July 19, 2008	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1429

MADRID, July 18: Representatives of the world’s great monotheistic religions on Friday called for an international agreement to combat terrorism, at the end of a landmark Saudi-organised conference.

The Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders also appealed for a UN special session to promote dialogue and prevent “a clash of civilisations.”

“Terrorism is a universal phenomenon that requires unified international efforts to combat it in a serious, responsible and just way,” the three-day World Conference on Dialogue said in a final statement.

“This demands an international agreement on defining terrorism, addressing its root causes and achieving justice and stability in the world.” The conference also called for more “ways of enhancing understanding and cooperation among people despite differences in their origins, colours and languages,” and a “rejection of extremism and terrorism.”

The statement was read to the closing session by Abdul Rahman Al-Zaid, the deputy secretary-general of the Mecca-based Muslim World League, which organised the conference from an initiative by Saudi King Abdullah.

Around 200 participants attended the gathering in Madrid, aimed at bringing the world’s great monotheistic faiths closer together.

Among them were the secretary-general of the World Jewish Congress, Michael Schneider, and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who is responsible for dialogue between the Vatican and Muslims.—AFP