Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has reiterated the UAE’s commitment to fighting terrorism, noting that the war on terrorism begins with countering funding and extremist ideologies.
Addressing 60 foreign and Arab journalists at a 44th National Day event hosted by the National Media Council, Dr Gargash said: “I do not accept the hijacking of Islam by takfiri groups, so we must begin to fight extremist ideology.”
Dr Gargash said the UAE placed the Muslim Brotherhood on its list of terrorist organisations because of its takfirist ideology as it did some Shiite groups, highlighting the fact that terrorism is not linked to a particular doctrine.
“This period represents a kind of negligence,” he said, stressing the need for an Arab project, which steers away from sectarianism and preserves the diversity of all Arab sects.
The UAE is seeking the wise council of the Muslim Council of Elders in its fight against terrorism, he added.
“There is no Arab solution we can export to counter extremism and terrorism globally. Terrorism is a global challenge and the solution must therefore also be global. All countries must make a common effort to counter extremism. We are working, through the UAE experience, to provide assistance as part of the international coalition fighting terrorism,” Dr Gargash said.
On the conflict in Syria, Dr Gargash said the only solution is a political one. He, however, voiced concern about the transitional phase hoped that state institutions do not fall into the trap of a political vacuum, leading to their disintegration.
“Choosing between Daesh and Al Nusra Front is not a realistic option. Unfortunately, we see the marginalisation of the moderate and rational voices in Syria, which seek to create a civil state,” he said.
With regard to military intervention, Dr Gargash said that he believes that there will be an imminent involvement whether by Russia, or any other party.
On the fate of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, Dr Gargash said: “The UAE does not see Al Assad’s presence as a legitimate part of Syria’s future following the civil war which killed more than 300,000 people. Yet, we do not want to see Syrian government institutions disintegrating. There should be a transitional phase, but we do not have definitive answers to the Syrian crisis yet. The situation is still complicated.”
UAE’s stance on regional issues
Egypt
Dr Gargash said that contrary to extremist claims, the Gulf states have not “abandoned” Egypt. He pointed out that the UAE’s programme to support Egypt is going through stages, which is a strategic choice. “The UAE’s support for Egypt to assume its place among Arab countries is a strategic option, which the UAE will not give up,” Dr Gargash said, pointing out that vested interests try to drive a wedge in ties between Arab countries.
Yemen
Dr Gargash stressed that the coalition has achieved most of its objectives there; firstly, the return of the legitimate government to the country, secondly, the beginning of the peace process in Yemen according to the United Nations resolutions, GCC initiatives, and the outputs of the National Dialogue Conference which was approved by all parties, stressing that the coming negotiations in Switzerland which are set to take place in December, will be based on Security Council Resolution No 2216.
Sudan
Dr Gargash stressed that UAE-Sudan relations are now going through a distinctive phase, preceded by Sudan’s decision to participate in the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen. He pointed out that the UAE Government has worked with Khartoum to strengthen these relations during the past two years.
Libya
Dr Gargash said: “The Libyan crisis has not yet found a solution, and we hope that the efforts of the new UN envoy will lead parties to reach an agreement, the first step to resolving the crisis, followed by the elimination of terrorist cells and support for the national army.”
