President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian at Dar Al-Fatwa, accompanied by his diplomatic adviser, former Ambassador Dr. Bassam Naamani, and Makhzoumi Foundation Director General Samer Al-Safah. They discussed matters concerning Dar Al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that the visit was intended to discuss the challenges facing the country, beginning with the presidential election, moving on to the situation in Beirut, and extending to ways of cooperating to unite ranks and positions.
Regarding the presidential election, he said that the second round of voting to elect a president would take place the following day. He expected it to be similar to the previous session, but stressed that the time had come to reach a consensus on a sovereign, reform-minded president capable of implementing the reform projects they were studying and seeking to pass in order to restore Lebanon to its Arab fold.
He added that everyone knew the International Monetary Fund had promised Lebanon $3.5 billion if all the required steps were implemented. However, the current authorities had yet to take the necessary measures. He continued that, moreover, the proposal presented in April had since changed because the funds available at the Central Bank had decreased, meaning that the proposed conditions would have to be reconsidered.
Makhzoumi affirmed that Lebanon’s main priority today was to reconnect with its Arab surroundings, particularly by strengthening relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to rebuild confidence in the country and the Lebanese market in order to attract investment to Lebanon. He stressed that preserving the Taif Agreement must be among the next president’s foremost priorities so that they could build a future for their children.
Makhzoumi also said that he had briefed the Grand Mufti on the situation in Beirut, including the crises affecting electricity, water, waste management, education, and healthcare. He noted the absence of a government plan to find solutions to these problems.
He added that he and the Grand Mufti had agreed to intensify meetings with humanitarian and Beirut-based associations to coordinate their efforts and work together to alleviate people’s suffering.
Makhzoumi highlighted the important role of Dar Al-Fatwa, particularly in bringing the Sunni community together, as demonstrated by the “Reconciliation and Unity” conference. He emphasized that Dar Al-Fatwa occupies an inclusive national position and expressed his hope that these meetings would expand to include everyone, paving the way for a comprehensive national project.