Lebanese President Michel Aoun stressed “the importance of the role played by the Sunni sect in preserving Lebanon’s unity and political diversity,” stressing that this sect’s boycott of the parliamentary elections “threatens Lebanese society.” Aoun stressed “the need to establish the best relations with Arab countries, and the priority remains to preserve civil peace.”
Aoun’s words came during a visit he paid yesterday to Dar Al-Fatwa, where he met with the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. After the meeting, he said: “I emphasized to His Eminence the role that the honorable Sunni community plays in preserving Lebanon’s unity and political diversity, and the importance of participation with all components of Lebanon in national life.” The political and entitlements that shape the future of Lebanon and its people.” He stressed, “Lebanon today needs more than ever the solidarity of its people and their support for their state and all constitutional institutions. We discussed the difficult social and economic conditions that the country is going through, and the importance of cooperation between all parties and components to get out of the crisis in a way that preserves the citizen’s dignity and his right to a decent life. It remains to maintain civil peace and stability in the country.”
In response to a question about his position on former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s apology for not participating in the parliamentary elections, and whether he links his visit to him, he said: “We certainly do not want the Sunni community to leave politics, because we heard that a boycott might take place, and we do not want That the boycott take place, because when Lebanon loses one of its major components, this matter threatens the society to which we are accustomed and who were brought up on its path.”
And whether he considers Dar al-Fatwa to be a safety valve for all Lebanese, he replied: “Certainly, and His Eminence the Mufti is the head of the honorable Sunni community, and we are committed to him spiritually, morally and religiously.”
On the other hand, he stressed that he did not see a reason to postpone the elections, explaining, “We have made all the preparations for the elections to take place at their appointed times, but what is causing people to be skeptical is some foreign visitors who visit Lebanon and ask us if there are elections, which has sowed doubts among the people and started repeating them.” But I see no reason for you to delay.
With regard to relations with Arab countries, he said, “There is an effort now that we will work on giving it the necessary importance until an agreement is reached and relations return to what they were before and better.”