Islamic world must unite to preserve Quran sanctity: Bahrain FM

TDT | Manama                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani affirmed that the Islamic world must assume its political and legal responsibility towards preserving the sanctity of the Holy Quran.

He said that it is necessary to stop these disgraceful practices, and ensure that they are not repeated, being inconsistent with all human values, freedom of religion, and the values of tolerance and human coexistence, adding that they violate international norms and laws, and ignite hatred, extremism and violence.

Dr Al Zayani was speaking as he participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States, held yesterday virtually.

The meeting, chaired by Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Marzouk, was devoted to discussing the recurrent burning and desecration of copies of the Holy Quran in Denmark and Sweden.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq called for the meeting, attended by OIC countries’ foreign ministers, in addition to OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Al Zayani reiterated the Kingdom’s denunciation of calls for religious hatred by any means, and its constant call to promote dialogue, understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures and civilisations, as the best means to promote peace and harmony worldwide, as well as spread the values of tolerance and human coexistence.