OIC anti-terrorism moves appropriate

At a time when the Muslim world faces great challenges due to foreign attempts to interfere, the decision by leaders at the 13th Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to establish a Turkey-based body to fight terrorism comes as a step in the right direction, commented a UAE daily.

"The goal of terrorism is to undermine the pillars of the modern nation-state, destroy its institutions and endanger its sovereignty and independence and the unity of its territories," explains the Gulf Today in its editorial today.

Referring to the speech of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, which he delivered on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the paper says that Sheikh Saud made the stand of the UAE on the subject abundantly clear: The UAE favours rapid and effective steps to eliminate this phenomenon by working to publish and promote a moderate religious discourse that exposes terrorism, sectarian and extremist ideas.

As Sheikh Saud explained, terrorist and criminal acts threatening the Islamic world have unfortunately found an incubator environment in addition to receiving support and finance from other powers, whether through funding or armaments in order to undermine the Islamic nations.

The paper cited Dr. Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, speech at the preparatory meeting, in which he made it clear that the UAE was absolutely committed to the principles of respecting sovereignty of states and their territorial integrity and adopting a policy of good neighbourliness.

The Sharjah-based English language newspaper further states that the UAE has initiated several notable steps. It has established the Hedaya Center for countering violent extremism and hosted the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies under the leadership of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar.

The UAE has also launched, in partnership with the United States, the Sawab Center to harness the social networking sites to refute malicious propaganda of terrorist organisations, notably Daesh, and respond to its mischievous fatwas, and to correct misconceptions they try to spread.

On the other hand, the country firmly rejects interference in the internal affairs of other states, particularly if that intervention could stir up sectarian strife and trigger troubles and sedition among citizens.

As Gargash suggests, all member states should pursue a policy that respects international law, abandons illusions of hegemony, stops support for armed militias and tampering with components of the nation-state.

Source:WAM