MWL Sec-Gen: Islam Rejects Conflict, Civilizational Clash

The Interfaith Round Table hosts the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Interfaith Round Table hosts the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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MWL Sec-Gen: Islam Rejects Conflict, Civilizational Clash

The Interfaith Round Table hosts the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Interfaith Round Table hosts the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Interfaith leaders met in Albania at roundtable discussions, marking an unprecedented event that included various influential figures for the first time in Albania's history.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammad al-Issa, chaired a delegation to Tirana, where several Albanian ministers and religious and official figures received them.

Issa said in his speech that Albania presented an inspiring model for the coexistence of its religious diversity, which has become an integral part of the values of the Albanian people.

He asserted that countries of religious and ethnic diversity needed to share this inspiring experience.

The roundtable meeting was followed by a joint dinner in his honor, in the presence of a senior Albanian minister and diplomats, led by Saudi Ambassador Faisal bin Ghazi Hefzi and the Vatican Ambassador.

The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, received the Secretary-General at the Presidential Palace, where he was awarded the highest medal in Albania, 'The State Order for World-Renowned Spiritual Figures.'

During the meeting, they discussed topics of common interest and emphasized the role of the MWL in serving humanity.

Albania's head of the Islamic Sheikhdom and the Grand Mufti asked Sheikh Issa to deliver a Friday sermon in the historic mosque, which is more than 200 years old.

In his sermon, Issa spoke about the values of Islam and Muslim behavior, recalling the biography of Prophet Mohammed as a role model that embodies the values of Islam.

After that, the Secretary-General gave two separate lectures to academics and students in Tirana, in which he spoke about Islamic thought: "its roots,its reality," and its "fortification," explaining important rules in reading the texts of the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and legal, intellectual, and historical writings.

The two lectures considered the diversity of discourse according to the need between "academics" and "students" and were translated into Albanian.

The Islamic Sheikhdom, which has 35 Fatwa Houses, also hosted the Secretary-General at its headquarters.

The President of the Sheikhdom welcomed Issa to the Balkans, congratulating the tremendous success of the League's Conference to promote peace and coexistence in the Balkans, notably the comprehensive positive response that the "Sarajevo Declaration" received.

He lauded the League's efforts and its great Islamic message in promoting coexistence and its outstanding efforts in confronting various forms of hatred, extremism, and Islamophobia.

The President stressed the League's value among Muslims around the world, and Islamic minorities in particular, noting that its efforts had a significant impact in enhancing their positive presence and coexistence in their countries.

For his part, Issa said that the League was established by Muslims, asserting its pride in serving them, especially the Islamic sheikhdoms, which bear a great responsibility and a pivotal role in promoting the values of Islam.

Later, the League Sec-Gen discussed several topics of common interest with the Speaker, Lindita Nikolla.

Nikolla expressed the Republic of Albania's profound appreciation for the visit by the League, highlighting its significant role in advancing peace and fostering religious and cultural coexistence among varied communities.

Issa conveyed his pleasure in visiting Albania, lauding it as a prime example of international excellence in embracing national and particularly religious diversity.

He further stressed that Islam categorically rejects all forms of concepts and theories that promote conflict and civilizational clashes.

Also, during his visit to Tirana, Issa met Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday and discussed topics of common interest.

During the meeting, the two parties explored several topics of mutual interest, and Rama commended the MWL's global efforts in promoting harmony among diverse societies.

The Prime Minister invited the MWL to organize an international conference in Tirana to foster understanding and cooperation among civilizations. It aims to enhance global awareness of religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity, drawing on Albania's experience.

After his official visit, the Secretary-General received the "Foundation Shield," a symbol of preserving Islamic identity in Albania and the Balkans.

He visited the Sharia school in Tirana, founded 100 years ago, and went through difficult periods in the region's history.

Issa urged the students and teachers to continue the school's historical journey and to arm themselves with knowledge and awareness to serve their country, their nation, and the great message of Islam.



Lebanese Govt. to Seek New IMF Program, Policy Statement Says

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas//File Photo
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas//File Photo
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Lebanese Govt. to Seek New IMF Program, Policy Statement Says

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas//File Photo
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas//File Photo

Lebanon's new government will negotiate with the International Monetary Fund for a new program and will work to deal with the country's financial default and public debt, according to a policy statement approved by the cabinet late on Monday.

The statement, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, said the government would work for an economical revival that could only be achieved through restructuring the banking sector.

Lebanon has been in deep economic crisis since 2019, when its financial system collapsed under the weight of massive state debts, prompting a sovereign default in 2020 and freezing ordinary depositors out of their savings in the banking system.

Beirut reached a draft funding deal with IMF in 2022 - contingent on reforms that authorities failed to deliver.

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, who took office as part of a new government agreed earlier this month, told Reuters an IMF mission is expected to visit Lebanon in March.

Jaber said he had met the IMF's resident representative in Lebanon, Frederico Lima, and confirmed that the government plans to move ahead with reforms.

Lebanon's political landscape has been turned on its head since the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, long a dominant player in Lebanese politics, was badly pummelled in last year's war with Israel.

Reflecting the shift in the power balance, the government policy statement did not include language used in previous years that was seen to legitimize a role for Hezbollah in defending Lebanon, saying instead "we want a state that has the decision of war and peace".

The statement said it was required to adopt a national security strategy and a foreign policy that works to 'neutralize' Lebanon from conflicts.

In the field of energy, the Lebanese government will seek to resume work in oil and gas exploration, according to the cabinet statement. It said the government planned to establish a Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

With a new administration in neighboring Syria, the statement said the Lebanese government believed it has an opportunity to start a serious dialogue aimed at controlling and demarcating the borders and working to resolve the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon.