UAE spares no effort in combating extremism

A UAE newspaper has said that the fact that the UAE has remained an oasis of peace despite turmoil in many countries of the region is a clear indication that its anti-terror measures are effective, strong and on absolutely right track.

"The UAE has taken a firm and principled stand against all forms and manifestations of terrorism, regardless of their motivation and justification, wherever, whenever and committed by whosoever," The Gulf Today said in an editorial on Monday.

The paper went on to say, "As Obaid Salem Saeed Al Za’abi, UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, rightly stressed at the UN’s Geneva Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism, the country has been in the forefront of states that adopted a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and extremism through three main dimensions: Legislative, Religious and Cultural, and Media and Social Work.

"The UAE has adopted legislations on combating violent extremism and terrorism, including law no. 1 of 2004 on combating terrorist crimes, the federal law no. 39 of 2006 on international judicial cooperation and criminal assistance and federal law no. 7 of 2015 on establishing the Abu Dhabi-based Hedaya Centre, the first-ever international centre dedicated to countering violent extremism.

"The leadership has, particularly through the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, instilled values of moderation, coexistence and tolerance in the community.

"The remarkable role played by Sawab Centre, a joint initiative by the UAE and the United States to fight Daesh’s extremist ideology online, also deserves special mention. The Sawab Centre effectively campaigns on its Twitter and Instagram pages that violent and radical actions by extremists bear no relation whatsoever to the real teachings of Islam and the practices of Muslims.

"The world increasingly recognises the fact that global partnership is the best way to defeat violent extremism. A dynamic, multi-dimensional response from the international community is the best way to address the threat of violent extremism.

"In this, the UAE deserves special credit for its highly successful and co-ordinated efforts along with the global community in addressing the deadly menace of extremism," concluded the Sharjah-based daily.

Source:WAM