GCC Condemns Macron Statements about Islam, Muslims

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, denounced the recent stances of French President Emmanuel Macron on Islam and Muslims and called for spreading the culture of dialogue and tolerance.

The Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Hajraf confirming that Macron's statements are "irresponsible", "boost a culture of hostility among peoples, and do not serve the strong relations between Islamic peoples and the civil people of France."

He added that the circumstances require efforts to "promote the culture of tolerance and the dialogue between cultures and religions" instead of coming out with "such unacceptable statements and calls for continuing to publish the offensive cartoons to the Holy Prophet, upon him be the best of prayers and peace."

Al-Hajraf called for "dismissing hate speech, stirring resentment, contempt for religions and their symbols, and respecting the feelings of Muslims all over the world, instead of falling into the captivity of Islamophobia adopted by extremist groups."

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council appealed to world leaders, thinkers and opinion-holders "to assume the great responsibility that falls on their shoulders for those who seek peace and coexistence."