Deryan Throws Support behind Hariri
Grand Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan threw his support behind Prime Minister Saad Hariri saying “we stand by your side, regardless of everyone else's opinion,” the National News Agency reported Friday.
“All the Lebanese stand by you because you are a man of pure national positions and a man who always favors the homeland's interests,” said Deryan in remarks during a Thursday celebration marking the birthday of the Prophet.
The celebration, held at the Mohammed al-Amin mosque, was held in the presence of Hariri, former Premier Fouad Siniora, Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Indonesia to Lebanon, as well as a number of lawmakers and ranking dignitaries, NNA said.
"The Sunni community in Lebanon is dear, strong and united as long as its political references are compatible and in agreement over its affairs. We will never be frustrated because we are confident that you will never neglect our rights," Deryan stated.
Addressing Hariri he added: "We understand the reasons behind your resignation. We did not say we were in favor of it. You have decided to suspend it allowing all the political forces to consult and discuss the means to save Lebanon from the blazing surrounding environment and not interfere in the affairs of others."
"We, the Lebanese, are the most loyal and keen on good relations with the Arab countries, especially with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have not changed and we never will,” he emphasized.
The Mufti voiced calls on the Lebanese to “uphold national unity, protect coexistence,” stressing the need to adhere to the “Constitution and the Taif agreement and to preserve security, stability and civil peace.”
Lebanon was plunged into a political crisis after Hariri announced a surprise resignation from Riyadh on November 4, lambasting the policies of Hizbullah and Iran in Lebanon and the region.
Hariri's shock resignation and its sharp-toned announcement raised fears that regional tensions were about to escalate and that Lebanon would once again pay a heavy price.
But Hariri put his resignation on hold after around two weeks, demanding the withdrawal of Hizbullah from the region's conflicts in order to maintain the 2016 political settlement that led to the formation of his government and to the election of President Michel Aoun.
Source: Naharnet
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