RIYADH: Saleh S. Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), who termed the assassination attempt on Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs, as "an act of aggression on the entire Saudi nation," called on extremists to lay down their arms, follow the teachings of Islam and respect the values of the glorious Arab culture.
The WAMY chief said that such terrorist attempts can't "create slightest doubts in the resolute will of the exalted and brave Saudi nation" that is determined to pave its path toward well-being and success.
Al-Wohaibi, who was speaking at WAMY's seventh annual iftar party here Tuesday night, touched on many issues confronting the nation and the world at large. He also called on the individuals and philanthropic organizations to extend financial support to the local charities and ensure their trouble-free operation. "These aid organizations, of which WAMY is one, have been facing obstacles because of the lack of resources and the stringent measures imposed by different countries and respective government agencies," said Al-Wohaibi.
He called on the international community to unify ranks and file in order to address them properly.
"So far as Islamic charities with limited resources are concerned, they are under tremendous pressure due to the challenges facing the Islamic world," said the WAMY chief.
Despite the drop in contributions, the WAMY will pursue its expansion plan under which new WAMY chapters will be opened in France, Turkey and Lebanon, he added.
This annual WAMY event was attended by a large number of guests including diplomats, businessmen, Islamic workers and donors. Cameroon Ambassador Lya Tidjani, Mexican Ambassador Arturo Trejo and a Saudi businessman Tawfeeq Abd Aziz Al-Swailem, were the guest speakers during this year's party. Al-Wohaibi said that "the current financial crisis has had an impact on the charity work, not in the Gulf region alone, but all across the world."
He said that the number of donors at WAMY's offices had declined this year compared to last year.
