Speaker Nabih Berri told Al-Manar television on Friday that Lebanon’s participation in the March Arab League summit in Libya is unacceptable under any circumstance.

Senior Shia figures voiced objection to the country’s participation in the summit, blaming Libya for Shia leader in Lebanon Imam Moussa Sadr’s disappearance in 1978.

AFP reported earlier in the day that President Michel Sleiman decided to not attend the summit at Berri’s request.

Berri said that he even refuses to have Lebanon represented in the summit through a delegate of Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Shami.

“What is the point of Lebanon’s participation [in the summit], and why do some consider not participating a disaster?” the speaker asked.

He also admonished the Arab countries who agreed to hold the summit in Libya, reiterating his belief that Libya is behind the disappearance of Sadr.

Berri also addressed Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt’s expected visit to Damascus, expressing his confidence that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would soon host the PSP leader. 

-NOW Lebanon

Related Articles:

Lebanon to snub Arab League summit, government official says