Berri: What happened was imposed on opposition

Source: NowLebanon, 10-05-2008
Speaker Nabih Berri said he still believes there is a possibility for a solution to the present political crisis, which has turned into a fierce battle between opposition and pro-government factions.
"The opposition is not agitating on the streets in order to achieve political gains. What happened was imposed on the opposition, because there is an illegitimate government that has revoked its political plan of action in recognizing the right of the resistance," Berri told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat daily.
He also expressed his surprise that the government took immediate action against the head of Airport Security Brigadier General Wafik Chokeir without opening any investigations or asking for the authorization of his superior.
"If Army Commander General Michel Suleiman accepts these measures, I will accept them too," he added.
Berri warned the (so called) 'majority' of a delay in responding to the opposition's initiatives, as the opposition has no problem exercising civil disobedience.
"I have suggested to Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa that the Arab foreign ministers set a three-party or six-party committee similar to the ones established during the 70s and 80s in Lebanon in order to start mediation between the Lebanese," Berri told the daily.
"This committee must come up with a complete and balanced plan for a solution," he added, warning that such a committee must preserve its objectivity and neutrality.
He also noted that the support expressed by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Prime Minster Fouad Saniora will not strengthen him, "but will increase internal strife."