Former Speaker of the House Hussein Al-Husseini passed away at the age of 86. The late president's office reported that he succumbed to a health issue on Wednesday morning in the hospital. The town of Shmastar was enveloped in sadness as it prepared to receive the body of its distinguished son, President Hussein Al-Husseini, with roads leading to the town adorned with expressions of grief over the loss of a first-class statesman, legislative and political encyclopedia, and literary figure. "The Sayyid," who was distinguished by his courage, politeness, and kind demeanor, was loved by those who gathered around him.
In the mourning statement from the deceased's family: "Indeed, we belong to God and indeed to Him we shall return. With submission to God's will, we mourn the late President Hussein Al-Husseini. The burial will take place on Thursday, January 12. Condolences are accepted at his home in Shmastar until the afternoon of Saturday, January 14, and in Beirut on Monday and Tuesday, January 16 and 17, at the 'Seaside Pavilion' in Beil from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m."
Berri: Politicians mourned Al-Husseini, foremost among them Speaker Nabih Berri, who stated in the condolence message: "With great acceptance and submission to God's will, on behalf of the Lebanese people, I mourn a prominent figure from Lebanon, a national stature whose commitment did not waver. He dedicated most of his life to defending the country, its people, and the unity of its land and national identity, engaging in a continuous struggle through deed and word. I refer to my companion, former Speaker of the House Hussein Al-Husseini, whose departure represents an irreplaceable loss for Lebanon in terms of human, legislative, and struggle value."
Berri concluded with: "On my behalf and on behalf of my fellow MPs, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and Al-Husseini family, and to our people in Baalbek-Hermel and the people of Jbeil, asking Almighty God to envelop him in His vast mercy and grant him the spaciousness of His gardens, and to inspire us all with great patience and solace."
Mikati: The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also mourned Al-Husseini, noting in a statement that "Lebanon has lost today a distinguished national and constitutional figure, former President Hussein Al-Husseini. His absence marks the end of a bright chapter in the history of political and parliamentary work. President Al-Husseini's presence was a landmark in the history of parliamentary work in Lebanon, significantly shaping legislative work over many years."
He added that Al-Husseini's pioneering role during the period of the "Taif Agreement" played a pivotal part in the enactment of the "National Accord Document" that ended the Lebanese war. He recognized, with his national sense and deep understanding of Lebanon's uniqueness and role, how to ensure Lebanese balances in the core of constitutional reforms that constitute a guarantee for stability in Lebanon, should they be fully implemented.
He continued, "In the absence of President Hussein Al-Husseini, we lose a brother and friend who was always a wise advisor and follower. I took pride in his humble statements and counsels as he possessed a wealth of political and national experiences."
He concluded, "We bid farewell today, Mr. President, but you will always remain in our minds and in our national memory, an exemplary statesman whose passage was not ordinary; he left indelible marks, and history will record them with appreciation and pride."
Lahoud: Similarly, a statement from President Emile Lahoud lamented Al-Husseini, stating: "With the passing of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a distinguished statesman, not only because he was a constitutional and legislative expert, a man of institutions, and an ardent patriot, but because he embodied a quality that is becoming rare among the political class: integrity and elevation, which have formed the basis of the country's ruin, resulting in the crises and collapse we are currently experiencing."
He added, "President Al-Husseini contributed to ending the war in Lebanon through his role in achieving the Taif Agreement, and he took a unifying stance during his presidency of the council. We shared mutual respect and a commitment to the unity of Lebanon and its people."
President Lahoud concluded: "As much as we miss the dear departed, we hope that new generations will learn about the virtues of this man, so that emulating him may contribute to the revival of the country and liberate it from the calamities it suffers from."
Hariri: President Saad Hariri mourned Al-Husseini in a tweet on his Twitter account, saying: "May God have mercy on President Hussein Al-Husseini. With his passing, Lebanon has lost a great man of the Taif Agreement, who always upheld moderation, dialogue, and the constitution as his path, and the renewal of national accord as his goal." He concluded: "I ask God to embrace him in His vast mercy and to inspire his family with patience and solace."
Senioura: Former Prime Minister Fouad Senioura stated in a statement, "Lebanon has lost with the death of President Hussein Al-Husseini a great political and national stature that cannot be compensated."
He continued, "President Hussein Al-Husseini, a dear brother and distinguished friend, a wise and balanced statesman, worked for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. He played a significant role in leading the Lebanese parliament to achieve the ratification of the National Accord Document, which revived national life in Lebanon on new, effective, and balanced foundations. He also had a great role in preserving and defending Lebanon as the homeland of coexistence and mutual living among Muslims and Christians."
He added, "President Al-Husseini, may God have mercy on him, was a tremendous value, a rational mind, and an example of moderation and wisdom that Lebanon desperately needs now."
He continued: "There is no doubt that the Lebanese, under these sensitive and critical circumstances, nationally, constitutionally, and institutionally, and in light of the continued dominance of weapons outside of state authority on national life, deeply miss President Al-Husseini and feel immense sadness over his departure."
On this sad day, I extend warm condolences to all Lebanese, especially to his dear family, for this great loss, wishing that the efforts of all loyal Lebanese be united, in honor of them and their coming generations, in memory of this great man, to return to upholding what President Al-Husseini fought for and did not retract, that is, protecting and preserving the National Accord Document in Taif, and enhancing the sublime idea of coexistence among Lebanese, so that Lebanon may return to being what the Lebanese truly want: a sovereign, free, independent, and flourishing Arab homeland for all its sons."
Senioura concluded: "May God have mercy on President Hussein Al-Husseini, asking Him to grant him mercy and forgiveness, to place him in His spacious gardens, and to grant his family and all Lebanese tremendous patience and solace."
Salam: President Tammam Salam also mourned President Hussein Al-Husseini, stating: "Lebanon lost a major national figure today with the death of President Hussein Al-Husseini after a long political and national career among his peers in the leadership of the country who contributed to preserving Lebanon's independence, unity, and sovereignty in the most difficult circumstances."
He added, "The deceased was known for his sincere and genuine positions in preserving the democracy of political work through his parliamentary responsibilities, foremost of which was the presidency of the parliament during the dire and difficult times, as well as in his effective and successful contributions to rescue Lebanon from the flames of war and usher it into its new constitution during the marathon sessions held in Taif under Arab patronage with comprehensive parliamentary participation."
He continued: "He was always striving for constructive positions based on transparent constitutional and legal convictions to enhance national unity and support the Lebanese in safeguarding their country as a free, independent sovereign."
He concluded: "May God have mercy on Lebanon's deceased, and my sincerest condolences to his family and all Lebanese."
Diab: For his part, President Hassan Diab mourned the late Hussein Al-Husseini, stating: "With the passing of statesman President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a man of dialogue and openness, and a prominent figure in constitutional matters. President Al-Husseini represented the agreement among the Lebanese at the Taif Conference on their new constitution that ended the war and put the country on the path of civil peace. May God have mercy on President Al-Husseini and protect Lebanon."
Al-Hoss: President Selim Al-Hoss stated in a statement: "With his death, Lebanon and the Lebanese incur an irreplaceable loss in national openness, dialogue, legislation, and knowledge in parliament. Lebanon has lost today a significant national stature and a high constitutional value, and with the absence of President Al-Husseini, a brilliant page in the history of common national and political work closes."
He added: "President Hussein Al-Husseini was a landmark in the history of parliamentary work in Lebanon. He was the main pioneer who contributed to the accomplishment of the National Accord Document known as the Taif Agreement. In his absence, I and my family lose a dear, loyal friend with whom we shared national concerns at many national stations."
He concluded: "We bid him farewell today, but his national legacy, rich with integrity and achievement, will always remain in our conscience, in our national memory, and in the history of the country as an exemplary statesman."
Jumblatt: President Samir Geagea tweeted: "I extend my warmest condolences to the family of President Hussein Al-Husseini and all Lebanese on the passing of the former president, who left just as Lebanon needed wise and moderate statesmen."
Hassan: Former Deputy Prime Minister Ghassan Hasbani tweeted: "He believed in the homeland and the state, carried with him the spirit of national accord, and was keen on applying the constitution and institutionalizing political work. He shared many of his ideas and concerns with me, and I was grateful to him. We will miss a national figure and a rare man among the men of state."
Moawad: MP Michel Moawad pointed out that "with the absence of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a constitutional stature who was among the most prominent statesmen that worked diligently and faithfully to end the civil war and establish the national accord that was enshrined by the Taif Agreement and its constitution. Personally, I lose a companion of President the martyr Rene Mouawad and among his closest confidants who carried the secrets of the most important and delicate phase."
He added in a statement: "Everyone knows that with the assassination of the martyr president Rene Mouawad, and by the same decision, the Taif Agreement was assassinated with its sovereign and reform dimensions, as an entry for the rescue that the Lebanese have long awaited, as well as excluding the late President Hussein Al-Husseini to enable the conspiracy against the Taif Agreement in all its chapters."
He continued: "We bid farewell to President Al-Husseini, and we are filled with a collective sorrow, the same sorrow that accompanied the assassination of President Mouawad, witnessing Lebanon's inability to rise from the depths of its tragedy, which has instead intensified and deepened the national collapse."
Moawad conveyed his condolences to the family of President Hussein Al-Husseini and his loved ones, as well as to the Lebanese family that he always cared for, saying: "We will continue to draw inspiration from his path to insist on achieving the Lebanese accord based on the foundations of the state, sovereignty, reform, mutual coexistence, and building institutions and parliamentary democracy."
Khair: Former MP Saleh Kheir tweeted: "The departure of President Hussein Al-Husseini is a great loss for Lebanon. I personally lost a long-time path friend in struggles in the political and parliamentary work. The fruit of his struggle was the success in managing the Taif Conference. May God have mercy on our dear departed and place him in His vast gardens."
Khalil: Kataeb party leader MP Sami Gemayel wrote on Twitter: "With the passing of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a first-class statesman who believed in the constitution and its provisions, and in the rule of law and its institutions capable of protecting public freedoms, which are the essence of Lebanon."
He added: "All condolences go to the honorable family, especially my brothers Ahmad, Hassan, and Ali."
Afarem: Deputy Ni’ma Afarem tweeted: "A major national figure from my country has fallen today. With him, a brilliant chapter of Lebanese history is closed. In his absence, we lose a statesman imbued with noble lineage and genuine authenticity. The composed and dignified man sought through his deep understanding of Lebanon's uniqueness and distinct role to achieve a sustainable peace among its diverse people within a system of law and institutions."
He added: "With the departure of President Hussein Al-Husseini, we lose as a family a friend and a man of moderation who clung to the foundations of the homeland and the paths of salvation. This mission continues with his family and his son, Mr. Hassan, in service of the human and the homeland. May God have mercy on him and house him in His gardens, and may profound grief overcome us when history passes its judgment, and it will undoubtedly favor his journey and principles."
Reefy: Deputy Ashraf Rifi tweeted: "With the departure of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a legislative national stature and a man who was the guarantee of shared living in Lebanon, and a first-class statesman who believed in institutional work while maintaining the constitution. We bid farewell today to Mr. Hussein, who will leave a void in our national life that will be hard to fill. May God's mercy be upon his pure soul, and condolences to his family."
Hawat: Deputy Ziad Hawat tweeted: "With the absence of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a national figure who was a symbol of moderation and patriotism, closely associated with the Taif Agreement and the making of peace. Lebanon, which has suffered, urgently needs a policy inspired by the life journey free from extremism, subservience, sectarianism, and corruption. Peace be upon his soul and heartfelt condolences to his family."
Tony Franjieh: MP Tony Franjieh tweeted: "In your absence today, Lebanon loses a brilliant parliamentarian and a man who worked to end the fighting in Lebanon and was a symbol of the 'Taif Agreement.' Our condolences go out to his family, relatives, loved ones, and all Lebanese. Former President Hussein Al-Husseini, we ask God to grant you eternal peace within His gardens."
Daw: MP Mark Daw tweeted: "Our heartfelt condolences on the departure of the man of state and law, Hussein Al-Husseini. Today we lost a national figure at a time when we need such individuals the most. The battle of the logic of the state against the logic of militias continues, and we are committed to facing it until the state returns and militias are dismantled."
Mouad: MP Hassan Murad tweeted: "One of the architects of Taif, who halted the devastating civil war, has left us today. May God have mercy on Hussein Al-Husseini, who will be remembered fondly as long as Lebanon exists."
Makhzoumi: Similarly, the President of the "National Dialogue" party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, tweeted: "With the departure of former Speaker Hussein Al-Husseini, we lose today a national face who experienced many crises and milestones in various phases of Lebanon's history, and he had a rich political career. May God's mercy be upon his soul and sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."
Matar: Deputy Ihab Matar tweeted: "With the departure of the keeper of the secrets of Taif, Lebanon loses a constitutional pillar and a supporter of the idea of the state and its institutions. Hussein Al-Husseini, the moderate committed to national coexistence, who withdrew from the limelight and politics entered history through the finest gates after he, along with other statesmen, ended wars that drained the nation for 15 years."
Karami: The head of the "Dignity Movement," MP Faisal Karami, stated in a statement: "Great men leave, but their presence remains firmly embedded in the homeland. Today we lost one of those great men, President Hussein Al-Husseini, a statesman, a man of openness and dialogue, a symbol of the Taif Agreement, a political and constitutional reference, and a national and Arab approach. We lost a part of contemporary Lebanese history that will undoubtedly shape the future of this homeland. My deepest condolences to the Lebanese people, and we belong to God and to Him we shall return."
Arslan: The head of the Lebanese Democratic Party Talal Arslan mourned Al-Husseini in a tweet, saying: "Today, my friend from Khalda, the great one in his thought, patriotism, humility, and morals, departs. The loving and honorable President who devoted his life to serving his country and people. President Hussein Al-Husseini, the great brother and friend who was a witness at my wedding, may God have mercy on you. My heartfelt condolences to his esteemed family and all Lebanese."
Daher: MP Michel Daher tweeted: "With the loss of President Hussein Al-Husseini, we lose today a significant national and parliamentary stature. We also lose one of the cornerstones of the Taif Agreement and a key figure in the National Accord Document. The late president was known as a symbol of national moderation and a man of institutions. I extend my warmest condolences to all Lebanese and to the family of the deceased and his loved ones."
Mohammad Suleiman: MP Mohammad Suleiman tweeted: "With the loss of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a national figure who taught lessons in upholding the constitution, legislative laws, and who struggled to solidify the foundations of stability and National Accord to rescue Lebanon in the Taif Agreement. Mercy for this national man, and patience and solace for his family and loved ones."
Aboud: Deputy Jamil Aboud tweeted: "With the departure of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a fundamental pillar of openness, a crucial reference to modern Lebanese history. May peace be upon his soul."
Allama: MP Fadi Allama from the "Development and Liberation" bloc tweeted: "With the departure of President Hussein Al-Husseini, we lose a national figure and a man of dialogue who witnessed critical stages in Lebanon's history. As we pray for the deceased's mercy, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late, Speaker Nabih Berri, and the Lebanese."
Ahdab: Former MP Misbah Ahdab tweeted: "With great acceptance and submission, we mourn the former Speaker of the House, Hussein Al-Husseini. We ask the Almighty to encompass him in His wide mercy and to house him in His vast gardens. Lebanon has lost a significant national figure among the men of Taif, a highly humane and struggling personality for Lebanon."
Hajjar: Former MP Mohammed Hajjar tweeted: "With the death of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses one of its prominent figures who did not have blood on their hands. He was a distinctive figure who believed in the Arabism of his homeland, rejected fanaticism and sectarianism, and worked with conviction and all his capabilities to preserve and implement the Taif Agreement. May God have mercy on President Hussein Al-Husseini and house him in His vast gardens."
Abou Zeid: Former MP Aamal Abou Zeid tweeted commenting on Al-Husseini's death: "With the absence of President Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon loses a national and parliamentary stature that left its mark in parliament's history and knew how to preserve the balances and the uniqueness of Lebanon away from any compromise or malice."
He added: "The memory of President Al-Husseini will remain present in the conscience with his legislative experience and openness and his defense of the proper application of the Taif Agreement. May God have mercy on him and heartfelt condolences to his family and to the parliament."
On another note, Abou Zeid also confirmed "that the Lebanese Maronite Order lost the holy abbot Antoine Khalifa after a long journey serving the altar and community filled with works at the level of church, educational work, and in all the institutions of the order."
Deryan: The Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan also mourned President Al-Husseini, stating in a statement: "Lebanon and the Arab world lost a great symbol and a prominent political pillar known for his patriotism and Arabism, leaving bright and commendable historical marks in the parliament as President and member."
He added: "The late president, based on noble national and Arab principles, worked whole-heartedly and tirelessly to serve his country, making continuous efforts to maintain the unity of Lebanon, its people, and its institutions, and played a key role in enacting the Taif Document that emerged from the parliamentary meeting he chaired in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Throughout his political life, he remained committed to cohabitation and keen on the unity of Muslims and all Lebanese to keep this homeland independent, free, and united with its Arabic brothers."
He concluded: "May God have mercy on the country's departed and embrace him in His vast gardens, place him among the righteous, and grant his family and friends patience and solace. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return."
Kusifi: Likewise, Joseph Kusifi, the president of the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate expressed his sorrow at the absence of President Hussein Al-Husseini, the architect of the Taif Agreement, who until his last breath viewed it as more than just an agreement: a document for national accord, defending it after extensive study, considering that its demonization by some is due to the non-implementation of all its clauses.
Kusifi continued: "Al-Husseini was one of the symbols of moderation and openness in Lebanon, from a generation that believed in a unified existence and the position of his homeland, and its message as a land of convergence and interaction for civilizations and heavenly religions, and forged solid and steadfast relationships with Vatican and spiritual Islamic and Christian authorities in Lebanon, calling for a common word. His relationship with journalists and media personnel was characterized by respect, understanding, and a constant desire for constructive dialogue, as he advocated for responsible freedom as the cornerstone of society."
He concluded: "In bidding farewell to a friend of this stature, we can only say: that death is a truth, and one who had such a significant and balanced presence will remain in the minds alive. May God grant him vast mercy, and may his family find beautiful patience and solace."
Qabalan: In the same context, the distinguished Shia mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan issued a statement mourning the late president, stating: “We belong to God and to Him we return. We mourn to the Lebanese, especially, and to the Arab world generally, former Speaker of the House, Hussein Al-Husseini, whose national stature and ethical and constitutional values were essential to Lebanon at a moment of national need. He was the main architect of the Taif Agreement, which ended the civil war and pushed vigorously toward the development of the political system in Lebanon to ensure the nationality of the state and its institutions.”
He added: "With his passing, Lebanon has lost a historical pillar, a national role model, a voice of moderation, and a conscience for Islamic-Christian coexistence, and at the moment of his farewell we renew our commitment to the voices of moderation and national partnership, political development, internal salvation, and comprehensive ethical national protection for our country Lebanon."
Maronite League: The president of the Maronite League, Ambassador Khalil Karam, and the members of the executive council mourned the former Speaker of the House, stating in a statement: "With his absence, we mourn a great national loss, as he was an example of moderation, striving to establish Lebanon as a message by emphasizing complete national partnership. His prominent role in transitioning Lebanon from one phase to another at Taif stemmed from his sense of responsibility towards his country and citizens, and the necessity to stop the war and move towards peace in the spirit of building a state of institutions. Many times he openly declared that what is being implemented from Taif does not resemble its basic philosophy, intrinsic content, and real purposes. Now he departs to meet his Lord, carrying the secrets of Taif and its deliberations, saddened by a homeland that has yet to find its peace and balance."
Ambassador Karam and the executive council members of the Maronite League extended their sincerest and warmest condolences to President Al-Husseini's family and all Lebanese for the departure of this great national figure, asking God to embrace him in His vast mercy.
Amal: The head of the Amal Movement's presidency issued a statement after an extraordinary session, mourning "the founding leader, the esteemed Imam Musa Sadr, for his followers and the loyal Lebanese people, the former Secretary General of the Movement, former Speaker of the House Hussein Al-Husseini."
The statement continued: "With the departure of brother Hussein Al-Husseini, Lebanon and the Movement lose one of their founding leaders who accompanied Imam Musa Sadr's journey since inception and throughout the years of his disappearance and the two companions in Libya. Lebanon loses a faithful man who was committed to the immutable principles of Imam Sadr's journey, advocating for dialogue, coexistence, and defending Lebanon as a final homeland for all its sons."
The Movement's leadership and fighters extend their deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, praying God Almighty to embrace him in His vast mercy, and to grant his family and relatives enormous patience and solace. We are comforted by His words: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful" (Those whom the angels take in death while they are pure (righteous). They say: ‘Peace be upon you! Enter Paradise for what you used to do.’) Truthful is the Almighty God."
Loyalty to the Resistance: The "Loyalty to the Resistance" bloc also mourned the late president, stating in a statement: "With great sadness and sorrow, the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc received the news of the death of former Speaker of the House, the late Hussein Al-Husseini, who passed away on Wednesday morning, January 11, after a life rich with considerable interest and contributions to the political and national fields, crowned by his significant role in enacting the National Accord Document and the constitutional amendments that were achieved under its light."
The Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, while expressing its sorrow for the loss of this national stature, extends its condolences to his family, loved ones, and all Lebanese, hoping for the rise and recovery of our country.
The Islamic Shiite Council: The Islamic Shiite Higher Council also mourned President Al-Husseini, stating: “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful (O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, content and pleasing. Enter among My servants and enter My Paradise.) Truthful is the Almighty God. Submission to God's decree and destiny, the Islamic Shiite Higher Council mourns to the Muslims, Arabs, and Lebanese the former Speaker of the House, Mr. Hussein Al-Husseini, who lived most of his life in national, political, and parliamentary work, possessing a legacy filled with contributions and nationalist and Islamic unity stances in support of national and Arab causes. He contributed with Imam Musa Sadr and his brothers to the founding of the Islamic Shiite Higher Council and the Amal Movement and raised the banner of addressing deprivation in the deprived areas of Lebanon, and he stood against the war of sedition among the Lebanese, a man of dialogue and a promoter of openness and cooperation among Lebanese, who worked diligently to establish coexistence and safeguard civil peace."
He continued: "We have lost a national stature at a difficult time; the late great individual was one of the great statesmen and a symbol of the nation, characterized by moderation and high national morals, associating his name with the Taif Agreement, where he contributed to ending the war of sedition and enacting the Lebanese constitution. The late President Al-Husseini embraced the Palestinian cause and supported the Palestinian people in their resistance against the occupation and in defending Jerusalem and the religious sanctities in Palestine, and was one of the most prominent individuals working to establish a resistance community against the Zionist occupation and defend Lebanon and its rights in Arab and international forums."
He concluded: "While we extend our warmest condolences for the loss of the great departed to Speaker Nabih Berri, members of the House, and his noble family, we ask Almighty God to embrace him in His vast mercy and to honor him with the company of prophets, saints, and the truthful, and to grant his family and loved ones enduring patience and solace."
Mahfouz: The head of the National Council for Audio-Visual Media, Abdul Hadi Mahfouz, mourned President Al-Husseini, emphasizing that "Lebanon lost a fundamental support and a great stature that cannot be compensated." He said: "With the departure of Al-Husseini, Lebanon lost a man of state and institutions in every sense of the word, working for the unity of this beloved country and had given so much for it, he was wise and played a significant role in preserving coexistence among Lebanese and contributed to the enactment of the Taif Agreement that laid the foundations for civil peace. He left a significant mark in parliamentary legislation and will remain a national and historical symbol etched in the memory of the Lebanese. May God have mercy on our dear departed and place him in His vast gardens."
Fadlallah: Scholar Ali Fadlallah issued a statement mourning the late President Hussein Al-Husseini, saying: "With the departure of President Sayyid Hussein Al-Husseini, we lose a significant national figure characterized by the values of statesmanship and high ethics, practicing elevated national, political, and legal activities, which left clear marks in the transition of Lebanon from civil war to civil peace through his significant role in achieving the Taif Agreement and the National Accord Document. With his absence, an important chapter of Lebanese legislation is closed, filled with justice as he performed his role in the House, where he became a reference for clarifying many constitutional and legal matters."
He added: "The late president played a critical role in solidifying national unity and enhancing Islamic-Christian communication, tirelessly addressing internal issues while rising above many sensitivities, which makes the Lebanese feel the loss generated by his absence and the urgent need for such characters to fill this significant void. As we remember his special relationship with the late reference, Sheikh Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, and their work together to protect the nation, we affirm the importance of moderate and open stances through which the country can withstand all forms of violence, agitation, or blind fanaticism, or external challenges."
He concluded: "In conclusion, I extend my warmest condolences and sympathy to his family, relatives, and friends, asking the Almighty to embrace him with His vast mercy and inspire his family with patience and solace."
Salameh: Former minister Youssef Salameh tweeted: "Former President Hussein Al-Husseini has left to meet his Lord and the soil of the homeland, taking with him what remains of the culture of legislation and the minutes of Taif open to various interpretations. Mr. President, rest assured, your conscience is at peace. We will no longer need a text to refer to; justice has fallen among us, along with customary practices and the constitution, and our people have surrendered to foreign wills and the law of the jungle."
Skaf: Furthermore, the President of the "People's Block" Miriam Skaf stated that "when a national and constitutional figure of the stature of President Hussein Al-Husseini departs, we will undoubtedly fear for Lebanon, which is becoming almost naked of wisdom, moderation, and statesmanship that shaped its formula."
She stated in a statement: "With the departure of Sayyid Al-Husseini, a state takes its leave, and the nation loses one of its most prominent figures, transcending sectarianism and committed to the unity of the nation in word and deed, as enshrined in its book. We are deeply saddened by the absence of President Al-Husseini, who shares the same virtues with the Skaf family: both families have crafted wisdom and unity among Lebanon's sects as the basis of their political work and have maintained a family bond unbroken by years of war and severed paths."
She confirmed that "the personality represented by President Al-Husseini has made an impression in the Lebanese conscience like the entity and the constitution, making his name synonymous with law, Taif, and the Pact and has become a reference that issues rulings and resolves at every constitutional dispute or heresy that claims obedience to the constitution."
She extended her condolences on behalf of her family and the "People's Block" to the family of the late President Hussein Al-Husseini, as well as to the entire nation on the loss of a piece of its constitution and a man who transformed this country from war to peace.
Dabousi: Likewise, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Tripoli and the North, Tawfiq Dabousi, issued a statement mourning President Hussein Al-Husseini, saying: "We received with deep sorrow the news of the death of President Hussein Al-Husseini, the great national stature whose loss we mourn alongside a vision for Lebanon as a free, independent country, and who contributed to halting the Lebanese war by bridging differing viewpoints and engaging in positive dialogue as embodied in the Taif Agreement—of which the late President Al-Husseini was one of the architects."
He added, "With the departure of President Hussein Al-Husseini, we close a bright chapter of political, national, and parliamentary work, and we, at the Chamber of Commerce in Greater Tripoli, extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family and his national family as a whole, asking God to embrace the great deceased in His vast mercy and admit him into His spacious gardens."
Graduates of the Maqsad: The Association of Graduates of Islamic Maqsad in Beirut mourned President Hussein Al-Husseini, stating in a statement: "The late was a fundamental supporter and a loyal friend of the association, who closely followed its activities and supported it, even in ill health." They added, "With his passing, the graduates of the Maqsad lose a loyal friend, and Lebanon loses an exceptional man who clung to the state as a choice under all circumstances and played a collective role that the Lebanese will not forget in concluding the Taif Agreement that stopped the bloody fighting in Lebanon for 15 years."
The association, through its president Dr. Mazen Sherbaji and the members of its administrative and advisory committees, extends its condolences to the family of President Al-Husseini and to all Lebanese for this great loss.
