Berri hails Lebanese-Cypriot cooperation

Speaker Nabih Berri denied any Lebanese-Cypriot dispute over oil related matters.

Berri avowed cordial and unprecedented ties between the two countries, stressing their mutual interests in the demarcation of the economic zones associated to oil and gas-related natural resources.

On his first-day visit to Cyprus and during an honorary diner banquet held in his honor by bis Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Omirou, Berri called on Cyprus to support Lebanon's endeavor to get the UN interfere in demarcation of Lebanese maritime borders.

At greater length, Berri counseled awareness of Israeli possibility to make use of Cypriot fears, under the cover of cooperation to conduct rescue and search operations, in order to increase its powers in the Mediterranean, spread maritime and aerial powers, and increase violations to regional Lebanese waters.

Commenting on the Arab-Cypriot ties, Berri addressed his counterpart and was reminiscent of Cyprus' 64-year old support to the Palestinians patriotic rights above all, the right to return.

"We do hope Cyprus carries out pledges to this stance," he noted.

Lebanese House Speaker didn't hesitate to tackle bilateral ties' reinforcement lauding herein Cypriot people of Lebanese origins that have preserved their culture and legacy. He has also extolled all Cypriot graduates of Lebanese universities.