BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian Tuesday said controversial comments recently made by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah on Bahrain do not reflect the Dar al-Fatwa policy.
Derian stressed during a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani in Doha the need to "respect the principle of non-interference in the affairs of Arab countries, especially Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries."
Without naming him, the Mufti said Nasrallah’s comments do not represent the policies of Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni religious authority in Lebanon.
“Any work of this kind does not reflect the views of Dar al-Fatwa," he said. His remarks were carried by the state-run National News Agency.
Addressing the Qatari prime minister, Derian expressed hope that “the Lebanese won’t have to pay the price for speeches given by some [officials] that affect their business and their activities in GCC countries.
Thani, however, responded positively, saying: “Lebanese who work in Qatar are part of us and are engaged in successful businesses. They cannot be subject to retaliation or abusive behavior.”
He stressed that Qataris support Lebanese living in his country, giving them proper "respect and encouragement.”
NNA said the two men discussed the "special" ties between Doha and Beirut and the relationship of Dar al-Fatwa with Qatar and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
The two sides agreed to boost cooperation in religious, charity and social fields.
The Arab League has publicly censured Lebanon over comments made by Nasrallah in which he denounced Bahrain's recent arrest of the country's main political opposition leader Ali Salman and its crackdown on anti-regime protesters.
The Arab League deemed Nasrallah's Jan. 9 remarks a “repetitive interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain” and called on the Lebanese government to take clear stance on the issue.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam Saturday said Nasrallah’s comments did not represent the policy of Lebanon.
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