Diplomacy can avert war - Fatima

The danger of war in the region can be avoided through diplomatic efforts, according to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and chairwoman of the UAE General Woman's Union.

Sheikha Fatima said this while exchanging views with wives of ambassadors based in the capital during a Ramadan gathering she hosted for them at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club last night.

The gathering was attended by the wives of the ambassadors of Arab, Islamic and other countries, a number of Sheikhas from the ruling family, and the wives of local dignitaries and officers of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikha Fatima, referring to the unstable developments that the region and the international community are witnessing, said: "I hope that diplomatic efforts will be successful in preventing the danger of war that is looming like a ghost."

She said that the money wasted in wars can be better used for raising living standards.

She also expressed her distress over the continued deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian occupied lands.

She called for the conscience of humans all around the world to quickly move to put an end to the slaughter committed by the occupying forces in order to protect the rights of the Palestinian people, especially innocent children and women.

She exchanged cordial conversation with the guests regarding the Holy Month and its role in refining the soul during Ramadan evening gatherings.

"This month is a a pleasant chance and a gift from the heavens for all Muslims to resolve their social differences and matters.

"It is also a chance for them to show the world their true image as callers of peace and security, and that Islam is a religion of forgiveness that does not know violence and terrorism and refuses them in all their forms," she said.