BEIRUT: The Muslim World League (MWL) will hold an international Muslim-Christian summit in Beirut next year to combat hate speech and promote cultural and religious and diversity, the organization’s secretary-general said on Wednesday.
Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said the interfaith summit had particular relevance because of the pernicious influence of Iran in the region.
“The extremist sectarian policy adopted by Iran is causing more trouble and reinforcing instability,” he said.
“We have always said that we are not against Shiism; Shiites are our citizens, neighbors, and brothers. We are against sectarian extremism.
“Intervening in the affairs of states and attempting to impose sectarian domination and a political agenda will only make things worse.”
The MWL had chosen Beirut for the summit because of its “religious diversity and great civilization,” Al-Issa said.
“We aim through the summit to achieve cooperation in initiatives that achieve common goals to serve humanity and promote love.”
Al-Issa said Iran’s regional meddling would cause irreparable harm to its reputation.
“Calls for moderation have reached Iran from every advocate of peace and stability, but it refused to listen,” he said.
“Saudi Arabia and other peace-loving countries are doing their utmost to ensure stability and security, but Iran continues to defy the lessons of history.”
Al-Issa held talks on Wednesday with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
