Raad Declares Opposition Will Renew Berri’s Term after Polls

The head of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc MP Mohammad Raad declared on Saturday that the national opposition will re-elect Nabih Berri as Parliament Speaker following the forthcoming parliamentary elections, saying that the battle was on the identity of the Speaker.

During a political meeting organized by Hizbullah in the southern village of Shoukin, Raad said that Berri carries the agenda of the resistance and (supports) the establishment of a just and capable state. "The others want to take over Parliament with a majority that will topple the assembly's presidency and elect a speaker who supports its agenda," he emphasized.

A Speaker chosen by the majority will only serve the interests of foreign powers and benefit "the agenda of aggressors, who are lurking around to harm this country," Raad warned.

Meanwhile, the Hizbullah MP denied reports the national opposition was facing a deadlock over the formation of electoral lists in some districts. "We are in complete agreement and will announce our tickets at the appropriate time," he said.

"We will enter the electoral battle with a unified goal because we are determined to win the parliamentary majority which will advocate our agenda in full," Raad added.

He pointed to an understanding among the opposition members under which they "have the right to maneuver and choose (their) tactics and candidates whenever suitable."

On relations between Hizbullah and Amal Movement, Raad stressed that the two groups are "bound by an agreement and an alliance, despite having divergent opinions over some parliamentary positions."

Any disagreement "was being resolved in the spirit of ensuring the agreement is carried out in full. At the moment, 95 percent of the accord has been completed," Raad added.