Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Muna, the head of the Druze community, pointed out that "the visit of Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi to the mountain is an essential event, and we have designated the meeting during the visit at the National Library in Baakline as 'Fruits of Reconciliation and Horizons of the Future.' The more complexities increase, the greater the need to draw inspiration from the spirit of reconciliation, and the Patriarch's visit aligns with this direction. We are all concerned with a Lebanon that accommodates everyone and needs everyone." Abi Al-Muna reminded in a conversation with "Anbaa" electronic that "between the meeting of Patriarch Sfeir and President Walid Jumblatt in 2001 and the visit of Raï on Friday, there is a path that affirms the truth of reconciliation. Many things have changed between the two dates, but reconciliation has remained, as has the mountain, and the goal of Friday's meeting is to capitalize on reconciliation, where we will respond from Baakline to the question of how to materialize reconciliation."
Regarding the political aspect, Abi Al-Muna called on all parties to respond to the invitation to dialogue, noting that "we do not want it to be above the constitution or to disregard democratic life, but we believe in the beauty of the settlement that Kamal Jumblatt spoke of, as there is no use in refraining from dialogue, while its type and form are not my concern." In response to a question, Abi Al-Muna indicated that "the Druze endowments are not as large as they talk about, and most of the endowment lands are not being utilized." He stressed that "we are working with our Christian brothers to invest the endowments of both communities together through projects that might be industrial, agricultural, or commercial, as the endowments are a wealth for the region and should be capitalized on; this will be a fruit of reconciliation and will enhance trust in the mountain and the nation."
Commenting on the ongoing controversy regarding the Dar Al-Yatim Al-Druzi institution, Abi Al-Muna stated that "the Dar Al-Yatim Al-Druzi institution is affiliated with the community, and all its members respect it. We are concerned with its dignity and future, and we have said from the first day that we should not interfere with the judiciary. Moreover, some mistakes are intolerable and should be addressed seriously, and there must be a solution." He added: "I do not intervene directly in this matter out of respect for the administrators of the institution, so I propose a major reform workshop at Dar Al-Yatim, which I have sensed from the institution and the honorable individuals involved; Dar Al-Yatim should remain an elegant and prestigious institution."
Regarding the protests that have been occurring in the city of Suwayda for weeks, Abi Al-Muna confirmed that "there is ongoing communication with the Sheikhs of Wisdom in Suwayda, and we are assessing the situation without interference, as they are worthy and able to take the appropriate stance. However, we fear that the legitimate living demand may turn into a program that we may not be aware of." He continued: "So far, I cannot grasp the reality there, but we trust the wisdom of the reference that is keen on the unity of the mountain, and we support their efforts in this regard. What matters to us is for Syria to be strong and for Jabal Al-Arab to be united, as our brothers in Suwayda are not separatists, as they do not accept separation, they are with the message of Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash."
He added: "There is no separatist movement; historically, the Druze have been the princes of the mountain and have never thought of separation. How can we think of it today, being a minority? We will confront those who want to separate us because we do not want to commit suicide in short, and we will work to ensure that the state is strong and just, for the safety of the Druze is in their state, not in a mini-state." Abi Al-Muna noted that "raising the Druze flags in Suwayda does not indicate a desire for separation but is a symbol that the community members cherish. The demands of Suwayda's people are legitimate, and they are not submissive; they should boldly claim their rights, but we need to remain vigilant."
