Iran-Arab differences surface at conference in Doha

Doha, Jan 21 (UNI) With the Islamic religious leaders criticising President Ahmedinejad government for doing precious little to end 'Shia-Sunni'conflict in Iraq, differences between Iran and the Arab world became evident at the 'Conference for Dialogue among Islamic School of Thoughts' here.

Iran has a big role to play in ending sectarian violence in Iraq as it enjoys excellent relations with the Malki government of Iraq, Chairman of the International association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Yousaf al-Qaradawi said at the conference. His views were also shared by many others, who strongly favoured for bridging the divide among the Muslims.

Sheikh Qaradawi urged the Shia leaders to intiative fresh intiative with the Sunnis to end doctrinal conflict in the strife-torn Iraq, where violence has escalated in the recent months. ''No one can tolerate hatred against the Sunnis, who are suffering immensely in Iraq. ''I have repeatedly asked Iraqi and Iranian leaders to intervene and stop bloodshed there.

''Iran has influence in Iraq. It can stop this violence and put an end an put an end to it..he further stated.

However, top Iranian leader Ayatollah Mohammed Al Taskhiri refuted the allegation. He said Iran was trying its best to stop the massacre of innocent people in Iraq.

He blamed the United States and Israel for creating Sunni-Shia divide. He said America was responsible for the deaths and destruction in Iraq.

Dr Ali Gumma Mohammedm Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Issam Ahmed Al Basheer of Kuwait and Sheikh Mohana Bin Omran Al Twaijani of Ebadhi sect also called for unity among various sects. There is an urgent need to work together to face challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.

''If we remain divided, it will only serve the purpose of our enemies', who have always used Muslims for their political objectives and goals, these scholars said.

Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Dr Akmeleddin Ihsenoghlu said the 54-member Islamic grouping plans to send a peace mission to Iraq to end sectarian violence.

He said the Iraqi conflict can spill over to other countries like Lebanon and Palestine.

He said the OIC delegation to Iraq would seek a solution to the worsening Sunni-Shia conflict in that country.

''We have requested the Iraqi government to implement the Mecca declaration, which seeks peaceful resolution to the Iraqi crisis. Another delegation will soon go to Iraq to step-up peace efforts', he further stated.

Former Minister of Jordan Dr Abdulsalam Al Abbadi and Dr Ahmed Badereddin Hassoon, Mufti of Syria expressed concern over polarisation on sectarian basis. The conflict in Iraq was political and now it has achieved religious dimension.

A prominent Shia leader from Lebanon Sheikh Mohammed Ghalib Assadi also described the situation in his country as complicated.

UNI