24th Islamic Unity Conference held

The 24th International Islamic Unity Conference has concluded in the Iranian capital Tehran with a statement calling for further unity among Muslim masses. The statement, released at the closing ceremony of the conference on Monday described the gathering as a major step toward “Islamic unity” and cautioned Muslims about potential challenges facing the Islamic world in light of recent developments in many Muslim nations.

“Enemies are seeking to keep the Islamic Umma (people) backward in various regions and promote dependence on the West through numerous divisive plots,” the statement read in part. Warning Muslims against extremist beliefs, the statement also denounced sacrilegious measures by certain groups that may be inspired by foreigners.

Elsewhere in the statement, the attendees condemned Israel’s acts of aggression against the Palestinians and praised the nation’s resistance. The participants also called for recognition of all rights of the Palestinians, including the right of return to their homeland and the establishment of a Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital. Moreover, the conference urged the international community to bring Israeli officials to justice for their crimes against the Palestinian nation.

The statement described resistance against aggression and oppressive rule as a legitimate right of every nation but reiterated that Islam strongly opposes and condemns acts of terror. It also voiced support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and denounced any measures aimed at depriving the Islamic Republic of its legitimate rights. The 24th International Islamic Unity Conference opened in Tehran on Saturday. A total of 750 scholars from more than 50 countries attended the gathering, which seeks to foster unity among Muslims and promote debate on challenges facing Muslim countries.