Higher Islamic Council warns against assaulting Sunnis

Lebanon Higher Islamic Council (HIC) warned Friday of abusing Sunni leaders and undermining their religious and national position. In a statement, the HIC said that any attack against the Lebanese Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani is totally unforgivable, reiterating respect to him and that they are totally committed to the lawsuit being reviewed by Lebanese courts. Qabbani has filed a lawsuit claiming that the fraudulent extension of the Council that elects the Mufti and organizes the affairs of Dar al-Fatwa, Lebanon s top Sunni religious authority. Twenty-one council members extended in December the HIC term until the end of 2013 despite the objection of Qabbani, who argues that the extension is illegal, Naharnet reported on Friday. The council members stressed that the Grand Mufti is the only one responsible for calling for holding the HIC elections on April 14. They also urged the government's leaders to assume their responsibility in maintaining the Sunni sect united. The Mufti strives to safeguard Sunnis' interests, the statement said. Earlier, Qabbani has addressed the Lebanese Prime Minister calling for not extending the current council's term.