No extremist ideology can represent Islam, says UAE

Minister Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash condemns ‘heinous’ terror strikes in Somalia, Kuwait, France and Tunisia.

Abu Dhabi - Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has condemned the dangerous, heinous terrorist crimes committed during the holy month of Ramadan in Somalia, Kuwait, France and Tunisia.

“These crimes, which bring in new widows and orphans, destabilise peace, security and safety, are being perpetrated in the name of our tolerant religion, which remains innocent, as Islam is a religion of peace and affection. It urges people and nations to promote interaction, cooperation and solidarity with each other. No extremist or deviant takfiri ideology can represent Islam,” Dr. Gargash said in a statement on Saturday.

The minister emphasised that the spate of recent terrorist crimes reiterate the severity of the challenges the world face, which requires solid political will, strong international cooperation and coalition.  “Confronting the appalling, murderous and evil terrorism rests with rallying the international community’s efforts to deter the extremist and takfiri ideology, which lays the fertile ground for terrorism, justifying its crimes,” he said, emphasising the UAE’s absolute belief that fighting extremism and terrorism remains an international challenge that exempts no state or community.

Combating it will only be possible through a holistic strategy, as the key to its success will be maintaining a clear-crystal vision and mobilisation of concerted efforts and cooperation among civilised  countries.

To defeat the scourge of extremism and terrorism, he stressed, the international community needs a long-term relentless and patient commitment to maintain close international cooperation to dry up sources of terrorism and to promote intellectual awareness to defeat the deviant thoughts in a way that protects our society, preserves innocent lives and stands up to the sedition and sectarianism, which extremism and terrorism are seeking to stoke their fire.

Expressing sympathy with the families of the victims and their loved ones, Dr. Gargash offered condolences on the loss of innocent lives due to these brutal crimes. He also wished a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.