BEIRUT: Dar al-Fatwa dismissed remarks made by some members of the Higher Islamic Council that Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani is seeking to extend his mandate for the rest of his life as “lies.”

“Grand Mufti Qabbani has spoken to no one about an intention to extend his mandate after it expires Sept. 15, 2014 and any statements stating otherwise are mere lies and fabrications aimed at confusing the public over his call for electing a new Higher Islamic Council,” said a statement released by Dar al-Fatwa’s press office Thursday.

Mohammad Mrad, a member of the council, told a local media outlet Wednesday that Qabbani wants a new council to be elected because the current council would not accept his demand to extend his mandate for life.

He added that Qabbani had tasked a member of the council to discuss the matter with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a claim Dar al-Fatwa denied.

“Lebanese people heard the Grand Mufti speaking on Dec. 31, 2012 after visiting former Prime Minister Salim Hoss, when he said that he will not remain in his post a single moment after his term expires Sept. 15, 2014,” said the statement.

“Any other talk is just ... lies and fabrications.”