The Mufti of the Republic Abdel Latif Derian. (Credit: NNA)
On Thursday, Lebanese Mufti of the Republic Abdel Latif Derian congratulated Prime Minister-elect Nawaf Salam on his appointment as head of the next government in a phone call.
"Dar al-Fatwa supports and approves MPs choice of Judge Salam [as prime minister], a choice that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Lebanese for the construction of a rule of law and institutions," the statement from the Mufti's office read. "His government will be tasked with finding solutions to the crises shaking the country and restoring trust between Lebanon and the Arab world."
The Mufti also praised the new prime minister's "academic, legal and diplomatic career .... as well as his probity and transparency — qualities Lebanon urgently needs in these challenging times."
Salam was chosen by 84 of the 128 members of parliament during binding parliamentary consultations held on Monday at Baabda Palace, following President Joseph Aoun's election as head of state on Jan. 9.
In Lebanon, the prime minister is selected from the Muslim Sunni community, with Dar al-Fatwa serving as the highest Sunni religious authority in the country.