Saudi Ambassador speaks at Iftar party in London

London, September 27, SPA -- Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom
and Ireland Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, held an Iftar
party at the Saudi Embassy here Friday evening.


The Iftar party was attended by British International Development
Minister Shahid Malik; Ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries;
Chairmen of Islamic Centers and Associations; and a number of British
Islamic, political and media personalities.


During the party, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf delivered a speech
welcoming the attendees and stressing that such a gathering embodies
the high values represented by the blessed month of Ramadan.


Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf said "although Islam embodies high human
values and recommends
living in peace, it is unfortunate to notice the image of our Islamic
religion and its values and principles have been put forward before
the world in a distorted and a false manner that is totally in
contravention with reality.


"Muslims and non-Muslims who are unfamiliar with Islam or misleading
people have contributed to the creation of such a false image about
Islam. The leaders of our country (Saudi Arabia) have sought to
launch sincere initiatives to respond to these attempts of defacing
the image of Islam in order to properly and accurately project the
true image of tolerant Islam to the world", he added.

The initiative launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to call for Dialogue Conference
among the followers of religions held in Madrid in July is a distinct
example of the courageous initiatives which deserve extensive support
by all, the Ambassador said.


Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf said that this Iftar party is coincided
with the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which we recall
with pride for the sacrifices made by late King Abdulaziz bin
Abdulrahman Al Saud that led to the establishment of a unified,
coherent, secure and developed state.


In an address on the occasion, British International Development
Minister Shahid Malik expressed thanks and appreciation to Prince
Mohammed bin Nawaf on holding this party for Muslims in Britain.


The British Minister highlighted the good image of Islam in the
British society, stressing that Islam represents the values of
tolerance and moderation. "The terrorist incidents such as what
happened in London in July 2005 will not affect these values," he
said.

He commended the existing cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and Britain in countering terrorism, and expressed
appreciation for Saudi Arabia's keenness to present the moderate and
tolerant image of Islam.


Shahid Malik also highlighted Britain's efforts to support
development programs in some Islamic countries, hailing the
assistance given by the Saudi government to development programs in
various countries around the world.

--SPA