Latest news with #Daral-Fatwa
L'Orient-Le Jour
11 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
'Lebanon's future will be bright, God willing': Bukhari
The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Waleed Bukhari, said Wednesday he was convinced that 'Lebanon's future will be bright, God willing,' after praising 'the model of coexistence in all Lebanese regions' and emphasizing 'the importance of preserving all of the country's components.' The diplomat was speaking on the sidelines of a tour in Akkar (north), where he visited the region's mufti, Sheikh Zayd Bakkar Zakaria, at his residence in the village of Qornet Akkar, according to a statement relayed by the National News Agency (NNA). He then visited the Dar al-Fatwa office in Halba, where an expanded meeting was held in the presence of several religious, parliamentary, administrative and social figures. 'The kingdom's message is clear: It is about preserving all the components of every country and respecting their specificities, which I have personally observed, whether during the presidential vacancy or regarding the Taif Agreement,' he said, in reference to the period between the end of Michel Aoun's term on Oct. 31, 2022, and the start of Joseph Aoun's term on Jan. 9, 2025, as well as the agreement that ended the 1975-1990 civil war. 'The kingdom is keen on all communities — Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian — without favoring one side over another,' said the mufti. He also expressed hope that 'agreements should soon be signed between the Lebanese and Saudi governments,' referring to the warming of diplomatic relations between the two countries since the start of Joseph Aoun's term. Saudi Arabia, however, still has not authorized its citizens to travel to Lebanon, unlike other Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates.
L'Orient-Le Jour
2 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Derian and Sunni religious leaders visit Joumblatt
BEIRUT — Former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), Walid Joumblatt, on Monday received the grand mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, who was accompanied by a delegation from Dar al-Fatwa at his home in Beirut's Clemenceau district. The head of the Lebanese Democratic Party, Talal Arslane, and other Sunni muftis from Lebanese regions were also present at the meeting, after which Sheikh Derian stated that it was "friendly and constructive" and that others would follow, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA.) This meeting between the Druze leader and the highest representative of Sunni Islam in Lebanon comes amid recent sectarian tensions that have led to clashes between Druze factions and Sunni Bedouin tribes, backed by forces of the Damascus government, which left more than 1,200 people dead in a week in the Sweida region of southern Syria. This latest episode of sectarian violence in the neighboring country had raised fears that these tensions could spill over into Lebanon. In a joint statement issued following their meeting, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to 'national and Islamic unity in the face of those who seek to harm Lebanon and sisterly Syria,' and rejected 'any attempt to sow discord.' They condemned the 'bloody clashes between Syrian brothers in the Sweida region,' calling them 'unacceptable and deplorable,' and expressed sorrow for 'the martyrs who fell during these painful events.' The signatories called on 'all Lebanese forces to work toward strengthening the state, its people, and its institutions, to unite in efforts to revive the state so that it can fully fulfill its unifying role, and to come together in confronting the Zionist aggression that targets Lebanon, Syria, and other Arab countries, in pursuit of its hostile goals and sectarian, ethnic, and confessional agendas, which serve only the enemies of our countries, societies, and Arab and Islamic nation.' They also praised the 'wise and patriotic positions of all Lebanese parties that have called for Syrian unity, the prevention of internal conflict, and the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, with the same concern they express for Lebanon — its people, state, and institutions.' Finally, the statement emphasized the importance of 'Lebanon's sovereignty, freedom, Arab identity, and independence, as well as its cooperation with all fellow Arab nations and friendly states committed to Lebanon, its people, and its civilizational role in the region.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
4 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Derian and Bukhari move to reset the Sunni clock
In less than two days, Lebanon's Grand Mufti Abdellatif Derian visited all three branches of power. Earlier this week, he toured the country's key institutions to deliver a clear message, according to sources close to Dar al-Fatwa: Sunnis have only one political project, and that is building the Lebanese state, in line with principles that have guided the community's leadership for meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam were significant for their timing. They came amid a shifting political landscape in the Middle East, particularly after recent clashes in Sweida, Syria, where armed Druze fighters clashed with Bedouin combatants and government forces dominated by this tense context, several voices within Lebanon's Sunni community, especially in Tripoli,...
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aoun: The Lebanese Are Exhausted and Cannot Endure Another War
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared on Thursday that the country stands at a critical crossroads, stressing that unity, cooperation, and solidarity are essential to navigating the current phase. 'The Lebanese are tired,' Aoun said, 'and they can no longer bear another war. We do not want to drag the country into more bloodshed. We have significant opportunities ahead, especially with our Arab brothers extending a hand. We must seize these chances and lift Lebanon out of its current state.' He made his comments during a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, who was accompanied by a delegation of regional muftis, at the Baabda presidential palace. The gathering also included Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Aoun voiced concern over some political actors who, he said, 'lack a sense of responsibility and insist on spreading groundless rumors and fostering a negative atmosphere.' He emphasized the important contributions of all Lebanese communities, particularly the Sunni community, which he said brings 'two vital values to Lebanon: internal moderation and a firm affirmation of Lebanon's Arab identity.' In turn, Derian expressed his full support for Aoun, praising him as 'a symbol of Lebanese unity and guardian of the Taif Agreement and the Constitution.' He stressed that only national unity and adherence to state institutions can protect Lebanon at this critical juncture. Derian condemned ongoing Israeli violations, calling for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which he said has only been honored by the Lebanese side. 'Instead of proposing new agreements, we should insist on applying all provisions of this resolution,' he said. Following the meeting, Derian echoed Berri's optimism that the situation in the country is heading in a positive direction, despite public concern. He described Berri as a 'genuine national guarantor' working diligently to protect Lebanon from war and resolve ongoing crises. 'We are optimistic and confident that any challenges can only be overcome through unity,' he added. 'At Dar al-Fatwa, our message is clear: we speak not in sectarian terms, but in the language of national inclusion.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
20-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Derian to army commander: Dar al-Fatwa will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into sectarian strife
Lebanon's Mufti Abdul Latif Derian received a phone call from Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal Sunday, during which he affirmed that 'Dar al-Fatwa will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into the furnace of sectarian strife," the state-run National News Agency reported, citing a statement by Dar al-Fatwa. The statement was released as fears mounted in Beirut that clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes in Syria's southern Sweida region could spill over into Lebanese territory. A new cease-fire was announced Saturday in Syria, and relative calm was reported in the region Sunday, according to AFP. The statement also addressed 'Lebanese affairs and the role the army plays in preserving the security and safety of Lebanon and its people.' Derian stated that 'Lebanon must remain distant from what is happening in sisterly Syria. They have a capable state to manage their security situation and wise leadership.' 'We affirm the unity of Syria in its land, people and institutions. We should not interfere in others' affairs, nor should anyone interfere in our Lebanese affairs,' he added. He praised the Lebanese Army for 'fulfilling its national duty and handling any security incidents throughout the country,' and stressed that 'there is no alternative to the state, its authority and the enforcement of its rule across all its territories. The state is the umbrella for all, the sole guarantor of order, the rule of law, rights and freedoms, equal citizenship and justice among all citizens.' On Friday, Derian had called Sami Abi al-Mona, the spiritual leader of Lebanon's Druze community. Both religious figures emphasized the importance of 'avoiding falling into the trap of sedition.' The Lebanese Army also issued a statement on Friday, affirming that troops 'will not allow any breach of security or civil peace.'
