Daryan Calls for Swift Presidential Elections to Evade Crises, Slams Extremism
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan called on politicians on Tuesday to understand the risks and crises imposed by the ongoing presidential vacuum, lashing out at extremism.
“The presidential elections should be staged swiftly to evade the crises gripping Lebanon,” Daryan said after talks with former Prime Minister Salim el-Hoss.
Lebanon plunged into a presidential vacuum due to the failure of the rival March 8 and 14 camps to agree on a compromise candidate.
Daryan stressed that Lebanon “will never become a safe haven for extremism,” pointing out that Dar al-Fatwa will remain centrist and reject terrorism and extremism.
“Our Islam doesn't include any extremism or terrorism as we are keen to safeguard the state and its institutions.”
The army engaged in heavy clashes with the militants after they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal in August and took with them soldiers and policemen as hostages.
Three of the so-called Arsal hostages were executed in September and August – two of them were beheaded while one was shot dead.
For his party, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly described Daryan as the “voice of moderation.”
He told reporters after talks with the Grand Mufti that Daryan reflects “the true face of religion,” which is “vital in the face of the violence and extremism that is threatening Lebanon and the region.”
The two officials agreed on the importance of coexistence and communication as the only progress for Lebanon.
Plumbly hailed the cooperation between Dar al-Fatwa and the United Nations, particularly in addressing the humanitarian crisis of the Syrian refugees.
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