Sarkozy calls for East and West to work together

Abu Dhabi - Sarkozy praised the dynamic achievements the UAE has so far seen. "I believe in this country - this is not mere words and sayings, but rather facts and evidence."

Nicolas Sarkozy, former president of the French Republic, gave a lecture to an eager crowed in the Capital on Wednesday evening. He discussed the region and focused heavily on looking at ways for the East and West to work closely to defeat extremism and achieve stability in the region.
The lecture held at ECSSR, was attended by a large crowd, including Shaikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, ambassadors, diplomats and senior officers of the armed forces.
Outside ECSSR, however, a crowed of approximately 100 people waited to be let inside, including French nationals, diplomats, media and researchers.
One French woman repeatedly asked the security: "I am French, why was I invited if I am not allowed inside?" Others were equally disappointed, as many waited for an hour. However, security informed the crowed that the capacity of the theatre did not allow them to do so.
Sarkozy praised the dynamic achievements the UAE has so far seen. "I believe in this country - this is not mere words and sayings, but rather facts and evidence," he said.
Sarkozy spoke about the current challenges faced by the Middle East, and the threats of extremism. He pointed out that the region is experiencing crucial and profound transformations, and that the major challenge lies in maintaining the diversity of the Middle East.
"It is true that the desire to spread democracy everywhere is important, but I think that diversity is more important; as the East is strong with its diversity."
The second challenge to which Sarkozy referred was that posed by terrorist and extremist groups. "Majority of Muslims live their faith in peace, versus a minority that distorts Islam."
Sarkozy said it is necessary to find a political solution to the Yemeni crisis. He said the beginnings of peace talks in the Yemeni case must succeed, as civilians have suffered greatly and terrorists groups such as Daesh and Al Qaeda are benefitting from the continued chaos in Yemen.
He noted that it's necessary to unite in the fight against terrorists who have declared war on both the Islamic community and the West. He pointed to the bloody attacks in Paris, saying: "We have to win the war against them; there is no room for trembling hands; everything is at stake. We must fight the war until the end."
Sarkozy stressed that this war cannot be won without participation of Muslims. He praised the UAE's role, saying: "The Emirati leadership knew that any small confusion would have repercussions."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi