Hariri Underlines Importance of Dialogue, Moderation in Battle against Extremism

Al-Mustaqbal Movement leader and ex-Prime Minister Saad Hariri stressed the importance of dialogue and moderation to combat the terrorism of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), local newspapers reported on Tuesday.

Hariri's statement came during a meeting for the leaders and members of al-Mustaqbal movement at the Center House in downtown Beirut on Monday night.

The participants voiced their utmost support to Hariri's hopes that all the Lebanese parties would yield to the state power, considering it the only side “capable of unifying the Lebanese.”

The meeting also underlined solidarity with the brotherly Arab counties to confront the danger facing them and the “necessity of not giving up to extremism under any circumstances.”

The former premier had arrived in Lebanon from the Saudi capital Riyadh to attend a ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the assassination of his father former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

The commemoration was held in Beirut on Saturday.

Hariri highlighted the state's “responsibility to confront terrorism and extremism,” reiterating his initiative to establish a national strategy that safeguards Lebanon.”

The attendees also pointed out that priority at this stage is to elect a new head of state, describing him as “the state's cornerstone.”

Lebanon has been without a head state since May when the term of President Michel Suleiman ended without the election of his successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps have thwarted the elections.

The gatherers also tackled the ongoing dialogue with Hizbullah as Hariri explained the importance of holding onto it as “a safe haven to Lebanon and its people.”

Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal recently kicked off dialogue at Ain el-Tineh under the sponsorship of Speaker Nabih Berri.

Prominent officials so far met with Hariri on Saturday at his headquarters at the Center House.

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G.K.