Jordan Times
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Bakhit
inaugurates youth conference on terrorism
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Monday said Jordan is fighting
takfiri thought (labelling others as unbelievers) through enlightenment and
confronting falsehood with righteousness.
The premier made the remarks at the inauguration of the third meeting of youth
from Arab countries, entitled “No to Terrorism.”
In his address, Bakhit underlined the importance of the meeting where
participating delegates from 15 Arab countries are discussing the issue of
terrorism, which has become a source of concern for Arabs and Muslims.
The conference seeks to enhance the sense of unity among young Arabs in the
fight against terror.
The premier said terrorism has turned into a global phenomenon, which
necessitates regional and international coordination, adding that it is time to
fight terrorist acts that hide under the cover of Islam.
“We were the first who warned of this phenomenon and have succeeded in combating
it by foiling attempts by Al Qaeda to attack a civilian facility on the Kingdom
and revealing the perpetrators who carried out the terrorist attacks in Amman
last year,” Bakhit said.
He said young people, who shoulder the responsibility of making the future, are
also responsible for combating terrorism because they are capable of
understanding the realities.
The younger generation should also direct their capabilities towards
constructive action for the good of mankind and not for destruction, he added.
Bakhit said Jordan was spreading a culture amongst its youth to stand up to
terrorism.
This culture is based on the Amman Message, His Majesty King Abdullah launched
in 2004 to clarify the image of Islam, which is based on moderation and respect
of others' opinions, he told the participants.
President of the Higher Youth Council Atef Odeibat said the council has started
giving more attention to young people in implementation of King Abdullah's
directives.
Participants at the 12-day gathering, organised by the Higher Youth Council,
underlined the important role of youth people in fighting terrorism.
Participants are scheduled to tour tourist attractions in the country.
They are also scheduled to meet with senior officers from the Anti-Narcotics
Department, who will lecture on the adverse effects of drug abuse and its links
to terrorism.
In addition, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Chief Commissioner Nader
Dahabi will brief the Arab youth on the experience of the five-year-old duty
free zone.