Berri in Damascus meets with Assad

Speaker Nabih Berri held a meeting with the Syrian President Hafez Assad in Damascus yesterday. Berri's Damascus visit came after the Lebanese cabinet's refusal to increase fuel prices. The meeting, which lasted four hours, centered on the regional and local situation in Lebanon.

Sources said that the speaker explained in detail to Assad the danger of the tax increases and their repercussions on the stability of the country. Berri insisted, once again, on his refusal of any increases, especially at the present time. The meeting also confirmed the fact that no changes in the cabinet will take place. After his return to the country, Berri visited president Elias Hrawi in his residence in Hazmieh to discuss the latest developments.