UAE concerned about instability in Arab, Muslim countries

Jeddah, June 19 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed deep concern about unfolding events triggered by sectarianism and terrorist acts, a senior official of the country has said.

Addressing the 41st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which concluded here Thursday, UAE delegation chief Abdullah bin Mohammed Saeed Ghobash underlined that the UAE always stuck to the rules of tolerance, non-violence, recognition of others and respect for human rights.

It has been working harder to spread the culture of moderation, tolerance, spirit of love and peace, the minister said, adding that the UAE exerted efforts to fight terrorism, extremism and religious intolerance and excessive hatred.

The UAE minister pointed out that the latest developments have led to widespread fear about the fate of national state, shaking its foundations, undermining its economy and infrastructure, and added that the status quo threatens to plunge youth of the region into an endless cycle of extremism, violence and despair given lack of opportunities and fear of the future.

He added that the UAE has met its commitment to continue sending relief aid to the Syrian people, calling for concerted regional and international efforts to provide humanitarian needs to the displaced Syrians to ease their suffering.

Regarding the Palestine issue, he said peace would not be attained unless Israel withdrew from all occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including Eastern Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and occupied territory in Southern Lebanon, as well as setting up of a viable independent Palestinian state.

Ghobash said the UAE backed a peaceful settlement based on the legitimate international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

He denounced violence in Mali, Central African Republic and Islamphobia in non-Muslim countries.

--IANS/WAM

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