Saudi Gazette report

NEW YORK— Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel outlined the positions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on combating terrorism and promoting international security. He made the remarks while delivering his speech, on behalf of the OIC, at the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly.

Al-Wasel reiterated the OIC’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, emphasizing that it is not associated with any religion or culture. He underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and called for a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism that addresses root causes such as occupation, poverty, and aggression, while also distinguishing between acts of terrorism and the legitimate right of peoples to resist occupation.

Al-Wasel reiterated the pan Islamic body's condemnation of the Israeli occupation and its crimes against the Palestinians, as well as the attacks on Lebanon, Iran, Syria, and Qatar, rejecting the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and affirming its right to self-defense. The Saudi envoy also expressed the OIC’s solidarity with Pakistan and condemned the Indian strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and addressing issues such as Islamophobia and racism, while commending the role of the UN Counter-Terrorism Center. Al-Wasel further called for the completion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, stressing the need to distinguish between terrorism and legitimate struggle, and supporting the convening of a high-level UN conference to address legal issues and enhance international cooperation.