The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, called for "protecting military and security institutions in Lebanon by filling vacancies in some of their positions to enhance their recognized work and to refrain from interfering in their affairs." He indicated to his visitors that "maintaining security in Lebanon rests on the shoulders of the Army, Internal Security Forces, and other security forces, who are vigilant about the safety of the nation and its citizens and provide a sense of reassurance and security." He considered that "without the awareness, wisdom, and national responsibility that these institutions and their leaders exhibit, the country would have descended into the depths of internal strife in Qurna al-Sawdah and Akkar, and prior to that in Khaldeh, Tayouneh, and other Lebanese areas."
Deryan viewed that "the army, which protects the homeland and its borders in the face of the Israeli enemy, should be supported in various fields," emphasizing that "maintaining security is as important as the economy, which is the lifeblood of life." He expressed his "fear of financial chaos following the end of the term of the Governor of the Central Bank, who threatened his deputies with resignation if a new governor is not appointed, necessitating immediate action that cannot wait—either by quickly electing a president for the republic or allowing the deputies of the governor to continue shouldering their national responsibilities."
Deryan received Army Commander General Joseph Aoun at the head of a delegation of officers, along with Bassam Afifi. General Aoun congratulated the Mufti on his return from pilgrimage, marking an occasion to discuss matters concerning the security of the nation and citizenry, and informed him about the tasks the army has undertaken to address security concerns in various Lebanese regions amid security instability. He wished the army commander "success and further achievements in his national duties."
Additionally, Deryan received the Director General of Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Othman, and they discussed general affairs and the tasks being carried out by the Internal Security Forces in preserving security. He praised "the efforts that Major General Othman is making in managing this security institution, which is a guarantee of security and civil peace in Lebanon." Deryan also met with Lebanon's Ambassador to Algeria, Mohammed Hassan, who briefed him on the conditions of the Lebanese community in Algeria and conveyed the greetings of community members.
