Berri: World is `punishing` us for using our right to resort to resistance

Source: Daily Star, 11-5-2006
BEIRUT: Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Wednesday that the international community "has punished Lebanon" for defending its sovereignty against "Israeli" aggression. Berri spoke at the opening of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, (ESCWA)`s 24th Ministerial session at the United Nations house in Riad al-Solh Square, Beirut`s Central District.
Berri delivered a speech at the opening in which he said that "Lebanon has used its right to resist the occupation after waiting for tens of years for "Israel" to execute UN Security Council`s Resolution 425."
The resolution, passed in 1978, calls upon "Israel" to withdraw from all Lebanese territories. The Lebanese government argues that the Shibaa Farms, which is occupied by "Israel", is Lebanese and thus Resolution 425 remains unimplemented.
Berri added: "Lebanon had to resort to the option of resistance, which succeeded in its mission; so it was punished for using its right to resort to resistance."
He said that the punishment was through "an international resolution aiming at eliminating the resistance, instead of starting an initiative to demand "Israel" disarm and forbid it from resorting to force."
Berri was referring to UN Security Council`s Resolution 1559 passed September 2, 2004, which calls in part for the disarmament of all militia in Lebanon, namely Hizbullah.
He said: "Lebanon is the only country in the region which is swimming against the current ... of chaos, sedition and terrorism, because the Lebanese people have managed to understand and learn from the years of war and division. The people have also learned that the resistance lies in the unity of the Lebanese citizens which will constitute its immunity internally and abroad.
He added: "Lebanon will constitute a model in the region for patriotism, democracy, dialogue and freedom."
He added that Lebanon "was and will remain a model in resistance and liberation and driving away occupation."
The speaker also addressed the economic reform paper.
"A heated debate is circling this reform paper in Lebanon," he said, adding: "We would like your aid in the matter of economic reforms and producing a new reform plan that would include the concept of sustainable development and would ... ensure that Lebanon has better chances at receiving aide and donations from the UN."
ESCWA Executive Secretary Mervat Tallawy briefed the audience on topics to be covered by Arab ministers participating in the ESCWA 24th Ministerial Session on Monday, including: New Challenges in the Region and their Impact on the Work of ESCWA and Facing Youth Unemployment Problems in the ESCWA Region.