United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri today in Ain El-Tineh.

Following the meeting, Guterres said in a joint press conference: “We discussed with President Berri the vital role of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, as well as the role of the international community in securing support for Lebanon.”

Guterres hoped to complete the maritime border demarcation negotiations, adding that it is time for Lebanese politicians to reach an agreement and find the necessary solutions, and for the international community to intervene to secure the required support that the Lebanese people deserve in order to secure a better future.

Berri thanked Guterres, describing the visit as “important and stimulating”, and that he is grateful for it.” He said: “We discussed the courses for Lebanon’s recovery, and thanked the UNIFIL forces for their role in the south.”

Berri said: “We agreed that the demarcation of the Lebanese maritime borders would be under the auspices and entrustment of the United Nations with the participation of the Americans,” noting that “it is known that the companies that have been awarded are delaying the issue due to security pretexts.”

Berri explained that “there is still a delay that affects our economy, and there is a responsibility on Israel for violating the Lebanese airspace.”