Sunni in inclination, and Arab in destiny.”

On the Syrian file, Berri revealed that his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani was marked by frankness, noting that he reviewed before him his long experience with Damascus, the relationship that linked him to the late President Hafez al-Assad, as well as the period of disagreement with former President Bashar al-Assad because of his refusal to become involved in the Syrian war.

Berri also conveyed, according to what he disclosed, a series of pieces of advice to the new Syrian leadership, foremost among them the need to adopt a policy of containing all Syrian components, not repeating experiences of exclusion, and protecting Christians while guaranteeing the rights of all citizens without discrimination.

As for the future of Lebanese-Syrian relations, Berri identified three main headings for rebuilding trust: controlling the border and combating smuggling, completing the demarcation of the land and maritime borders, and respecting the sovereignty of both countries and non-interference in internal affairs.

Berri concluded his approach to relations with Syria by stressing the geographic interconnection and shared interests between the two countries, warning that the stability of Lebanon and Syria is tied to a single fate, and that any tremor between them would force both sides to confront its repercussions.