No 'rift' between Aoun and Berri, president to press US on ceasefire

There is no rift between Baabda Palace and Ain el-Tineh and a phone call took place yesterday between President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri, Al-Jadeed TV reported on Wednesday.

"The primary objective of the call was to bolster the internal situation, which is considered a top priority for both the presidency and the speakership," Al-Jadeed said.

The report noted that communication channels between Aoun and Berri remain open, with each "understanding the other's position" on the issue of direct negotiations with Israel.

It also revealed that Aoun is intensifying his contacts with the U.S. administration, particularly the State Department, to pressure Israel to adhere to the ceasefire.

MTV meanwhile reported that Berri will not visit the Presidential Palace and has called for a complete ceasefire as a condition for any agreement following the recent Israeli escalation.

"Contacts between Aoun, Berri and Salam are ongoing, and President Aoun is in contact with the U.S. side in an attempt to curb the Israeli escalation," it said.