President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, 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. Talal al-Qaisi, Executive Deputy to the President of the Party’s Administrative Board; 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 to extend congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of Isra and Mi’raj. He expressed the hope that the year would bring goodness and blessings to Lebanon, the region, and the Palestinian people. He also discussed with His Eminence the situation and latest developments in Lebanon and the region.

Makhzoumi and the Grand Mufti discussed the budget and the social situation. Makhzoumi stated that the 2024 budget did not serve the interests of citizens, as the state had imposed a series of taxes that placed the burden of successive governments’ mismanagement on citizens and the private sector.

Makhzoumi praised the statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Gaza, particularly its call to put an end to the massacres and reach a regional settlement in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative announced at the 2002 Beirut Summit. He also emphasized the importance of international recognition of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Regarding the presidential election, Makhzoumi described the initiative undertaken by the ministers of the Quintet Committee as an excellent initiative. He expressed hope that all political forces would recognize the urgency of the situation and elect a president who meets the criteria set out by the Committee, paving the way for the formation of an effective government and the regular functioning of state institutions.

He called on all parties to cooperate, tone down political disputes, and put personal scores aside so that Lebanon can move forward and recover.