Head of the Independence Movement Michel Moawad said the Lebanese should seek an accord over national principles as to preserve and strengthen the state’s foundations.

Such an agreement should be based on a framework that takes into account political differences, Moawad said following a visit to Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian at Dar al-Fatwa in Beirut.

Moawad, who was accompanied by former MP Jawad Boulos and a delegation of the Independence Movement, said the recent security incidents proved that preserving coexistence required an understanding between all Lebanese factions over a set of national principles.

“Just as extremism fuels other forms of extremism, the possession of illegitimate weapons leads to the proliferation of illegal arms among the Lebanese,” Moawad said, urging all Lebanese factions to seek protection from state institutions.

“We believe that the Mufti is a key backer and part of our campain to strengthen the state and its institutions while promoting the values of moderation and freedom in Lebanon and the region,” he said.