Deputy Prime Minister Inaugurates U.S.-Islamic World Forum

Doha, June 09 (QNA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, HE Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, inaugurated at the Ritz-Carlton Doha Hotel this evening the 10th annual US-Islamic World Forum. The opening ceremony and the official dinner were attended by President of Afghanistan,Hamid Karzai,Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Professor Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara D. Sonenshine and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, La Francophonie of the Republic of Benin, among others. The three-day event will discuss the changing landscape in Pakistan and Afghanistan and its effect on internal and regional security, the challenges of democracy and development . The Forum will also feature a discussion on the conflict in Syria, noting the spiraling effects of the conflict on the Middle East region and the roles played by the United States and other outside actors. This years working groups will focus on advancing womens political participation, supporting economic assistance and recovery in Egypt and Tunisia; examining the role of faith based leaders in mediating conflict and fostering diplomacy; and defining and understanding freedom of speech. HE the Deputy Premier for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud stressed the need to push forward the relationship between the Islamic world and the US and correct all related misconceptions and misperceptions. Addressing the opening session of the Forum, HE Al Mahmoud welcomed the participants and said: "We are pleased for holding this Forum every year to follow discussions with interest, and see its positive effects, which is characterized by a deep understanding of the background of the relationship between the Islamic world and the United States of America." The Forum has become a platform for constructive dialogue and fruitful discussions for a solid, well-established and positive relationship between the Islamic world and the United States based on mutual understanding, cooperation, mutual respect and common interests, HE Al Mahmoud noted. HE Al Mahmoud noted that the Forum has succeeded in achieving its primary objective in enhancing dialogue, and promoting opportunities for cooperation between the Islamic World and the United States of America, as well as establishment of a positive relationship between the two parties, which is fully consistent with the vision of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and HH the heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani He stressed that the Palestinian issue has great impact on the course of relations between the Islamic world and the United States, especially as it is not an issue of the Palestinian people alone, but the issue all Arabs and Muslims who strongly reject all policies of the Israeli occupation authorities including expansion of settlements, the Judaization of East Jerusalem, and its ongoing violations of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque. HE Al Mahmoud said that the Arab people seeks a 'fairer,' more 'equitable' and 'consistent' U.S. position in accordance with the U.S. principles and values, opposing the oppression of peoples, human rights violations and abuse of dignity. The Deputy Prime Minister said that achieving a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian cause, responding to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to an independent state with its capital in East Jerusalem, would overcome a major obstacle towards pushing the U.S.- Islamic World relations for higher level and wider prospects of fruitful cooperation aimed at serving the common interests and enhancing global peace and security. In this context, HE Al Mahmoud pointed to the ongoing intensives efforts being exerted by the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, in order to resume the stalled Middle East peace, expressing hope that these efforts would persuade Israel to halt its illegal policies and repressive measures against the Palestinians and returning to the negotiating table with a real determination for peace. HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud said that the Syrian crisis was another major issue that could have an impact on the Islamic World and the United States. HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the drastic effects if the international community led by the United States would not interfere to end the suffering of the Syrian people that were being killed by the Syrian regime. HE Al Mahmoud added that the people of the Islamic World were saddened that the United States, with what it represents in the world today, would overlook intervening to end the genocide in Syria. HE expressed his hope that the United States' position from the Syrian crisis would match those in Kosovo and The Bosnia and Herzegovina crises. HE the Deputy Prime Minister expressed the delight over signs of a peaceful political settlement under the patronage of the State of Qatar. His Excellency then expressed to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who was attending the conference, their aspiration for a reconciliation in Afghanistan that establishes peace and stability in the country. Al Mahmoud added that the State of Qatar, under the policies established by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will do all it can to achieve reconciliation and peace among nations. He stressed that Islam respects human rights just as the western world was keen on it. He added that Islam rejects terrorism, regardless of its motives. HE Al Mahmoud expressed hope that this year's Forum would be one of the major efforts to bring the Islamic World and the United States closer together. (END)