Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul-Latif Derian, asserted Sunday that "through unity, dialogue and understanding, the Lebanese can overcome all crises facing their country."

He added: "On Tuesday, we will meet at the Druze 'Dar El-Taefa' for an Islamic-Christian spiritual summit under these stressful and urgent circumstances."

"As for you, politicians, the Lebanese people in different regions, and of different affiliations, have invested their trust in you; hence, should you not be up to the level of this trust? Doesn't this entail declaring a state of emergency to advance Lebanon and its institutions?" questioned Derian.

The Mufti's words came during a wide gathering and luncheon banquet held in his honor by Lebanese emigrant businessman, Ali Jarroush, at his residence in the town of Sultan Yaacoub in West Bekaa earlier today, which was attended by prominent figures from the region, religious clerics and political officials.

"This country deserves a lot from us, with its capital, north, south and mountain...We want to leave our children and grandchildren a secure and uniting homeland for all its sects, communities and sons," the Mufti corroborated.

Derian urged politicians to rise up to the level of their shouldered responsibility in wake of the growing economic, financial and social crises facing the country, stressing on "going back to working hand-in-hand for the sake of the nation and its people's supreme interests."