P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News Staff

JEDDAH, 3 February 2004 — Saudi Arabia yesterday called for a global fight against terrorism led by the United Nations and said no country should provide shelter to terrorists. “Terrorists should never be allowed to practice their subversive activities from any territory,” Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd said.

In their joint message to an estimated two million pilgrims assembled in Makkah and other holy sites in the Kingdom, King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, reiterated Saudi Arabia’s total opposition to terrorism and reaffirmed its efforts to promote world peace.

“The Kingdom’s stance against terrorism is fundamental. It earlier urged the international community to confront the menace of terrorism, and has supported all peace-loving countries in their efforts to uproot terrorism. It calls on all peace-loving countries to adopt a comprehensive program within the framework of international legitimacy for combating terrorism so as to enhance the pillars of security and stability,” the message said.

“Fighting terrorism demands global cooperation to deny terrorist elements and groups any shelter,” it added.

Referring to the recent terrorist attacks in the Kingdom, the Saudi leaders said: “These events are abnormal, and do not reflect a general orientation. Moreover, they can never be viewed as a common phenomenon.” They said the terror attacks were the result of wrong ideas which run counter to the teachings and principles of Islam.

Earlier King Fahd held a reception at the Mina Palace for foreign dignitaries and heads of foreign Haj missions who came for Haj this year.

The guests included Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Yemen’s Vice President Abdul Rabb Mansour Hadi, Mauritius Vice President Abdul Raouf Bundhun, Nigerian Vice President Ateeku Abubakar and Sudan’s Vice President Ali Othman Taha.

In their message, King Fahd and Prince Abdullah restated the Kingdom’s support for the success of Muslim causes, most importantly the Palestinian one. “The stance of Saudi Arabia concerning the Palestinian problem is inalienable and well-known.”

On the Iraqi issue, the two leaders hoped that the tragic situation of the Iraqi people would come to an end. “The Kingdom hopes that Iraq will restore its sovereignty and play its normal role in the Arab and Islamic arenas. It also hopes that Iraq will regain its stability, security and prosperity.”

King Fahd and Prince Abdullah highlighted Islam’s universal principles which all Muslims must adhere to. “Islam believes that all human beings are the creation of Almighty God. As Islam advocates justice and the avoidance of injustice, a Muslim should treat all people kindly and wish them well.”

A Muslim should be keen to promote stability and general prosperity in the world and should never be selfish, caring only for himself. A true Muslim should behave positively and live properly in an Islamic way. “Hold to forgiveness, command what is right but turn away from the ignorant,” they said quoting a Qur’anic verse. Islam, through its valuable teachings, shows the proper way and paves the way for development and prosperity. “It is a religion of worship and work. It does not tolerate hatred and malice,” they said.

“O mankind, we created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you,” they quoted the Holy Qur’an as saying.

King Fahd and Prince Abdullah urged Muslims to stand for peace, stability and prosperity. “Muslims are makers of civilization and keen on the service and respect for mankind.”

Their message urged Muslims to return to Islam and live in accordance with its teachings.