Maldives won't allow religious extremism: Islamic Minister

Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that diverse views were expected in a democratic nation such as the Maldives but stressed that no room would be given for extremist views and beliefs in the Maldives.

According to the Islamic Ministry, Shaheem made the statement during a courtesy call made by the US Ambassador to Maldives and Sri Lanka Michele J Sison. During the meeting the Minister had also shed light on the recent remarks made by former President Mohamed Nasheed during his recent visit to the UK, that Maldives faced the threat of an Al-Qaeda attack. On that note, Minister stressed that the Islamic Scholars in Maldives did not support or condone the actions of Al-Qaeda. He added that the scholars were continuously working to make the Maldives a tourist friendly nation as tourism was integral to the Maldivian economy.

Islamic Minister had thanked the US government for releasing a statement condemning the anti-Islam film made in the US recently. Minister further urged the US government to guard against a repeat of such anti-Islamic actions while noting that it would jeopardize the peaceful relations established with the Islamic world.

The US Ambassador had noted the peaceful nature of the protest held in Maldives over the film while violent demonstrations had taken place across the Muslim world which had resulted in several deaths.

Minister further requested the US Ambassador to facilitate language training assistance for Islamic Scholars in the Maldives who wish to become proficient in the English language.

 

Via Haveeru

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