New York – 21 April 2015 – The Maldives welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the High-Level Thematic Debate on Promoting Tolerance and Reconciliation focusing on “Fostering peaceful, inclusive societies and countering violent extremism”, as it is an important subject for the United Nations to tackle since it goes to the very core of the UN’s Charter and values.
The Maldives underscored that it condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The disruption of peace undermines the dignity of human beings and robs them of their fundamental freedom and rights. It also threatens the territorial integrity and security of States.
The Government of the Maldives stands firmly with other Arab States and across the world, in calling for an end to the violence of the so-called “Islamic State” and notes that the biggest challenge to the world’s development is ignorance. Violence, subjugation, and eternal poverty breed ignorance. The Maldives expressed its pride to be an Islamic State and its refusal to let the name of Islam be hijacked by radical and extremist elements to perpetuate hatred and violence. It underscored that these un-Islamic groups are terrorist organisations rather than religious groups.
ENDS
