NNA - Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, said after meeting with President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun: "We adopt all the contents of the oath speech, which is like restoring life to the Lebanese entity. We want a state governed by justice as it is governed by law, the constitution and the Taif Agreement. We are a fundamental component and we will not ask for anything for ourselves, but what we will ask for is to achieve a balance between the components of Lebanese society, and this is what your oath speech included."

He added: "My only wish is that your era will be an era of justice and that not a single oppressed person will remain in Lebanese prisons. The Lebanese people have great expectations in you and they expressed their overwhelming joy when you were elected President of the Republic."

President Aoun

In turn, President Aoun said: "I was not elected to work in politics. I came to build a state, and the state is only based on justice and equality between all components that share one identity. This is the promise of every Lebanese, regardless of his position or sect. We have a great opportunity that we either win or lose, and, in order to benefit from it, we must work hand in hand."

"We hope that the government will be formed as soon as possible so that things can be put on the right track, and we can start building bridges of trust with the ready outside," President Aoun indicated.

"We have the capabilities, potentials and human energies, and this is a sustainable wealth capable of production, and more important than natural resources. All that is required is pure intention for the benefit of Lebanon and not for personal interest," the President went on.

"We must seek help from outside, not rely on outside strength against the inside. There is no preference for one sect over another or one person over another. We are all Lebanese, we carry the same identity, we sing the same national anthem, and the Lebanese flag is ours for all.

We hope that the government will be formed as soon as possible so that things can be put on the right track, and we can start building bridges of trust with the ready outside."

"We have the capabilities, potentials and human energies, and this is a sustainable wealth capable of production, and more important than natural resources. All that is required is pure intention for the benefit of Lebanon and not for personal interest."

We must seek help from outside, not rely on outside strength against the inside. There is no preference for one sect over another or one person over another. We are all Lebanese, we carry the same identity, we sing the same national anthem, and the Lebanese flag is ours for all. The right to divergence is sacred, but the right to dispute is not permitted."

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