Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, stressed from the town of Qadiriyah, that “no interest is above the interest of the homeland and the love of the homeland, and no interest is above the interest of the people and the love of the people,”
During a speech to the General Conference of the Union of Arab Tribes, at in the home of the union’s president, Sheikh Jassem Al-Askar’s residence, Derian said “I told the politicians: Differ in politics whatever you like, but when it comes to Lebanon’s supreme interest, you must unite.”
He stressed that “Dar Al-Fatwa’s relationship with the Arab clans is not a new relationship or an emergency relationship, it is a deep and rooted relationship because the Arab clans and we are Lebanese, Arab and Muslim patriots, these are the main titles of the Arab clans and their men.” Adding, “Arab tribes, you are part of this homeland, Lebanon, and you are part of this whole Arab environment. No one thinks that he can consider us and you as second- or third-class citizens. You are Lebanese who believe in coexistence and believe in the diversity of this country and its role in its great Arab environment.”
Talking about the ruling class Derian asked: “How long will this disregard for people’s problems? How long will the future and advancement of this country be ignored?”
He added,”“No one thinks that he can undermine the Sunni Muslims, the Sunni Muslims are Lebanese, the Sunni Muslims are patriots, the Sunni Muslims preserve their coexistence in front of the rest of their patriotic brothers in Lebanon.”
Regarding the elections Derian pointed out that ” Parliamentary elections must take place on the specified date, and this is a general demand of all Lebanese,” noting that “whoever tries to obstruct or postpone this entitlement, we all say to him: you are delusioned.”
He stressed that “in the polls, we will put our conscience, we will put our patriotism,” adressing the clans by saying: “You have the right to choose whomever you want, and this is a natural right for man, but also look at your families, your children and your brothers, for their interest requires that you put in the ballot boxes those who work to improve their lives and their future.”
He concluded: “We are in Lebanon, the Dar al-Fatwa, the Sunnis, and the Arab tribes with the rest of the Lebanese, loyal to ou Arab brothers and in particular to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his faithful crown prince, and I say all appreciation and respect for what you have given to Lebanon and the Lebanese.”