Source: Nowlebanon.com, 19-6-2009

"I hope that we will reach a solution in Lebanon with regard to the election of speaker, the appointment of prime minister and the formation of the cabinet, and if we face obstacles, we will have to ask Syria and Saudi Arabia to intervene and control the situation," said Speaker Nabih Berri.

In an interview with As-Sharq al-Awsat daily on Friday, Berri said the Syria-Saudi agreement reflected positively on Lebanon.
He emphasized the necessity for dialogue and cooperation among the Lebanese, especially after the region witnessed some positive developments.

Berri told the daily that he is waiting for Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri to return to Lebanon from Riyadh in order to resume talks over pending issues.
The speaker undermined "some March 14 alliance leaders," a reference to Democratic Gathering bloc MP Marwan Hamadeh and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, who called for guarantees before voting in Berri's favor to be re-elected.

He also emphasized the importance of partnership in the next government and reiterated his support for Hariri to be the next prime minister.
Al-Liwaa newspaper in turn reported that the speaker left to a European country, most probably Greece, to spend the summer vacation.

Berri's vacation comes at a critical time as the current parliament's term ends on Saturday, after which the MP-elects have 15 days to convene to elect the next speaker and his deputy, before nominating a candidate for the position of prime minister.