Berri 'Concerned' over Delay of Saudi Grant, Says No One Will Appeal Extension

Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday voiced concern over possible further delay of the $3 billion Saudi grant to the Lebanese army, following similar remarks by Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat.

“There are concerns that the Saudi grant might be delayed or called off despite the dire need for it, and delay would strip it of its value,” Berri said in remarks to al-Manar TV.

Saudi Arabia last year announced it would give Lebanon $3 billion to purchase weapons and equipment from France, but that deal is yet to be fully implemented. In August, the kingdom offered another $1 billion to allow the army to purchase supplies immediately, following deadly clashes between troops and jihadist groups in the Bekaa border town of Arsal.

In remarks to al-Akhbar newspaper on Thursday, Jumblat said the $3 billion grant has been probably delayed or even canceled for reasons that he is not aware of.

“Perhaps (former premier) Saad Hariri knows” the reasons, said Jumblat.

But Berri told al-Manar that he does not believe Riyadh has backed down on its pledge to offer the much-needed grants.

Turning to the issue of the proposed Iranian military donation, Berri said “only a crazy person would reject help when there is a need and the grant must be accepted.”

The cabinet is yet to approve Tehran's controversial grant, knowing that it was not discussed during Thursday's session.

Separately, Berri said he has not yet set a date for a legislative session in which the extension of parliament's term is expected to be adopted because he is “waiting for the stance of the Christian parties over the issue.”

The speaker also underlined that he cannot defy Hariri's decision to boycott any parliamentary polls held prior to the presidential vote. “I cannot import the Sunni-Shiite strife into Lebanon by holding elections marred by the absence of a Lebanese component,” said Berri.

In response to a question, the speaker said he is “not concerned that someone might file a challenge, as no one will accept to take Lebanon into the abyss.”

The Baabda Palace has been vacant since president Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25, after parliament failed to elect a successor despite having held 14 sessions for this purpose.

“There is nothing new in the issue of the presidential election, given the current situations,” Berri added.

Y.R.