BAGHDAD (Dispatches) – Iraq’s top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has underscored the need to promote the culture of peaceful coexistence and rejection of hatred and violence, calling on followers of different faiths to observe mutual respect.
The top Iraqi cleric made the comments in a meeting in Najaf with a UN delegation led by High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Moratinos, and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.
Grand Ayatollah Sistani pointed to the importance of concerted efforts aimed at promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence, rejecting violence and hate, and upholding values of harmony based on paying attention to the rights and mutual respect among followers of different faiths, according to a statement published by the religious authority’s office.
Tragedies that many people and ethnic groups are suffering from are the result of intellectual and religious persecutions practiced against them as well as social injustice, he said, adding that such tragedies have played a role in the rise of extremist movements that use blind violence against the defenseless civilians as well as against religious centers and archeological sites.
Underscoring the need to address the root causes of these phenomena, the top cleric said efforts are needed to ensure the realization of justice and peace in societies.
Appreciating UN efforts in this area, he wished Moratinos success in carrying out his mission.
The United Nations also released a statement on the meeting, noting that Moratinos lauded Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s “wisdom and compassion.”
“He expressed how deeply moved he was by His Eminence’s moderate approach and consistent appeals for mutual respect and unity to prevail in support of diversity and peaceful co-existence,” reads the statement, quoting Moratinos.