Defense Minister Michel Manssa said after meeting Lebanese Republic Grand Mufti Abdel Latif Derian that he was "honored to meet Derian to express respect for the standing of this institution, Dar al-Fatwa and piety, and for what it represents in terms of the values of patriotism, Arab identity, authenticity, and commitment throughout history and at pivotal moments."
He stressed that "Beirut, which embraces this venerable institution filled with morality, sincerity, and dignity, is the city of national unity, one people, and one army. It is the city of security, safety, and faith, with its mosques and churches, its minarets and bells, its tolerance and grace."
Manssa said: "I listened from His Eminence to the concerns weighing on the mind over looming dangers, to the justified and sincere fears and anxieties, as His Eminence spoke in the language of a responsible leader, with a father's concern and the care of one deeply invested in the country's stability, the prosperity of its capital, and the safety of its people and residents. I stressed before His Eminence the continuation of the measures taken by the Lebanese Army Command in implementation of the Cabinet's decision to strengthen its presence in the capital, confine weapons to the hands of the legitimate forces, consolidate security in Beirut, assist displaced citizens, enable them to confront the hardships of this stage, and work to alleviate their suffering."
