Qabbani: We Won't Allow Govt. to Be Toppled through Street Action
Grand Mufti Mohammed Rashid Qabbani stressed on Friday that the “premiership in Lebanon should not be targeted with violence.”
He said: “We will not allow the government to be toppled through street action.”
He made his declaration during the Eid al-Adha Muslim prayers in Beirut's Amin mosque.
“Those inciting instincts in the name of sects for political purposes are being foolish,” he added.
“Lebanon is a country of principles, peaceful democracy, and state institutions and we therefore cannot accept that the government be overthrown through the street,” said the mufti.
“We didn't accept this years ago and we will never accept it,” stated the Sunni cleric.
“The premiership is a symbol for us and all the Lebanese people,” he added.
“Abandoning the constitution means the destruction of the republic and country,” Qabbani stressed.
Addressing the Lebanese people, he said: “It is time to impose new rules of action and eliminate the sectarian germ in order for your sons to enjoy hope in the future.”
Commenting on the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau chief Wissam al-Hasan, he said: “The crime is part of a conspiracy against Lebanon.”
“It will not destroy our national unity,” he remarked.
Hasan was killed on October 19 in a car bomb in Beirut's Ashrafiyeh district.
The March 14-led opposition and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat accused Syria of the crime.
The opposition has also been demanding the resignation of the government, which is comprised of pro-Syrian allies, to resign in wake of the assassination.
It announced its suspension of any political activity, including the national dialogue, that includes the government.
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