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King of Jordan Calls for Coordinated and Global Action to Counter Terrorism | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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King Abdullah at the Arab-Islamic-US summit in Riyadh on May 21. (Jordanian Royal Court)


Riyadh – King of Jordan Abdullah II called for coordinated and global action at every level to counter terrorism, reiterating that a fair solution for the Palestinian cause must be reached.

During the Arab-Islamic-US summit held in Riyadh on Sunday, the monarch said the meeting is an effective response to the serious threats facing the world.

He stated that the future will be shaped by actions, urging: “We all have to work in partnership in four key areas.”

The King explained the four key areas include the grave challenge of terrorism and extremism.

“Only a holistic approach can address the complex layers of the threat, from its evil ideas to its attack on prosperity and security. As you have mentioned, this demands coordinated and global action at every level,” King Abdullah told the summit.

He reiterated that success requires mutual trust as well as strength, explaining that the fight will not be won if “we do not recognize our friends as our friends and our enemies as our enemies.”

Terrorist groups employ a false religious identity and their aim is to mislead and polarize societies and peoples, he added.

King Abdullah stressed that terrorist groups do not inhabit the fringes of Islam and described them as outlaws of Islam. He noted that Arabs and Muslims make up the majority of the terrorists’ victims, adding that intolerance and ignorance will only aid terror groups.

“A second and equally vital challenge is a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause, based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. This can bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and guarantee peace for all, Israelis, Arabs and Muslims,” said the King.

He described the absence of a Palestinian state as a core issue for the region that has driven radicalism and instability into the Muslim world.

The international community has a direct interest in a just peace, he pointed out, adding that the Arab and Muslim world offered its full support for effective negotiations.

Addressing US President Trump who was present at the summit, King Abdullah thanked him for his determination to work towards bringing a settlement to this festering conflict.

He told the Riyadh summit that safeguarding Jerusalem must be a priority and it is vital to relationships among the three monotheistic faiths, insisting that any attempts to create new negotiating factors on the ground will have a “catastrophic” impact. He urged all attendees to become engaged in averting these dangers.

“To me personally, and to all Jordanians, the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian Holy Sites is an unbreakable, historical responsibility and an honor to undertake on behalf of the Arab and Muslim nations,” he informed them.

King Abdullah mentioned that the fourth critical task is to sharpen public focus on the values that will protect and enrich humanity’s future: mutual respect, compassion and acceptance.

There are nearly two billion Muslim men and women today, who enrich the world with their kindness, generosity, justice, civic family duty and faith.

“Their lives express Islam’s teachings on acceptance, humility before God, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

The king concluded his speech by stressing that the future is based on deeds not words, adding: “We are all accountable for our commitment to fight radicalization in all its forms. We must enhance our joint efforts, so that we are better able, with God’s help, to serve our peoples and future generations.”