Tripoli’s Mufti Returns Home, Outstretches Hand towards Everybody

Seven months after being forced to leave the country over security fears, Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek al-Chaar returned to Lebanon on Tuesday evening as he claimed receiving assurances and encouragements.

Voicing hope that the coming days will bring what is best for the country, Chaar stressed that the country needs everyone as he outstretched his palm to all local factions voicing willingness to cooperate with everybody.

The Mufti didn't fail to salute the Dahiyeh, thanking all those who have contributed to the security plans that were brought into effect in Beirut's southern suburbs and Tripoli, labeling them as "significant steps".

Rejecting words that refer to one sect or another, the Mufti affirmed that "we, the Lebanese, will maintain our path led by President Michel Sleiman and under the protection of the army."

The northern cleric also extended his condolences to his "brothers and people in Akkar" in light of the asylum-seeker boat tragedy off the Indonesian coast.

For his part, Caretaker Minister of Information Walid al-Daouk, who received Chaar at the airport, pointed out that "the Mufti was reassured by the army and official leaderships, notably the Outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati and President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman."

Daouk said that the security plans that have been implemented in Dahiyeh and Tripoli encouraged Mufti Chaar to return to Lebanon, hoping that peace and security would be forged in both regions.