Watershed time

Extremism is the biggest challenge to Arab region and Cairo will do its best to tackle this issue, said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Addressing the delegates of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue, in the presence of Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, here yesterday, El Sisi said that a comprehensive approach was needed to counter extremism as national security in the Arab region was in danger.

“Some groups have gained power due to the narrow- mindedness of a few people. These groups have been successful in fuelling the feelings of sectarianism among the people to achieve their goals. They have also been successful in polarising people. The nurturing of sectarianism has become fuel for this region’s problems,” remarked El Sisi, highlighting the need for social and economic efforts to tackle this issue.

He commented: “The extremist groups claim that they are operating under the umbrella of religion. But actually they are destabilising the region and that they are a big threat to the security.”

“The political, social and economic deterioration affect the state of mind of people,” he said, adding that Egypt would leave no stone unturned to find political solution to the crisis.

Commenting that Cairo supported the United Nations to contain Lybian crisis, the President said: “Egypt has also supported the Yemeni people, who are fighting extremism in the country. Egypt also reiterates its call for finding solution for Syria crisis. The solution would allow the return of refugees to Syria.”

Expressing his willingness to work with any international power, which strives to bring stability in the region, El Sisi said that Egypt would contribute its best for the stability in Arab region.