JEDDAH, 1 January 2004 — The second national dialogue forum concluded in Makkah yesterday with a call for an end to discrimination among citizens and making important proposals to fight extremism.
“Frankness, freedom of expression and transparency were the dialogue’s hallmarks,” said Dr. Rashid Al-Rajeh, deputy chairman of the dialogue.
Sixty intellectuals, academics, researchers and religious experts including nine women took part in the four-day deliberations organized by the King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center.
“Open dialogue of this type is good for society as it fosters unity,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Dr. Al-Rajeh as saying.
Faisal ibn Muammar, secretary-general of the center, said the dialogue’s recommendations would be presented to Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, on Saturday. According to Okaz daily, 25 recommendations were made, one calling for a panel to follow up political reforms.
Measures to root out extremism, immediate reform of academic curricula, and more freedom for media are some of the recommendations, the Arabic newspaper said quoting informed sources. The next dialogue would focus on women, it added.
The Makkah meeting was instrumental in promoting the spirit of dialogue, Muammar said adding that dialogue would gradually become part of Saudi lifestyle. “The participants discussed the topic of extremism and moderation in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah,” Muammar said.
The topic was important as religious extremism is blamed for terrorist attacks in the Kingdom and other parts of the world. The meeting discussed the role of teachers, educational institutions and political and economic aspects in developing a moderate personality.
Referring to criticisms against the center for unilaterally appointing researchers to present papers, Dr. Al-Rajeh said the research papers were meant to serve as a framework for the talks. “All participants were free to present their opinion and make proposals and this was one of the reasons for the forum’s success,” he pointed out.
Abdul Mohsen Al-Akkas, a Shoura member, commended the dialogue. “It was noted for its objectivity and respect for the other opinion,” he added.
Islamic economist Dr. Omar Kamel said he expected improvement and good additions in future events.
Dr. Ayed Al-Qarni, a prominent Islamic scholar, said the dialogue was successful in strengthening national unity and mobilizing public opinion against all forms of terrorism. He urged the terror suspects to surrender responding to the call of Saudi authorities.
“The dialogue paved the way for the surrender of some suspects,” Al-Qarni said.
