Berri's aims for measured results in an effective parliament

Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri stressed that South Lebanon will remain on the top of the priorities, because of the continuation of the Israeli occupation to a great part of the Lebanese lands.

Berri underlined, in an address delivered Tuesday after his re-election, the important role of the resistance and the necessity of protecting and maintaining its arms.

"The parliament will be responsible for implementation of al-Taif Accord and boosting its role as guarantor to the state of law," Berri said.

Berri suggested to hold weekly sittings to supervise the cabinet performance, asserting the importance of combating corruption.

Regarding the assassination of former Premier Rafiq al-Hariri, Berri asserted that the parliament will continue the investigations of the international fact-finding mission and the legislature will assign two lawyers to unveil the criminals. The parliament elected Fared Mkari as deputy speaker as well as the parliament offices.