A delegation from the Beirut Dialogue Forum, headed by MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar al-Fatwa.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi stated that the discussions reaffirmed the fundamental principles of national unity and the need to protect the state and strengthen its institutions at this critical juncture. He emphasized the importance of upholding the state as the sole unifying authority for all Lebanese citizens and safeguarding its full sovereignty, free from any duality in decision-making. He also expressed support for the government’s reform agenda and decisions, stressing the need to move immediately to implementation, as Lebanon can no longer afford further delays.

Makhzoumi noted that Lebanon is facing a decisive national challenge, with its sovereignty under threat and its security being violated, making clear and resolute decisions imperative.

He stressed that his vision rests on five clear principles of sovereignty:

First: Ensuring that decisions on war and peace rest exclusively with the state. He reaffirmed his rejection of any situation that drags Lebanon into conflicts against its will and stressed the need to fully implement international resolutions without selectivity, beginning with the implementation of the Taif Agreement and including United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, thereby restoring the state’s authority over its decisions and its sovereignty.

Second: Establishing Beirut as a city fully under state authority and free of any armed presence. This must be achieved through the deployment of the Lebanese Army and the full enforcement of security, ensuring civilian protection and lasting stability, from administrative Beirut to Greater Beirut.

Third: Upholding Lebanon’s full sovereignty and rejecting any violation of it. Makhzoumi considered the Iranian ambassador’s failure to comply with government decisions a direct affront to the authority and prestige of the state. He stressed the need for a clear sovereign decision to revoke the ambassador’s diplomatic immunity and subsequently sever diplomatic relations with Iran. He also called for an immediate and transparent investigation into reports of foreign nationals entering Lebanon using forged passports, with all those proven to be involved held accountable.

Fourth: Pursuing stability through direct negotiations with Israel. Makhzoumi expressed support for the initiative of His Excellency President Joseph Aoun, aimed at reaching a peace agreement that safeguards Lebanon’s interests and security and puts an end to recurring cycles of war. Such an agreement, he stressed, should prevent any party from dragging Lebanon into future military adventures that do not serve the national interest or involving it in regional conflicts on behalf of external actors.

Fifth: Adopting a fair and balanced approach to the displacement crisis. This approach must preserve everyone’s dignity and prevent the capital from bearing this burden alone.

Makhzoumi concluded by emphasizing that Lebanon faces a clear choice: either restore a sovereign, free, and independent state, or continue paying the price for the conflicts of others.

He concluded by stating that the solution lies in one state, one decision, and one set of arms.