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; Kamel Damiati, a member of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council; Talal al-Qaisi, Executive Deputy to the President of the Party’s Administrative Board; and Samer al-Safah, Director General of the Makhzoumi Foundation. They discussed matters concerning Dar al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said the visit was intended to discuss the overall situation in Lebanon and exchange views on developments in the region. He expressed his regret over the ongoing events in Gaza and southern Lebanon, noting that Lebanon was in a state of war, even if geographically limited. He added that it was surprising that the government had not yet declared a state of emergency despite everything taking place in the south. He stressed the need for the Lebanese Army to assume direct responsibility for protecting the southern borders.
Regarding the election of a President of the Republic, Makhzoumi thanked the five-nation committee for its efforts to bring Lebanese parties closer together. However, he emphasized that the decision rested entirely with Lebanon and called on MPs to take the initiative and fulfill their constitutional duty by electing a president. He noted with regret that the Prime Minister had been informed that Lebanon would not be part of upcoming political settlements if it lacked a president and a legitimate government with full constitutional powers.
On the economic situation, Makhzoumi said claims of a budget with no deficit were inaccurate, particularly in the absence of reforms in infrastructure and the health, education, and social sectors. He reiterated the need to reform the banking sector, noting that Lebanon relies on a free banking system and trade, and that concerted efforts were needed to help the country overcome its crises. He also warned that the possibility of Lebanon being placed on the grey list could further aggravate its financial and banking difficulties.
Makhzoumi praised the Grand Mufti’s efforts to bring MPs together and called for reviving this initiative and working collectively to help Lebanon recover and move forward.