The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul-Latif Deryan, stated that "there is no longer any justification for delaying the election of a consensus president, whatever the reasons, as the wait has become a danger to the entity of Lebanon, which everyone wants to see among the ranks of advanced countries. Our homeland will not rise again without accomplishing the election as soon as possible and forming a cohesive government that sets aside personal interests and focuses on the interests of the nation and the citizens. State institutions must remain active in public service with all their human and technical capabilities, led by the military institution with its wise leadership, which has not spared Lebanon and the Lebanese from great sacrifices to preserve its security and stability. We should not differ in approaching sensitive positions to resolve contentious issues that require greater flexibility and greater sacrifices from politicians for the safety and future of Lebanon."
Deryan congratulated the Lebanese people on the occasion of Independence Day, stating in a statement: "Independence Day is a cherished occasion for the Lebanese who remember how their heroic figures made sacrifices to grant their country independence and be free and sovereign."
He added: "The joy of independence in Lebanon is mixed with sorrow and anxiety over the vacancy of the presidential seat. Electing a president should remain a top priority. We have had enough of the vacancy in the presidency, which we venerate and respect. How long must we wait and disagree on viewpoints? Hasn’t the time come to elect a president in these delicate and fateful circumstances that Lebanon and the region are going through?"
He affirmed that "our joy on Independence Day is overshadowed by the pain we feel for what is happening in Palestine and its people, who are being killed and wiped out at the hands of the brutal Zionist enemy, which daily commits massacres, genocide, and horrific crimes that shame humanity and violate all laws and decrees."
He concluded: "The Dar al-Fatwa and the Lebanese people will remain with the Palestinian people in good times and bad. We affirm that there will be no stability in the region if the enemy continues its aggression and crimes without restraint or moral and humanitarian deterrence. The crimes of the Zionist enemy must be referred to international courts as they are unprecedented war crimes. The Israeli aggression against South Lebanon is merely a continuation of the treacherous and cunning plan by the Zionist enemy, which has betrayed international charters and all concepts and values of humanity, distancing itself far from them."
