Radicalism not from Arab: Saudi Ambassador

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Terrorist acts, that had occurred in a number of countries and were claimed to have been committed by perpetrators who had Muslim background, are misunderstood by certain media, especially the western press, in the conclusion that radicalism originated from the Arab land.

In this regard, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Esam A. Abid Athagafi, asserted that radicalism did not originate from the Arab world, especially Saudi Arabia, and this ideology was not from Islam.

“It is foreign media that have been making opinions that radicalism is imported from Saudi Arabia, and this is totally incorrect,” Ambassador Esam said during a dialogue with several media here on Wednesday evening (Nov 6).

The Saudi Ambassador explained that every year millions of Muslims all over the world visit Saudi Arabia to perform hajj and umrah (minor hajj), and there is no indication they are carrying out radicalism.

“Even if it is found, it does not represent all Muslims or Islamic teachings,” he said.

He added that at the United Nations (UN) headquarters, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a center for radicalism eradication both dealing with threats at local and international levels.

Reporting by Indonesia Window