Baku condemns all forms of terrorism

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov made the remarks during his speech at the 42nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Kuwait on May 27-28.

Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan has always called for fight against defamation of religions and incitement to religious hatred, the Ministry said.

“In the light of the major challenges which our world and particularly Muslim countries are facing today our session on “Joint vision to strengthen tolerance and reject terrorism” has to deliver very clear messages and should be directed towards consolidation of efforts within the OIC to raise awareness about Islam, as well as contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding and respect between various religions and cultures,” the minister said.

Mammadyarov noted with regret that executors of heinous acts in the world use the religion, which leads misunderstanding of Islam religion in some parts of the world.

“Since our last meeting we have been witnessed the sorrowful and tragic events, such as the Peshawar school massacre in Pakistan, Boko Haram violence in Nigeria, violent killings in Paris and atrocities committed by ISIS and the latest one on mosque in Saudi Arabia. To the deepest regret, executors of these heinous acts distort religion to serve their barbaric causes. As a result, all these actions lead to the misunderstanding of Islam religion in some parts of the world,” he said.

Mammadyarov noted that Islam is a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faiths, and it strictly prohibits all forms of violence and aggression against any human being regardless his or her faith.

He further pointed out the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, which was held on 18-19 May as part of Azerbaijan’s sustained contributions for development of multiculturalism and tolerance. He also added that Azerbaijan will also host 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations next year.

Mammadyarov further spoke about the situation in Palestine and the question of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, saying these require a unified stand of the international community.

He went on to say that Azerbaijan supports two-state solution of the Palestine problem.

“We highly appreciate the valuable work of the OIC Secretary General and his staff to consolidate our efforts and organize visits of the OIC Ministerial Contact Group aimed to provide all necessary assistance to the people of Palestine. The Azerbaijani government stands for the two-state solution and reaffirms its full support to the brotherly people of Palestine in their efforts for achieving peace, stability and establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, Mammadyarov said.

He further voiced Azerbaijan’s sincere gratitude to the Islamic Ummah, and OIC member states and OIC Secretariat for their long standing position in condemnation of the Armenian aggression and occupation of Azerbaijani territories with notorious ethnic cleansing on the seized lands.

“We highly appreciate OIC Member States demand for immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from all our occupied territories, as it is urged by the relevant resolutions and decisions of UN Security Council, OIC and other international organizations,” Mammadyarov said.

He further speaking about the rapid economic development in Azerbaijan, Mammadyarov said the country has become an emerging donor country in the recent years.

“Since 2012 the national donor institution - Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), within the frame of strategic cooperation with Islamic Development Bank, has jointly carried out humanitarian actions under the “Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness” campaign in numerous African countries. As a result, thousands of people suffering from cataract were undergone to eye surgeries,” the minister said.