(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK, March 22 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity to the Muslim community Friday in the wake of "terrorist" attacks on two mosques in New Zealand, which killed 50 people and injured many others.
Guterres, during a visit to the Islamic Cultural Center in New York City, said they have been mesmarized by stories of survivors about the victims.
"I am here in this holy day (Friday) to express my solidarity and to offer support for the Muslim Community," said Guterres who was received by Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Cultural Center and Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN.
He said he was touched by words of one of the worshippers who explained how he saw a strange man in Christchurch mosque, and he did not realize this strange person was "a terrorist." Guterres said Islam "is a faith that I fully respect, and which express love, mercy, forgiveness and blessing." He called for confronting all forms of extremism whether they were against mosques, synagogues or churches. Guterres urged UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) to reach out to governments, religious organizations and religious leaders to prevent attacks on places of worship.
Guterres said he asked Miguel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, to put a plan of action for the entire UN to be fully engaged in protection of religious sites.
He called on importance of unity against Islamophobia and racism.
Guterres said when he was a UN higher commissioner for refugees he witnessed "generosity of Muslim countries who were opening their borders for people in distress at a time many borders are closed, a matter he considered a live-saving recipe.
Guterres cited parts of Holy Quran about the care of others, and said Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) called for mutual respect more than 14 centuries ago.
"We should stay together against ordeals. I know these are tough times but I tell you with a heavy heart that you are not alone, the world is with you, the UN is with you and I am with you," he said.
Al-Otaibi, in remarks to KUNA, thanked Guterres for his visit and support for the Muslim community.
He thanked the UN Secretary General for highlighting how Islam was based on peace, tolerance and love, and appreciated his calls for protection of mosques and worshipping places. (end) asf.bs
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