Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Shaikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh, speaking on the occasion of the international conference on combating terrorism that is scheduled for Riyadh next week, urged citizens and residents to support the efforts being exerted by the nation’s security forces, and declared: “It is high time for the ulama (Muslim scholars), and all thinkers, intellectuals and academics, to shoulder their responsibility towards the enlightenment of the people, especially the young people, and protect them from deviant ideas.” His Ministry, he said, has set up task forces to supervise the implementation of the country’s campaign against terrorism, and pointed out that Islam advocates moderation, avoidance of bloodshed, and obedience to those ruling. The Ministry is presenting radio and television programs, and distributing publications and audio cassettes.

Meanwhile, Iran has confirmed that it will be represented at the Counter-Terrorism International Conference that opens February 5, 2005 in Riyadh. The conference aims at exchanging views on the phenomenon of terrorism as well as relations between terrorism and money laundering, and smuggling of weapons and drugs.

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