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‘Riyadh Declaration’ Announces Reserve of 34,000 Soldiers to Back Terrorism Fight | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Gatherers at the Arab-Islamic-US summit chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on May 21. (SPA)


Riyadh – The Arab-Islamic-US unveiled in Riyadh on Sunday a close partnership between the leaders of the Arab and Islamic worlds and the United States to combat extremism and terrorism and achieve regional and international peace, stability and development.

The summit, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, brought together US President Donald Trump with the leaders and representatives of 55 Arab and Muslim countries, who all voiced a readiness to form a reserve of 34,000 soldiers to back counter-terrorism operations.

The gatherers agreed at the end of the summit on the “Riyadh Declaration”, which calls for bolstering partnership and cooperation and exchanging expertise in development fields. They vowed to continue close coordination over issues of common interest, starting with doubling joint efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.

They stressed their countries’ commitment to combating terrorism in all of its forms. They will confront its ideological roots and cut the sources of its financing, said the Riyadh Declaration.

They will take the necessary measures to prevent and combat terror crimes in close cooperation of these states.

They hailed the announcement of the intention to form the strategic Middle East alliance in the city of Riyadh. A number of countries will take part in it in order to achieve regional and global peace and security.

The leaders hailed the efforts of Arab and Islamic countries in facing terrorism and the exchange of information among them over foreign fighters and their operations in terror organizations. They also expressed their satisfaction with working with the legitimate Yemeni government and the Arab coalition fighting terrorist groups seeking political vacuum in the country.

The gatherers welcomed the readiness of a number of Islamic countries to join the Islamic Military Coalition to Combat Terrorism in order to provide a reserve of 34,000 soldiers to back the counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and Syria if needed, said the Riyadh Declaration.

They praised the deal that was addressed during the Riyadh summits over the weekend that tackled cutting the financing of terrorism and the establishment of a center dedicated to this purpose. The center will be based in Riyadh.

Furthermore, the gatherers stressed the need to draw up clear roadmaps for the future of the youth and to build their capacities and provide them with job opportunities. This will help achieve security and stability in their countries and protect them from terrorism and extremism, added the Riyadh Declaration.

In addition, the Arab and Islamic leaders voiced their countries’ rejection of linking terrorism to any religion, race or culture.

They stressed their determination to protect and spread the culture of tolerance and constructive coexistence between countries, religions and cultures.

This can be achieved through expanding purposeful and serious cultural dialogue that clarifies the moderate image of Islam and its rejection of all forms of violence and extremism. They will seek to reveal its ability to coexist with others peacefully.

Wrong images and misconceptions of Islam should be confronted and corrected. The peaceful teachings should instead be spread, urged the Riyadh Declaration.

On the regional level, the gatherers at the Riyadh summit stressed the importance of good neighborly practices and avoiding meddling in the internal affairs of other countries. The sovereignty and independence of countries should be respected.

They stressed the rejection of sectarian agendas and the dangerous repercussions they have on regional and global security.

They completely rejected the practices of the Iranian regime that are targeting the region and world’s security and stability. They also rejected its ongoing support of terrorism and extremism.

The gatherers also condemned the hostile stances of the regime and its ongoing interference in the internal affairs of countries, which is a violation of international laws.

They vowed to confront its actions and exert efforts to preserve the security of the region and world. They will confront Iran’s disruptive actions with determination through joint cooperation, stressed the Riyadh Declaration.