RIYADH, 10 January 2003 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, said yesterday that Islam is a religion of tolerance and mercy and called on Muslims to be forgiving and avoid disputes. He also urged Muslims to shun violence and extremism. Prince Miteb ibn Abdullah, assistant deputy commander of the National Guard for military affairs and the deputy chief of the supreme committee for the Janadriah festival, made this call on Prince Abdullah’s behalf yesterday at the Janadriah festival, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. Prince Abdullah’s statement said it is the collective responsibility of Muslims to highlight the truth about Islam and clarify the doubts raised about it.