NNA - Below is the delivered speech of the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun, at the Iftar of Dar Al-Fatwa on Saturday, March 15, 2025:

"Your Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Host of this Iftar banquet,
Your Excellency the Speaker of the Parliament, 
Your Excellency the President of the Council of Ministers,
Your Excellencies Former Presidents and Prime Ministers, 
Your Beatitudes and Eminences,
Your Excellencies Ministers and Members of the Parliament,  
Distinguished guests, 

It is with great pleasure that I accept the invitation of His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, to participate in the Iftar banquet hosted by Dar Al-Fatwa, during these blessed days of the holy month of Ramadan, month of compassion, for the first time after several years of involuntary interruption caused by compelling circumstances. As providence would have it, the Holy Month coincides with the Great Lent this year. For fasting, which is a shared spiritual practice between Muslims and Christians, means getting closer to God through prayer, worship, repentance, forgiveness, patience, restraint, goodwill and solidarity with the poor and indigent. Thankfully, this is what we see and sense in our society during this blessed month. 

Whereas fasting calls us to solidarity and unity, then Ramadan serves as a reminder of the importance of engagement and positive involvement in our nation’s issues. For Lebanon that we all so cherish is a message and an example of diversity and pluralism. It is an inclusive homeland that can accommodate everyone, with their various affiliations and beliefs; hence, the importance of political participation across the full spectrum of Lebanese society, without marginalization, isolation, or exclusion of any segment of society. Such participation is contingent on the fundamental principle of respect for the Constitution and the National Accord Document along with their relevant interpretation on real and legal grounds rather than based on political, confessional, sectarian or vested interests. As much as it is keen on protecting the Lebanese diversity and specificity, the Lebanese State, represented by its various institutions, is committed, above all, to preserving the Lebanese entity and people; thus, no project shall override that of a strong, capable and just state, which should be built with concerted efforts.
 
Distinguished guests, 

In the midst of the challenges faced by our country, the implementation of Resolution 1701 and of the ceasefire agreement stands out as a pivotal issue that requires our attention and diligence. In fact, Lebanon cannot enjoy stability and prosperity in light of ongoing tensions along its southern border. Life cannot return to normal in affected areas without the implementation of international resolutions that guarantee Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability, as well as the withdrawal of the occupier from our land and the repatriation of the prisoners longing for their homeland and their families.
This will also call on the international community to live up to its responsibilities in fulfilling its guarantees and pledges, in addition to materializing and implementing its expressions of support for the Lebanese state. 
Reconstruction from wartime destruction calls for a diligent and sincere response by all of us, requires the state to step up its efforts at home and abroad, and necessitates a concerted effort, on the part of the civil society, brotherly and friendly actors, and the private sector to rebuild what was destroyed, heal the wounds of those affected, and open a new page in Lebanon's history.
 
Honorable guests, 

Lebanon is facing significant and diverse challenges, but the Lebanese people’s will of life is greater and stronger, for the sake of building a strong Lebanon that derives its strength from its state and institutions, a prosperous Lebanon that draws its prosperity from its economy and resources, a shining Lebanon that is inspired by its culture and civilization, a faithful Lebanon that embraces its identity and belonging, and an outward-looking Lebanon that is widely open to its Arab surroundings and to the world.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to our host, His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif Derian, for his kind invitation.
 
Ramadan Mubarak, long live Lebanon!"

- Lebanese Presidency 

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