Saleh Al-Asheikh, minister of Islamic affairs and endowments, yesterday called upon religious scholars, intellectuals, academics and writers to stand together with the government in its fight against terrorism and extremism. "You have a great responsibility in enlightening the youth on confronting deviant thoughts," the minister said on the occasion of the international anti-terrorism conference in Riyadh and the nationwide anti-terror campaign.In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Asheikh also urged all Saudis and expatriates to support security forces in their bid to defeat the "deviant group" from realizing its nasty goals. He was referring to Al-Qaeda terror network which has carried out a series of bombings and shootings across the Kingdom since May 2003 killing more than 100 people. Crown Prince Abdullah is scheduled to open the four-day anti-terror conference on Saturday at the newly established King Abdul Aziz Convention Center in the capital. Delegates from 49 countries, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Russia, as well as representatives of several international organizations are expected to take part.
The conference, which underlines the Saudi government's call for joint international efforts to confront and root out terrorism, will discuss ways to eradicate the root causes of global terrorism and measures to help tackle money laundering as well as drug and arms smuggling. Al-Asheikh revealed his ministry's programs in support of the nationwide anti-terror campaign. "We have set up a working team to carry out a variety of programs including lectures and seminars to educate the public on the danger posed by the deviant group," he said. The minister also called upon scholars delivering Juma sermons to focus on such subjects as the importance of protecting non-Muslims living peacefully in an Islamic country and the need to stop corruption on earth and killing of innocent people. The khateebs or prayer leaders have also been advised to expose the terrorist group that creates division in the Islamic nation and commits horrendous crimes. The ministry has instructed Islamic propagation centers in various parts of the country to hold special lectures and seminars on the occasion. The lectures will deal with topics such as the need to obey rulers, moderation in Islam, peace and justice in Islam and Islamic unity. The ministry, which has prepared a number of special radio and television programs to air during the occasion, will also distribute booklets and cassettes enlightening the public on terrorism and extremism. It has set up a website on the Internet to enhance public awareness on terrorism and extremism.