MP Fouad Makhzoumi, President of the National Dialogue Party, visited the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar al-Fatwa. 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 matters concerning Dar al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said the visit was intended to congratulate His Eminence on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. He expressed his hope that this year would bring goodness and blessings to Lebanon and prayed for the country’s protection against any aggression. He also called for the protection of the Palestinian people, noting that the massacres endured by the people of Gaza were heartbreaking.

Makhzoumi also rejected the so-called “linkage of fronts” and the notion that developments in Gaza should be tied to Lebanon’s domestic affairs. He reiterated the need for all parties to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and to work to preserve and protect Lebanon.

Makhzoumi called for the election of a President of the Republic, noting that he had discussed the National Moderation Bloc’s initiative with His Eminence. He stressed that the initiative should be given a chance, particularly because it is Lebanese in origin, promoted by Lebanese MPs, and calls for a meeting at Parliament. He said the Lebanese people were weary of attempts by some to impose their views on others. He urged the election of a president so that Lebanon would be prepared when regional settlements are reached and could build a country in which everyone can live together.

Makhzoumi added that Lebanon must also develop economic solutions and work to rebuild its relations with the international community and Arab countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He referred to a meeting with a delegation from the US Department of the Treasury, which had warned of the possibility of Lebanon being placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, making it more difficult for international banks to conduct business with Lebanon.

During this holy month, Makhzoumi called for cooperation, emphasizing that the people had elected their representatives to work together, build their country, and protect it from regional wars and conflicts.