Berri: "What matters to me in the end is eating the grapes, not killing the watchman"

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri expressed pessimism over regional developments, considering that the overall scene is heading toward further escalation, while at the same time voicing hope that the tension can be contained before it slides into more dangerous levels.

Berri said in remarks to Al-Joumhouria newspaper that "the atmosphere in the region is negative and bleak as a result of the ongoing escalation, and I hope it can be contained before it worsens," stressing: "I will not be upset if any track achieves a positive result that contributes to stopping the aggression and ending the occupation."

He added: "My brother, let them shut me up with an achievement and put it right before my eyes, not something imaginary... I still haven’t seen anything yet...," while reiterating at the same time his rejection of the option of pilot areas.

Berri concluded by stressing that his priority remains achieving tangible results that are reflected in the lives of the Lebanese, saying: "And be sure that I will be pleased if they are able to secure withdrawal, the return of the displaced, the release of prisoners, and reconstruction, because what matters to me in the end is eating the grapes, not killing the watchman."