JEDDAH, 17 July 2005 — The Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) yesterday denied US allegations that it was involved in financing terror and said the US claim would tarnish the image of the organization.
The MWL “rejects anything linked to terrorism and is committed to Islam’s stand, which prohibits terrorist acts,” Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Turki said in a statement.
The 45-year-old league was “one of the first international organizations to exert major efforts to combat terrorism.” Turki said his organization was ready to cooperate with Islamic and international groups in order to “implement joint anti-terror programs.”
The league has links with UN and other world bodies, and has outlined its “strategy” to fight terrorism during dialogues with the European Parliament and other legislative bodies around the world, he added.
Saleh Al-Wohaiby, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) in Riyadh had similarly rejected US accusations that it channels funds to Islamist extremists in remarks published on Friday.
US Treasury Undersecretary Stuart Levey charged Wednesday that wealthy Saudi individuals remain “a significant source” of funds for Islamist militants around the world.
US officials expressed particular concern about three Saudi-run associations that operate around the world — the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO), WAMY and the Muslim World League.
The Saudi government has moved to establish an oversight commission for its charitable sector and ordered an end to uncontrolled collection of donations in mosques and shops.
Emphasizing MWL’s efforts for world peace and its humanitarian services, Turki said his organization had received “the Harbinger of Peace” certificate from the United Nations.
