Mufti Derian: Adib’s Nomination Is Chance to Move Lebanon Forward

Mufti Derian meets with delegation of Lebanese Press Syndicate on Wednesday (NNA)

Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, stressed on Wednesday that the nomination of Prime Minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, to form a new government, remains a national chance to move the country forward amid the difficult situation it passes through.

“All parties should assist the PM-designate and cooperate with him to help achieve his mission,” Derian said, adding that Dar al-Fatwa supports Adib in his task to form, as quickly as possible, a new national and homogenous government, capable of introducing the necessary reforms and achieve people’s demands.

“This is what every Lebanese hopes for,” he noted.

During his meeting Wednesday with a delegation from the Lebanese Press Syndicate led by Awni El Kaaki, the Mufti expressed his “optimism that the next government will succeed in its mission despite the difficulties.”

He said he supports the demands of the popular movement, calling on leaders to listen to the calls of the people and to quickly find solutions to their problems.

However, Derian condemned some protesters for storming and attacking government and private properties.

Commenting on his position from some parties calling for “Lebanon’s neutrality,” the Mufti said that he believes the presence of a just and strong national state obviates the necessity of neutrality. “In the absence of such state, neutrality cannot be implemented,” he said.

The Mufti denied being in disaccord with the Maronite Patriarch, Bechara Rai, who sees that Lebanon needs to stay neutral and to distance itself from regional and international conflict.

“Our position from neutrality is not negative. However, the issue requires political consensus, which is until now, not present,” Derian noted.

Kaaki quoted the Mufti as saying that “he supports any proposal by political leaders concerning the defense strategy and does not mind discussing the issue at any time.”

Derian is against uncontrolled arms, Kaaki said, adding that the Mufti believes weapons should only be in the hands of the Lebanese Army.