Violence not among the principles of Islam: VP

Dubai, May 15, 2013 (WAM) - His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received the Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar Al Sharif, Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb, on the sidelines of the Arab Media Forum on Tuesday. Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Al Tayyeb discussed media issues relating to the causes of the Arab world, ways to strengthen the role that the media can play in correcting the image of Islam in foreign countries, especially through the rejection of extremism in dealing with others, and the use of extremism as a way of expression in a political, social or other situation. Sheikh Mohammed hailed the moderate stands of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Dr Al Tayyeb with relation to the causes of Islam and Muslims. He emphasised that extremism and violence are not among the principles of Islam, which is based on moderation, tolerance and mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence among all faiths and sects. The meeting, which took place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; and officials and members of the Al Azhar delegation. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the latest developments of the Arab-Israeli peace process by Nabil Al Arabi, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, in light of the recent talks in Washington between a delegation representing the Arab Peace Initiative Follow-up Committee and the US Secretary of State John Kerry. Sheikh Mohammed received Al Arabi on the sidelines of the Arab Media Forum on Tuesday. – Emirates News Agency, WAM