Qabbani Says New HIC Elections Should be Held to Resolve Ongoing Dispute
Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani called on Tuesday on his foes to carry out new election for the Higher Islamic Council within three months to resolve the ongoing row.
“All sides should participate in the elections and accept the result,” Qabbani said in an interview with As Safir newspaper.
He pointed out that the dispute surfaced after an outdated council decided to extend its term illegally, wondering why “Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati and ex-PM Fouad Sanioara are holding on to the current situation.”
“They are covering up for an illegal HIC that extended its term twice, violating all norms,” Qabbani said.
He accused Miqati, Saniora and his deputy Sheikh Omar Mesqawi of supporting “the illegal HIC.”
On Saturday, two separate meetings for the Higher Islamic were held, the first was chaired by Qabbani in Dar al-Fatwa, while the second was held at Mohammed al-Amin mosque in Downtown Beirut and headed by Mesqawi.
He considered the meeting that was chaired by Mesqawi “shameful.”
Asked about accusations by some premiers and members of the “extended HIC” that he aims at extending his term, which ends on September 2014, Qabbani lashed out at them, describing these assertions as “lies and slander.”
The Council, which elects the Mufti and organizes the affairs of Dar al-Fatwa, has been at the center of controversy after 21 of its members, who are close to ex-Premier Saad Hariri's al-Mustaqbal Movement, extended its term until June 30, 2015 despite Qabbani's objection.
The Mufti later held elections for the Council, which current and former premiers, including Miqati and Saniora, deemed illegal for violating Shura Council decisions to halt the polls.
Qabbani denied having any disputes with al-Mustaqbal movement, saying: “I haven't changed and will not change my principles... I haven't issued any stance against any party... The Mufti isn't part of any political disputes but an adviser to all.”
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