'Terrorism not linked to any religion, country or people'

The Sultanate has reaffirmed that terrorist acts that battered many areas of the world showed that terrorism is a global phenomenon that is not inherently associated with any particular religion or belief or country or people.

This was stated in Oman’s speech before the UN's second high-level conference, held here, on combating terrorism. It was delivered by Dr. Mohammed Awad Al-Hassan, the Sultanate’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

The speech added that terrorism is a global pest that requires global solutions: “Terrorism threatens the security and stability of whole countries and its remedy lies in global solutions.”

Oman called upon the international community to act in a spirit of unison, apply one criterion and speak in one voice against terrorism, away from double standards.

In the speech, the Sultanate called for a reversal of the reigning stereotypical image based on prejudices and racism. It noted that these wrong concepts lead to the spread of negative phenomena that are not less than racism, like hatred of Islam (Islamophobia), hatred of Muslims, and hatred of disciples of other religions and foreigners. “Religions are innocent of terrorism and terrorists represent themselves and their extremist views. No one should be carried away by extremist slogans promoted by some,” said the Sultanate in its speech.

The Sultanate also called for respecting the religions, sanctities, and symbols of all peoples. It explained that freedom of expression does not warrant harming, humiliating, or despising others.

In its speech, Oman pointed out that ignorance, poverty, suppression, racism, hatred, and foreign occupation are all instigators of extremism and terrorism. Therefore, the establishment of justice and the propagation of social awareness are means of protection and security that need to be supported and financed by the international community through tangible steps and programs.

The Sultanate pointed out that no strategy to control terrorism could succeed unless it is based on solid foundations of respect for international law and human rights, albeit liberties of individuals and societies. The speech also stressed the need to secure the rights of women, children, and all other segments of society.