Berri Urges France to Stand Firm against “Israel”

Local Editor, 16-02-2010

Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri has urged France to take a firm stance against "Israeli" aggression on his country.

During talks with the president of France's senate, Gerard Larcher, Berri said Beirut demands Paris to prevent "Israel" from turning Lebanon into an arena for regional proxy wars and to ensure the security of the entire Middle East.

"In view of its ties and influence, we demand France take a firm stand to prevent "Israel" from attacking Lebanon," Berri said.

Berri's statement came amid increasing concerns in Lebanon over "Israeli" threats against Beirut.

Syria last month gave its word to stand by Lebanon's side in the event of an "Israeli" attack.

"Israel" waged a war against Lebanon in 2006, during which more than 1,200 - mostly Lebanese civilians - were killed. "Israel" was forced to withdraw from the Lebanese territories after 33 days, failing to achieve any of its objectives.