Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad said the election of a president would preserve Christian rights under Lebanon’s confessional power sharing system.

“Preserving Christian rights requires us to elect a president and to strengthen our alliance with Muslim moderates rather than take aim at Sunni moderates through street protests,” Moawad said in a tweet.

In a separate statement, Moawad paid tribute to late Saudi Foreign Minister Saoud al Faisal, describing the prince as a man who loved Lebanon. Moawad cited Prince Faisal’s contribution to the Taif Accord and the election of late president Rene Moawad as proof of its commitment to Lebanon’s stability.