WASHINGTON — Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa met with a number of members of the US Congress, leaders of think tanks and research centers, and policy makers in an open dialogue session in the US capital Washington. The event dealt with a number of topics related to the Islamic and humanitarian roles of MWL. Addressing the gathering, the MWL chief emphasized that the two-state solution for the Palestine issue is the only and just option for establishing peace in the region. Sheikh Al-Issa also chaired the meeting of the Council of Islamic Leaders in North and South Americas, which was established at the initiative of the MWL to activate the contents of the "Makkah Document"; as the Makkah-based body adopted it as a scientific approach and roadmap for training imams in the Americas. In an open dialogue with prominent American figures, Dr. Al-Issa addressed a number of pressing issues on the international arena related to the MWL's goals around the world, highlighting the values of the true Islamic religion that calls for peace and harmony among various segments of mankind, especially strengthening friendship and cooperation between nations and peoples in confronting ideas of religious and civilizational conflict and strife, on the basis of purposeful and effective dialogue. During the dialogue, a number of topics were raised related to the role assigned to scholars of various religions to contribute to supporting peace efforts in the region, based on the importance of their spiritual influence, in confronting the voices of religious and political extremism and their practices, which increase escalation and confrontation and which use religious sentiments devoid of awareness as a pretext for taking serious risks that will set the situation back, and lead to more repercussions and complications. Sheikh Al-Issa stressed that it is imperative for religious scholars, with their diversity around the world, to be wiser and more attentive to the religious values around which their common goals calling for constructive dialogue and positive results are united. He pointed out that the Palestinian issue represents a major axis of international interest in general, and Arab and Islamic interest in particular, stressing that there is no peace without Palestine. The MWL chief highlighted the major role played by Saudi Arabia in resolving the Palestine issue. He specially mentioned to the Kingdom's leadership role last October to hold the first meeting of the International Coalition for Implementation of the Two-State Solution, in addition to its multiple and ongoing efforts in leading international diplomacy to stop the destructive war in Gaza, and activate international accountability mechanisms. He stressed that the position of Saudi Arabia on the Palestinian issue is clear, firm, and repeatedly emphasized. "The two-state solution is the only and just option for peace in the region, and that its activation requires retreating from all extremist ideas that do neither provide a solution nor make peace. Sheikh Al-Issa also reviewed MWL's efforts in building bridges within the Islamic Ummah, citing the "Makkah Document" signed by more than 1,200 muftis and scholars, and more than 4,500 Islamic thinkers. He also drew attention to the "Document on building bridges between Islamic schools of thought" which brought together various Islamic sects in the presence of prominent religious leaders, including muftis and senior scholars. Dr. Al-Issa also cited the MWL's initiative titled: "Building bridges between East and West" which was hosted by the United Nations headquarters in New York. UN secretary general, UN General Assembly president, and the High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations as well as prominent religious, intellectual and academic leaders, delivered their speeches on the occasion. "This initiative is focused on developing and activating dialogue mechanisms to have a tangible impact in order to address many important issues that have remained unresolved for many reasons. This cooperation follows in the circle of commonalities, which are many, all in the face of ideas of religious, ethnic and civilizational clash and conflict, especially slogans that directly or indirectly call for hatred and racism," he added.
