Beirut, (SANA) – Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon Nabih Berri said on Tuesday that Syria is a strategic necessity for Lebanon, calling for implementing agreements between the two countries since they fulfill the two countries' mutual interests on one side and emphasize their shared course and destiny in the face of various challenges, particularly Israeli challenges.

In a speech, Berri affirmed that Amal Movement is committed to building the best possible relations with Syria, stressing the need for building the best relations between Lebanon and its Islamic and Arab neighbors, particularly Iran and Turkey. He also hailed these countries' support for the Palestinian cause and Iran's readiness to help the Lebanese people.

The Speaker called for abolishing political sectarianism in Lebanon and protecting coexistence among the Lebanese people, warning against being swept away into strife and escalation.

Berri also underlined the importance of the evidence and information provided by Secretary General of Hezbollah Hasan Nasrallah which implicate Israel in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri,

He called for investigating the Israeli attempts to target civil peace in Lebanon, particularly regarding information stating that Israel monitored the houses and movements of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and Army Commander John Kahwaji, adding that this task along with investigating the false witnesses who attempted to mislead the investigation of al-Hariri's assassination are within the jurisdiction of the Lebanese judicial system.

Berri underlined the need for Lebanon to benefit from the Arab safety net – which was embodied by the recent Lebanese-Syrian-Saudi tripartite Summit – to overcome strife and realize the project of state, unity and solidarity based on dialogue, calling fro adhering to the "army, people and resistance" formula so that Lebanon can defend itself against the constant Israeli threats.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, Berri said that Israel is trying to buy time and deepen discord and frustration among Palestinian, saying that direct talks with the Israeli occupation will not achieve any results since Israeli is continuing its policy of Judaization, building settlements, displacement of Palestinians, and destroying their dream and right for an independent, free country.

H. Sabbagh