Lebanon’s grand mufti says there will be no change in government system

By Wassim Seif El Din

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AA) – Lebanon’s grand mufti said Tuesday that will be no change in the country’s system of government.

In a televised statement marking the birthday of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, Abdul Latif Derian said the Islamic-Christian partnership and coexistence will remain intact under the 1989 Taif Agreement.

“There is no place for proposals that tear the nation apart and divide the Lebanese in their homeland, Lebanon, a country of unity and diversity,” Derian said.

In October 1989, Lebanese officials signed the Taif Agreement in Saudi Arabia, ending 15 years of civil war.

Under the agreement, the post of parliament speaker is reserved for Shia Muslims, while the premiership is earmarked for Sunni Muslims and the presidency is allotted to Maronite Christians.

The religious leader said internal efforts “are the basis for holding presidential elections, while external efforts are a helping factor.”

He added that the presidential vote "will happen no matter how severe the rift is.”

Since last October, Lebanon has been unable to elect a new president to replace former President Michel Aoun, amid differences among political rivals.

Christian political groups have called for changing the current paramilitary system in Lebanon into a federal one.

Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government since last May, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his Cabinet having limited powers in their current caretaker status.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi