Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan and regional muftis accepted the invitation of Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari to an iftar banquet held in their honor at his residence in Yerzeh. The media office at the Dar al-Fatwa reported that "during the meal, discussions were held regarding Islamic and national affairs, in addition to the ongoing vacancy in the presidential office in Lebanon. The discussions also touched on the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian people, along with their right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."
The attendees affirmed their support for the Palestinian people, denouncing the Zionist aggression against Gaza and other Palestinian areas, especially around Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as aggression against Lebanon and its southern regions. They reviewed consultations and meetings concerning the presidential issue, emphasizing that electing a president is a crucial requirement for the stability of Lebanon. They conveyed optimism regarding positive indicators for electing a president if intentions are sincere and good, assuring that better days are ahead for Lebanon, irrespective of the hardships faced by the Lebanese people.
The attendees praised the efforts and endeavors of the Quintet Committee and its ongoing discussions with various political factions in Lebanon to reaffirm the national criteria and specifications that the next president should possess. They pointed out that Lebanese-Lebanese dialogue is a fundamental factor in completing the efforts of the Quintet Committee. They also expressed their optimism that positive signs would manifest soon in resolving issues and barriers at all levels to enable the activation of official institutions and adherence to the responsibilities prescribed by the Taif Agreement without infringing upon them.
The dignitaries stressed that there is no religious extremism in Lebanon, but there is political extremism practiced by some, and it is essential to separate the election of a president from the binding consultations to appoint a prime minister capable of forming an effective government unencumbered by restrictions, to revive the state and its institutions. They expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its support for Lebanon and its people, affirming that the Dar al-Fatwa and its institutions and scholars stand with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The meeting concluded with Ambassador Bukhari emphasizing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not abandon its assistance to Lebanon and is committed to supporting the Lebanese people and constitutional institutions.
