Berri to Aoun on officers' decree: Adieu Taef and constitution

House Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday voiced adieu to "the Taef accord, constitution, norms and the council of ministers" in reply to the remarks made yesterday by President Michel Aoun on the controversial officers' decree.

President Aoun remarked yesterday that the officers' decree required the signature of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister alone.

In this regard, Berri eulogized article 54 of the Constitution.

Speaker Berri's stance on Tuesday came in a chat with media representatives, whereby he dwelt on the current debatable officers' decree in light of the latest statements made by Aoun on Monday.

In reply to the statement that the arguable officers' decree does not entail any financial burden, Berri stressed that the decree bears such a burden, and should have been exposed to the Finance Ministry.

On the other hand, Berri contacted by phone President Aoun to well-wish him on the holy Christmas holiday.

For the same purpose, Berri contacted a number of archbishops and dignitaries, notably Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi, former President Michel Sleiman, Vice Speaker Farid Mkari, MP Michel Murr, Marada Movement head MP Sleiman Franjieh, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, and Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh

Source: NNA