Press conference on World Conference on Dialogue held

Madrid, July 19, SPA -- Secretary General of the Muslim World League
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmohsin Alturki, Chairman of the World
Conference on Dialogue, said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has an international oriented vision, and
realizes that divine religions and followers of religions and
significant cultures have common values and great stock to confront
and solve human problems.

Dr. Alturki stated, "We should focus on this vision. The conference
bears no political orientation nor a certain ideology, but advances a
human vision. Accordingly, invitations have been sent out to the
participants as individuals of distinguished personalities in the
field of religion or the field of dialogue or the human relations."

In an address at the joint press conference with the Advisor to the
United Arab Emirates President for Cultural Affairs Dr. Ezzedeen
Mustafa Ibrahim, held after the conclusion of the conference, Alturki
said the Declaration of Madrid focused on a shared vision and on
principles subject to the agreement of all, and its recommendations
have been welcomed by all.

He stressed the need for the integration of both popular and official
efforts to ensure the success of the dialogue so that religions,
cultures and values have an effect on politics and global relations.

Afterwards, Dr. Alturki answered reporters' questions explaining that
there is a desire to transform the dialogue and its importance
through the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to
become international because the Declaration of Madrid focused on
some issues that require international measures and the United
Nations is the organization that hosts all countries of the world.

Dr. Alturki said the Declaration of Madrid did not contain an
invitation to hold another conference like this one, but focused on
spreading the culture of dialogue through symposiums and conferences
all over the world as it has called for the formation of a team to
study the obstacles of dialogue and consider solutions to smooth
these obstacles, adding that the recommendations of the conference
are meant for all institutions of dialogue in the world.

He stated that the Muslim World League and other institutions in the
Islamic or non-Islamic countries are concerned and will be happy to
hold many symposiums or meetings on the issues of dialogue.
Dr. Alturki said the Jews are followers of a significant religion and
Moses, peace be upon him, is one of the prophets respected by
Muslims.

He added, "There is no problem between the religion of Islam and
Judaism or Christianity, but the problem might lie in the conduct of
the followers and their practices."

On the role of media in disseminating the culture of dialogue, Dr.
Alturki stressed the importance for media people to be knowledgeable
of world conditions as these relate to cultures, religions, or
philosophies, so that media people can serve better in this field.

On the possibility of establishing a television channel devoted to
dialogue, Dr. Alturki said this matter is of interest and under
consideration and discussion. It might not be just one channel but
more than one because dialogue allows for international communication
among cultures and civilizations, and helps present better
perceptions and knowledge of one another.

Dr. Alturki stressed the need for the media in various countries of
the world to focus on the common human denominator because focusing
on negative aspects leads to no results.

On the issue of continuing the dialogue, the Advisor to the United
Arab Emirates President for Cultural Affairs Dr. Ezzedeen Mustafa
Ibrahim said, "I heard the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in
Riyadh saying clearly that it will not be just one conference but
will be followed by other meetings in other parts of the world."

The advisor added that there is a proposal to hold a meeting or
conference in Japan adding that Islam promotes dialogue with anyone
since it is open to all."

--SPA