Qabbani Warns from Leap into Unknown, Qabalan for Abolishing Confessionalism in Politics
The Lebanese celebrated Eid al-Adha on Friday as speeches of Sunni and Shiite clerics focused on the need to launch the work of the new national unity government on the basis of coexistence.
Mufti Mohammed Rashid Qabbani warned from a leap into the unknown and called for a government for all Lebanese. He said during prayers at al-Amine mosque that the government should work as a single and harmonious team that reflects the slogan of national unity.
Following prayers, Qabbani, PM Saad Hariri and other senior officials and religious figures prayed at the grave of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
Saad Hariri is traveling to Saudi Arabia on Friday to spend the Eid with his family. Speaker Nabih Berri, in his turn, has traveled to Greece on a private visit that will last several days.
Also Friday, Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan expressed his support for the setting up of the national committee for the abolishment of confessionalism in politics "so that all Lebanese enjoy the same rights."
As for Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Naim Hassan, he said in his Eid message that he looks forward for the next stage which should be free of tension and based on national consensus and willingness to coexist.
On Thursday, senior Shiite cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah called for peace and warned against conflicts. He urged the Lebanese to unite and form a united government that will work for the country”s economic and political stability.
Fadlallah also voiced a call to all Arabs to let go of sectarian differences and work together to fight Zionist threats.