Lebanon’s Berri condemns attempts to incite national division

According to Press TV, Berri stated on Sunday “Sectarian violence has surged again in a bid to polarize the country and undermine national unity as well as civil peace. Such strife is much worse than mass murder. Cursed are those who stoke it! Exercise due vigilance in order not to get carried away as strife will spare no one.”

“Definitely and with absolute certainty, any insult or act of sacrilege against Muslim and Christian sanctities, symbols and sacred places is strongly denounced.

“Any act that targets the unity of Lebanese citizens, their security, stability and coexistence is an Israeli deed. Moreover, any voice that promotes discord among people of the same homeland has its origins in Israel even if uttered in Arabic,” the top Lebanese legislator said.

“We highly value all sincere efforts made by our political, spiritual, security and military leaders to deter sedition and nip it in the bud,” Berri said.

The Lebanese Parliament speaker finally called on all Lebanese citizens, politicians and analysts to maintain wisdom and insight, and refrain from reactions that could bear disastrous consequences.

Berri’s remarks came in the wake of regretful events that took place on Saturday in the capital Beirut and some other cities, some of which were characterized by a sectarian nature.

On Saturday, Lebanese protesters resumed their demonstrations, demanding the resignation of the ruling elite over its mismanagement of the acute financial crisis in the country.