http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=126461&d=17&m=9&y=2009
Thursday 17 September 2009 (27 Ramadan 1430)
Saudis reject extremism, says king
Arab News
MAKKAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah emphasized on Wednesday
that Saudi Arabia and its people subscribe to only moderate thoughts and ideas
and reject all forms of extremism.
He highlighted the important role being played by King Abdul Aziz National
Dialogue Center in strengthening national unity and spreading love and
brotherhood in society.
"The center also serves as a venue for discussing vital national issues,
allowing citizens to express their views and present their constructive
proposals," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the king as saying.
King Abdullah made the comments while receiving a copy of the center's annual
report from Saleh Al-Hosain, president of the organization, in the presence of
senior officials of the center.
"King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center aims at fighting fanaticism and
extremism by spreading enlightened views," the king said.
He said the present situation required joint efforts to formulate a national
strategy that would enable young men and women to understand the appropriate
way of doing things and enlighten them about the Islamic values of moderation,
tolerance and brotherhood and protect them from deviant thoughts and
ideologies. The center's officials briefed the king on the next dialogue forum
that will focus on "Health services: Dialogue between the society and health
institutions," which will be held in the southern province of Najran.
During the meeting, Al-Hosain commended King Abdullah's efforts to promote
cultural dialogue at national and international levels. "This reflects the
king's desire to spread the noble humanitarian values of justice and tolerance
all over the world," he said.
Faisal bin Muammar, secretary-general of the center, said King Abdullah had
shown great interest in promoting a culture of dialogue among Saudis. "The king
wanted dialogue among all members of the society and institutions," he added.
Last year the center trained 1,200 men and women to promote a culture of
dialogue in the society, he said, adding that they had spoken to more than
160,000 people in 42 Saudi cities. The center plans to hold an intellectual
forum shortly on Saudi culture.
King Abdullah also received a documentary book prepared by the center on
interfaith dialogue. He urged the officials to build the center's new
headquarters as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, King Abdullah received a number of Muslim leaders who are currently
visiting Saudi Arabia at the government's invitation, including Sheikh Yousuf
Al-Qaradawi, who praised the king's efforts in the service of Islam and
Muslims, especially for improving facilities for pilgrims at the Two Holy
Mosques.
