Al Azhar Grand Imam receives British Ambassador
Egypt-UK, Politics, 11/5/2001

Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi received John Sawers, the new British Ambassador in Cairo, on the occasion of starting his tour of duty.

During the meeting, Tantawi stressed that Islam rejects the September 11 terror acts of aggressions and termed them as a heinous crime which contradicts religious teachings, law and humanitarian norms.

Tantawi has explained that there is not any legislation, law or tradition which permits the punishment of a whole nation.

The Grand Imam as well highlighted the right of Palestinians to defend their lands and sanctities against the Israeli practices. Sheikh Tantawi noted that he had good relations with Archbishop George Carey.

The British Ambassador, on his part, said US President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are working on bringing the September 11 attack perpetrators to trial.

Sawers stressed that the necessity of realising security in Palestine. He highlighted the efforts exerted by Blair to make contacts between the Israelis and Palestinians to put an end to the acts of violence.

On the other hand, Sawers said in an interview with an Egyptian TV Programme, aired late Sunday, that the US and Europe also support the establishment of the Palestinian state to achieve peace in the Middle East.

"Blair and several other leaders are working to put the peace process back on track to salvage the injustice done to the Palestinians over many years," he said.

"It is obvious that in case Palestinians and Israelis are left for themselves they would not agree," Sawers added.

The injustice done to the Palestinians nourishes anti-West sentiments in the Arab world, he said, adding that such injustice is exploited by terrorists for non-objective purposes.

On violence practiced by Israel against Palestinians, the British diplomat cited the mounting violence in the occupied areas both on the Palestinian and Israeli sides. "Peace would not be realised as long as violence continues," he said.

Sawers said that the international alliance against terrorism would continue as much time as it takes.

On the trial of Egyptian terrorist Yasser El-Siri in London, the Ambassador said Britain opposes terrorism and did not give Siri an asylum. He, Siri, cashed in on the loopholes in the British laws to stay in the country. He added that Siri is facing five charges and all are related to terrorism.

Previous Stories:
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