Iran’s president made the remarks in his address to 13th OIC summit in Turkish capital on Thursday.
Noting the great history of Islamic civilization, Rouhani regretted the current situation of Islamic countries affected heavily by extremism and sectarian ideas, losing power towards the West; “in fact the process started when the great Islamic countries confronted each other instead of supporting and paved the way for foreigners’ intervention.”
He continued “history is repeating; Islamic world is under a multidimensional political, economic, cultural and religious attack by means of Takfiri and extremist groups, which whole world knows how they have been formed and by whom and how they are supported; their violence and savagery is victimizing Islam and its values.”
“This is not what Islamic world deserves; Islamic world deserves the highest situation and this is not possible if we do not reconsider our current situation; it is our measures and actions that forms the basis of judging Islam among the people of the world; how we can speak of unity and defend Islamic beliefs when we ourselves fuel the extremism?” regretted the president.
He then noted the “World Against Violence and Extremism” (WAVE) paradigm and underlined “the proposal was based on the key idea that negotiation is the beginning of understanding the issues and their resolution; Islamic countries need to be pioneer of the fight against violence in the international coalition and revive security and stability to region and the world.”
“Islam has taught us that crime is a crime under any pretext and at any place; no difference it is in Palestine, Damascus, Beirut, Lahore, Istanbul, New York, Paris or Brussels; what matters is recognizing the roots of the issue and try to confront any form of it with full determination,” reaffirmed Rouhani.
“Islamic Republic of Iran underlines the need to prioritize the negotiation and diplomatic resolutions by OIC members to decrease the tensions; the sustainable security, development and progress of the members of the Organization have to be considered as the advancement of the whole Islamic world; the threat of Zionist regime as the main cause of violence and extremism has to be taken into consideration consistently,” Rouhani asserted.
The president added, “Islamic Republic of Iran avoids any tension and instability in the region and always seeks solidarity and unity among Islamic Ummah. Iran is to help other countries to resolve their disputes through negotiations under a constructive atmosphere.”
“It is clear that neither Saudi Arabia is considered as a problem for Iran nor Iran is regarded as Saudi’s problem; the main issue is prejudice, ignorance and violence; disputes and differences are the main problem of all of us in the Islamic world,” said Rouhani, emphasizing “Islamic Republic of Iran has always been the supporter of the Islamic countries and Muslims against intervention, occupation and terrorism; If terrorists want to attack any Islamic states or religious place, and in case Iran is requested to confront them, Iran will never hesitate.”
“OIC meeting, which has organized by the motto of unity and peace, should not convey any message of disunity and division; any divisive move at PIC is invalid; It is our duty to seriously deal with any violence, extremism by resorting to the Holy Quran, Islamic World should be an exemplary model for a moderate society, President Rouhani concluded.
PT