NNA - Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, returned today from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he commented on the recent incidents in Jbeil, Beit Mery, Baysour and other areas in Lebanon, by calling for unity and solidarity among the Lebanese.

He said: "We have great confidence in the army and the just judiciary to uncover the circumstances of the killing and assault that took place in some areas," and cautioned against “being drawn into sedition.”

He emphasized “the importance of national unity between Muslims and Christians,” and called for being alert to the dangers and conspiracies hatched by the enemies, at the forefront of which is the Zionist enemy, to undermine and tear apart the Lebanese unity.

"Our confrontation will be through our unity and solidarity, hand in hand, Muslims and Christians, without discrimination or bias, but rather with equality, cooperation, and dedication for the sake of Lebanon and coexistence," Derian maintained.

He underlined the need to derive the lessons and learn from the wars of strife and the painful experiences and events that our homeland witnessed on April 13.

Derian considered that the presidential vacuum must end with the participation of all Lebanese components to reconstitute power, saying: "We fear political strife caused by the presidential void, for there is no republic without a president... What is required is to facilitate the election of the president, away from obstruction...Settlement will be through mutual concessions from all parties for the benefit of Lebanon."

It is to note that immediately upon his return to Beirut, the Mufti made a series of contacts that included Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, MP Gebran Bassil, Lebanese Forces Party Chief Samir Geagea, and Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, with whom he broached the latest developments on the Lebanese scene.

=========R.Sh.