President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, headed a delegation from the Beirut Dialogue Forum on a visit to His Eminence Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian at Dar al-Fatwa. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss major regional developments, foremost among them the historic peace agreement signed in Egypt yesterday.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi stressed that the agreement represents a bold step toward peace and a model for Arab and international cooperation. He commended the leadership of President Donald Trump and his team in sponsoring the agreement, alongside the sincere efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. These countries have demonstrated that partnership and mutual understanding can achieve tangible progress toward stability and peace in our region.
He also praised the historic efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in persuading 158 countries to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations last month.
Makhzoumi affirmed to His Eminence that Lebanon must capitalize on this positive momentum and rally behind its state and legitimate institutions, ensuring that they alone hold weapons and exercise decision-making authority. A strong state cannot be established while weapons remain outside legitimate authority, and a divided nation cannot have a future when torn apart by competing loyalties.
He stated: “What we witnessed in Egypt proves that peace is not weakness, but rather an expression of courage, awareness, and responsibility. Lebanon must demonstrate the same courage: choosing the state, choosing sovereignty, and putting Lebanon first.”
He called on all political forces to place all weapons under the authority of the Lebanese state and put an end to militias of every kind, in order to protect national unity and independence. The time has come to seize this historic moment, restore Lebanon’s natural role among Arab nations striving for peace and stability, and secure a better future for our children and generations to come.
Beirut’s Development Projects and Municipal Cooperation
The meeting also addressed the situation in the capital, Beirut, and ongoing development projects. Makhzoumi reviewed the cooperation between the Makhzoumi Foundation and Beirut Municipality in implementing essential projects that directly serve residents, including:
- Street lighting and improvements to public safety.
- Filling potholes and resurfacing roads with asphalt.
- Operating and maintaining traffic lights.
- Providing pipes to address wastewater drainage along the coastline.
These initiatives complement the social programs the Makhzoumi Foundation has been carrying out since 1997.
Construction of the Al-Hassanein Mosque
Makhzoumi also informed His Eminence of his intention, together with the Makhzoumi Foundation, to cooperate with Dar al-Fatwa on building the Al-Hassanein Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Repentance (Masjid al-Tawbah), in Beirut. The mosque is envisioned as a religious and cultural landmark embodying the values of faith, unity, and moderation.
He emphasized that the municipal council is fully cooperative and committed to facilitating the mosque’s construction.
Parliamentary Elections and Expatriate Voting Rights
The discussion also covered the upcoming parliamentary elections, emphasizing that no national project can succeed without renewing democratic life. Makhzoumi therefore stressed the need to hold parliamentary elections on their scheduled date, without postponement or manipulation, because the will of the people is the foundation of legitimacy.
He also called for Lebanese expatriates to be granted the right to vote for all 128 members of Parliament, rather than being restricted to six seats. Their contribution to the national economy exceeds 31%, and without their remittances, the economy would have collapsed long ago. These Lebanese citizens are the heartbeat of the nation abroad, and their voices must have a full role in shaping Lebanon’s future.
He further underscored the importance of activating large voting centers, known as mega-centers, on election day to ensure transparency, freedom, and ease of voting for all citizens, free from pressure and undemocratic practices.
Conclusion
Makhzoumi concluded by stating that the positive transformations witnessed across the region confirm that peace, transparency, and development are not mere slogans, but the result of courageous decisions.
Lebanon today faces a clear choice: either uphold the state, the law, and its institutions, or remain trapped in a cycle of division and chaos.
The time has come to choose the state and put Lebanon first.