DAMASCUS,(ST)_ The Republic Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun stressed that what is happening in the Arab countries in general and Syria in particular is designed to divert the world attention away from the Palestinian cause and the Israeli occupation practices in desecrating holy places.
During a meeting today with participants in the forum of the Arab youths and students currently, held in Damascus the Mufti indicated that all religions came to the service of man, not to kill the man by man, rejecting terrorist crimes practiced by followers of the Wahhabi Takfirism.
The Mufti pointed to the need to re-read the heritage and pay attention to youth and protect them against evil thinking, calling for the reconstruction of minds, culture, and human beings on labor- love grounds.
For his part, acting Patriarch for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Bishop Luke -Khoury stressed need to strengthen national unity, pointing out that all heavenly religions called for love and tolerance.
He pointed out that what is happening in Syria today is not related to the Islam and Christianity, expressing hope that the forum will conclude results that promote the restoration of peace and stability.
The forum, which was held under the title : Youth and students of the Arab nation are with the Syria ‘s steadfastness against war and terrorism, began deliberations yesterday with the participation of representatives from 12 Arab countries in Damasrose Hotel in Damascus.
T. Fateh