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; Talal al-Qaisi, Executive Vice President of the National Dialogue Party’s Administrative Board; Samer al-Safah, Director General of the Makhzoumi Foundation; Kamel Dimyati, a member of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council; and lawyer Hassan Kashli. 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 general situation in Lebanon and the region. He expressed hope that the war in Gaza would come to an end and that the crimes against the Palestinian people would cease, in addition to ending the hostilities along Lebanon’s southern border.

Regarding Parliament’s approval of a draft law extending the terms of the Army Commander and the heads of the security agencies, Makhzoumi described it as a positive step, particularly in light of the war engulfing the region. At the same time, he pointed out that the government had taken no steps to support the Lebanese people in economic and living conditions. He noted that, from October 2019 until today, the government had introduced no legislation in Parliament to address pressing issues, including restructuring the banking sector, restoring financial stability, and returning depositors’ funds.

Makhzoumi also said he had discussed with His Eminence the establishment of a healthcare support fund for sheikhs and religious scholars at Dar al-Fatwa in Beirut, through coordination between the Makhzoumi Foundation and Dar al-Fatwa’s Zakat Fund. He expressed hope that the fund would achieve its intended purpose, paving the way for the establishment of other funds, including one to support the education of the children of sheikhs and religious scholars, with the initiative eventually extending from Beirut to other Lebanese regions. He stressed that standing alongside religious scholars during this difficult period is our duty, adding that the project would be officially launched at Dar al-Fatwa at the beginning of the new year.

Makhzoumi concluded by extending New Year’s greetings to His Eminence and the Lebanese people, wishing everyone a year filled with goodness.