Speaker Berri: UN, UNIFIL’s Duty to Demarcate Lebanese Maritime Borders

Local Editor

Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri received on Monday UN Secretary General's Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams, where both sides discussed current issues on the Lebanese and regional levels.

On his part, Speaker Berri referred in the meeting to the maritime border demarcation between Lebanon and the Palestinian occupied territories, stressing on its importance on the local and regional level.

In this context, Berri stated that it is the UN and UNIFIL's duty to demarcate the Lebanese maritime borders.

Nabih Berri added that the UNIFIL's duty in to maintain Lebanon's security, peace and stability, recalling the Oddaisseh clashes that took place between the Lebanese Army Forces and the "Israeli" enemy.

On the other hand, Michael Williams hoped that the year 2011 will hold better success for Lebanon in resolving its crisis, revealing that of the major issued he discussed with Speaker Berri was the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Furthermore, Williams praised the efforts exerted by the countries willing to confirm Lebanon's stability, especially the Syrian and Saudi efforts.

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon expressed the UN's stance, where it stresses on dialogue between the Lebanese teams, which is essential for solving all Lebanon's problems and crises.

On the level of oil and gas resources discovered in Lebanon, Michael Williams said it is Lebanon's right to exploit, protect and invest these resources.

Williams further added therefore the issue of maritime border demarcation was brought up, referring that although it is not part of the UNIFIL's duties, but the UN is willing to demand it to help Lebanon in adopting important measures on this level.