Latest news with #AbdulLatifDerian
MTV Lebanon
5 days ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Aoun: No Return to War Rhetoric as Lebanon Faces Critical Crossroads
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun affirmed that "we are at a critical crossroads, possibly a decisive one," stressing that "our unity, cooperation, and solidarity are essential to confront all challenges." Speaking before the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, and a delegation of regional muftis, he said: "The fatal mistake committed by the Lebanese in the past was relying on external powers against one another internally, and we have seen the consequences of that." He added: "We are staying because we are fortified by our unity, and no one will take us elsewhere. Every Lebanese group brings added value to Lebanon. The Sunni community contributes two key values to this country: internal moderation and the affirmation and guarantee of Lebanon's place in the Arab world." Aoun emphasized: "No one can eliminate anyone in Lebanon, and no one has more merit than another, together, in unity, we all contribute to Lebanon. Mufti Derian is the Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, not just of the Sunnis, and our coordination with him is based on preserving Lebanon.' He concluded: "Lebanon is fine, and we will not return to the language of war. Our shared ceiling is Lebanon.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
20-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Derian to army commander: Dar al-Fatwa will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into sectarian strife
Lebanon's Mufti Abdul Latif Derian received a phone call from Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal Sunday, during which he affirmed that 'Dar al-Fatwa will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into the furnace of sectarian strife," the state-run National News Agency reported, citing a statement by Dar al-Fatwa. The statement was released as fears mounted in Beirut that clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes in Syria's southern Sweida region could spill over into Lebanese territory. A new cease-fire was announced Saturday in Syria, and relative calm was reported in the region Sunday, according to AFP. The statement also addressed 'Lebanese affairs and the role the army plays in preserving the security and safety of Lebanon and its people.' Derian stated that 'Lebanon must remain distant from what is happening in sisterly Syria. They have a capable state to manage their security situation and wise leadership.' 'We affirm the unity of Syria in its land, people and institutions. We should not interfere in others' affairs, nor should anyone interfere in our Lebanese affairs,' he added. He praised the Lebanese Army for 'fulfilling its national duty and handling any security incidents throughout the country,' and stressed that 'there is no alternative to the state, its authority and the enforcement of its rule across all its territories. The state is the umbrella for all, the sole guarantor of order, the rule of law, rights and freedoms, equal citizenship and justice among all citizens.' On Friday, Derian had called Sami Abi al-Mona, the spiritual leader of Lebanon's Druze community. Both religious figures emphasized the importance of 'avoiding falling into the trap of sedition.' The Lebanese Army also issued a statement on Friday, affirming that troops 'will not allow any breach of security or civil peace.'
LBCI
05-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's Grand Mufti visits Damascus in symbolic shift: Inside Derian's Syria meetings
Report by Abdullah Malaeb, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian stood atop Mount Qasioun, gazing over the Syrian capital—a city he had not entered before the fall of the Assad regime. His presence marked what many observers are calling a symbolic turning point in Lebanese-Syrian relations. "We are strong and we are staying," Derian declared from the mountain, as he prepared to descend into Damascus for a tightly choreographed visit, which included high-level meetings and religious ceremonies. Syrian officials, including the country's Minister of Religious Endowments and Damascus' own Mufti, welcomed Derian warmly, though their first meeting took place at the presidential palace rather than in a religious setting. Speaking from the grand Umayyad Mosque, Derian emphasized historic ties between Lebanon and Syria, saying, "The era of oppression has ended, thanks to Syria's leadership, especially President Ahmed al-Sharaa." His remarks reflected a nuanced position, shaped by his longstanding affiliation with the moderate Sunni public associated with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Derian underscored the need for both religious and legal balance, calling for governance rooted not only in Islamic Sharia but also in civil law. "Let us be moderate, as the light of moderation, Islam, and Arab unity shines from this mosque," he told an audience of Syrian religious scholars, adding, "Just as we pray here in the Umayyad Mosque, may we one day pray together in Jerusalem." The Mufti's visit also included private talks at Syria's Ministry of Religious Endowments, where discussions focused on bilateral cooperation over religious endowment properties, a topic of longstanding economic and political importance, according to LBCI's sources. However, the broader geopolitical backdrop was impossible to ignore. The meeting between Derian and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was delayed due to al-Sharaa's prior engagement with the British Foreign Secretary. Behind closed doors, the two leaders reportedly touched on a controversial Israeli proposal suggesting that Syria could take control of Lebanon's Tripoli region and parts of the Bekaa Valley in exchange for relinquishing claims over the occupied Golan Heights and territories recently seized by Israel.
LBCI
05-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Sources to LBCI: Lebanese Mufti, Syrian President dismiss Israeli claims over land swap deal
Sources informed LBCI that the meeting between Lebanese Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Derian and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus was described as "frank." However, no credibility was given to the alleged Israeli proposal suggesting Syria abandon its claim to the occupied Golan Heights in exchange for control over Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli and parts of the Bekaa Valley. Sources familiar with the discussions told LBCI that the controversial proposal, circulated by Israeli media outlets, was not even considered during the talks.
MTV Lebanon
20-05-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Mufti Derian broaches north Lebanon situation with Al-Khair
Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, on Tuesday received at Dar Al-Fatwa, MP Ahmad Al-Khair, in the presence of Sheikh Fayez Seif, member of the Supreme Islamic Sharia Council. The meeting reportedly discussed national and Islamic affairs and the current conditions in North Lebanon area. Mufti Derian later received also received the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zakat Fund in Lebanon, Consul Mohammed Al-Jawzo, the Fund's Director General of the Fund, Sheikh Zuhair Kibbi, and businessman Rabih Sheikh. They discussed charitable, social, and livelihood affairs.
