President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar Al-Fatwa. He was accompanied by the party’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Duraid Oweidat; diplomatic adviser and former Ambassador Dr. Bassam Noumani; and the Director General of the Makhzoumi Foundation, Samer Al-Safah. They discussed the affairs of Dar Al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that the visit was first and foremost to congratulate His Eminence on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, and secondly to assess the developments of the June 14 session, noting that the period before that date was different from the period that followed.

Makhzoumi expressed surprise at Parliament’s being called to a legislative session last Monday instead of continuing the sessions dedicated to electing a president of the republic. He questioned why MPs from the Shiite duo had walked out of the session, depriving it of a quorum, after voting in the first round for their candidate, former minister Sleiman Frangieh.

He reiterated that he would congratulate any candidate who succeeds in assuming the presidency, particularly since the country’s situation cannot withstand the continued vacuum. He also questioned MPs who continue to cast ballots bearing names or expressions that effectively render their votes invalid, asking why they were doing so and whether the country’s circumstances could tolerate such political maneuvers. He called on everyone to assume their responsibilities.

Makhzoumi said that the international community had received its message following the June 14 session, noting that French President’s Special Envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, would reassess the policies being pursued regarding Lebanon. He urged fellow MPs to set aside personal interests and work together, stressing that the country needs a president.

Makhzoumi extended his Eid al-Adha greetings to all Lebanese, particularly Muslims, expressing hope that the presidential election would be completed. He said that the country and its people deserved for everyone to unite and work together to overcome the crisis.

In response to a question about whether he would continue supporting candidate Jihad Azour, Makhzoumi confirmed that he remained committed to supporting Azour, stressing that the opposition’s nomination of him was not a maneuver, as some were attempting to portray it in the media.