Berri says meeting with bin Farhan was 'excellent'

To Saudi Arabia, it is important that the Lebanese decisions come from the Lebanese state, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said.

Berri seemed satisfied about a meeting he had with Saudi envoy Prince Yazeed bin Farhan. He told Assas news portal, in remarks published Tuesday, that his meeting last week with bin Farhan was "excellent."

"To the Saudis it is crucial that the decision-making power (in Lebanon) belong to the Lebanese state," Berri said, adding that he agrees with Saudi Arabia on this. "This is also our position."

Berri said that to Saudi Arabia, the implementation of the president's inaugural speech and the ministerial statement -- which both called for the state's monopoly on arms -- is essential.

"I am in favor of implementing them," he said.