International conference on ‘combating terrorism and extremism’ calls for prosecuting terrorism supporters and respecting state sovereignty
DAMASCUS,(ST)_The closing statement of the International conference held in Damascus on ‘combating terrorism and religious extremism’ has underlined peoples’ right of resisting terrorism and occupation and the inadmissibility of intervention and interference in the internal affairs of states.
The statement which was released today called for condemning anyone found to be funding or supporting terrorism whether it is a state, or international organization, or a person regardless immunities and privileges they enjoys.
“Counterterrorism at international level must be done through the United Nations and without violation of sovereignty or intervention in state’s internal affairs under pretext of combating terrorism,” the statement read.
It added that the U.N. resolutions shouldn’t be interpreted selectively.
“Those who are directly or indirectly involved in terrorism must be prosecuted in accordance with law,” the statement said.
It deemed the unilateral economic sanctions imposed on Syria by the United States of America and the European Union and other states –for political reasons- as ‘illegal’. “The sanctions contradict the international law and Human rights and they must be lifted with allowing Syria to ask for compensations.”
The statement underscored the need for reconsidering the religious discourse and curriculums to combat the Takfiri Wahhabi thinking that distorts the pure image of Islam.
Non-politicized definition of international terrorism
The participants in the conference appealed for reaching non-politicized definition of international terrorism to be adopted by the U.N Security Council in order to achieve international peace and security and to be far away from double-standard policy towards terrorism.
The two-day conference kicked off yesterday with the participation of political, religious, cultural, and social figures from 25 Arab and foreign states.
Basma Qaddour