|
|
|
The ongoing crisis in Syria is posing a big threat to the inhabitants of the entire Middle East region, HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani said yesterday while opening the US-Islamic World Forum in the presence of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. |
“The international community, including the US, should make more serious and concerted efforts to end the bloodshed in Syria and the displacement of several thousands of its people,” he told the audience at the opening session of the three-day meeting being held under the patronage of HH the Emir.
“The crisis has exposed the weaknesses of the international communities and global forums in reaching a political solution. The UN Security Council should accelerate its efforts and work out a ceasefire considering the security and safety of the hapless Syrian citizens and the stability of the entire region, the people of which are extremely anxious about the ongoing happenings in Syria,” he said.
While specifically recalling the growing levels of co-operation at different levels between the US and region’s countries in the last one decade, the Prime Minister said such growing magnitudes of relations have not only been mutually beneficial to the US and the countries but have also significantly contributed to building the regional peace.
The overall improvement in the Arab-Israeli relations and gradual achievement of peace, he said, is also owing to the interest demonstrated over the years by such fraternities as the US-Islamic World forum.
However, he said, such tactics as the continuous expansion of settlements and repeated attacks on Al Aqsa Mosque could still destabilise the growing peace processes. But the efforts made by the US for achieving peace is noteworthy indeed, he added.
The Prime Minister also made a fervent call to the US to strengthen its ongoing efforts until the two-state solution is finally achieved in line with the resolutions mooted by the international community.
Earlier, while recalling the growth achieved by the forum since its inception about a decade ago, Sheikh Abdullah said through its untiring initiatives it has proved that the forum meant much more than mere rhetoric and is committed to achieve global peace.
While stressing the importance of constructive dialogues at international and regional levels, the Prime Minister said their absence would make weaker the human race’s fight against such critical issues as poverty, pollution, shortage of water, desertification and similar worrisome problems.
Also speaking, Albanian President Bujar Nishani said developed countries could take a cue or two from his Eastern European nation which he said is a perfect example of religious tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence.
He said Albania, where Muslims are in the majority, also hosts a large number of Eastern Orthodox groups and Roman Catholics and everyone is living in peace and harmony.
He said the religious and institutional leaders in Albania are playing an important role in striking a perfect balance without any religious bias.
“Even while building a good image for Albania, the country’s people are keeping a close eye on those forces attempting to disintegrate the country,” said Nishani, while recalling his country’s improved relations with the US after remaining without any diplomatic ties for more than 52 since 1939.
President of Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keita also spoke at the opening session.
