JEDDAH, 16 July 2005 — The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) yesterday denied US accusations that it had financed terrorist organizations. “These accusations are baseless,” Saleh Al-Wohaiby, secretary-general of WAMY told Al-Riyadh daily.
“Islamic associations and charities have taken a clear stand in denouncing terrorist acts and the financing of such criminal acts, which are carried out every now and then in the name of Islam, but of which our religion is innocent,” he explained.
The WAMY chief said his organization operates within governmental channels, be it within or outside Saudi Arabia, and has good relations with European counterparts. Wohaiby urged US officials “not to hurl haphazard accusations,” which he said were aimed at “turning world public opinion against Islamic associations which are moderate.”
He said WAMY had contacted a number of Western lawyers to defend its stand against these accusations. He also pointed out that WAMY had denounced all terrorist attacks including the recent London bombings.
US Treasury Undersecretary Stuart Levey charged Wednesday that wealthy Saudi individuals remain “a significant source” of funds for militants around the world.
Levey’s statement before the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs contrasted with earlier upbeat assessments by US officials that Saudi Arabia was making good progress in stemming the flow of private money to militant groups.
Levey said challenges posed by terror financing from within Saudi Arabia were “among the most daunting” his agency had to face as it tries to persuade Islamic countries to strengthen controls over their banks and charities.
