MP Fouad Makhzoumi, President of the National Dialogue Party, visited Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, Head of Lebanon’s Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, at the Council’s headquarters. He was accompanied by diplomatic adviser and former Ambassador Dr. Bassam al-Naamani; Dr. Duraid Oweidat, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Dialogue Party; Mr. Kamel Damiati, member of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council; Mr. Talal al-Qaisi, Executive Deputy to the President of the Party’s Administrative Board; Mr. Samer al-Safah, Director General of the Makhzoumi Foundation; and lawyer Hassan Kashli. They discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said the visit was intended to extend his congratulations to His Eminence on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. He prayed for Lebanon’s protection from all harm and for the safety of the Palestinian people. He also called for an end to the mass suffering and massacres endured by the people of Gaza. He urged everyone, during this holy month, to work together to protect Lebanon and prevent it from being dragged into a major war, reiterating the need to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in full and in all its provisions.

Makhzoumi and His Eminence agreed on the importance of restoring the proper functioning of state institutions, particularly through implementing the Taif Agreement, which has been and will remain a safeguard and roadmap for leading Lebanon to safety and helping it overcome its economic and social crises.

Makhzoumi also reaffirmed his support for the National Moderation Bloc’s initiative, particularly because it is a Lebanese initiative put forward by Lebanese MPs within Parliament, aimed at electing a President of the Republic as soon as possible. This, he noted, would pave the way for the formation of a government with a comprehensive economic recovery plan.