EU can play greater role in finding peaceful solutions to ongoing crises

The European Parliament can network its relations with the world's most influential powers to play a greater role in in finding peaceful, political solutions to ongoing crises in many countries in the region and beyond, stated Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC), during a meeting on Saturday with Jan Figel, Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief, outside the European Union (EU).

The meeting tackled a wide range of issues including the latest situation in the Middle East and the importance of realising peace and security in countries experiencing crises, the need to implement international legitimacy resolutions regarding the problems in region, counter-terrorism and extremist organisations. The two sides affirmed the importance of peaceful dialogue and negotiations in settling disputes, respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

Dr. Al Qubaisi spoke about the FNC's role in national development efforts and its handling and adoption of national issues as well as the UAE's strategies and plans to shape the future and promote values of tolerance and co-existence.

On role of women in political life, she informed the EU envoy that Emirati women had taken up senior and leadership positions in a short span of time. ''It took a woman only ten years to reach the presidency of the FNC since she became member of the parliament,'' Dr. Al Qubaisi noted.

Speaking about extremism and terrorism, she said Islam preaches values of centrism, moderation, tolerance, co-existence and acceptance of others, but it was hijacked by terrorists and their armed militias to serve their destructive agenda with the aim to seize power.

She told the EU envoy that the UAE was ready to work hand in hand with the EU to confront these terrorist groups and disrupt their sources of funding and called for standing against smear and hate campaigns against Islam and Muslims in some European countries. To address this issue, she suggested a constructive cross cultural dialogue that can build international policies for tolerance.

The EU envoy commended the UAE's model for development and prosperity under which he said women assumed leadership roles and participated effectively in many sectors, an indicator of the confidence of the country's leadership and community in their ability.

He blamed the media and social media in reflecting a negative image of Islam.

He said the UAE is one of the most stable countries and set a bright example for peaceful, religious co-existence in the region by hosting more than 200 nationalities of diverse religions, languages, cultures and traditions who also perform their work and religious practices with complete freedom.

He recognised the paramount importance of regular, constant dialogue between political and religious leaders to prevent further abuse of religion by radicals and extremists.

He called for more dialogue and interactions between religious leaders to ensure respect for religious diversity and tolerance so as to block the way before extremists and their messages.

He said that all are required to work together diligently to preserve peace and stability, and defend democratic values.

To achieve peace, he indicated, the world needs to prevent hatred, hostility and reign in the desire of revenge, and instead promote shared values, and deepen dialogue and understanding.