CAIRO, Feb 28 (NNN-KUNA) — Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak on the event of the birthday of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Saturday, pledged his country’s commitment towards sheltering the issues and interests of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

At a ceremony held on the occasion, he told gatherers that the efforts of Islamic evangelists, researchers, writers and thinkers are an important part of spreading the true essence of the religion, and its precise teachings.

These efforts secure the unity and harmony of cultures, tackling the threat of division and ethnic tension, he explained, adding that his country is well aware of these dangers at home, in reference to the country’s Muslim and Coptic populations.
Mubarak then indicated to the Egyptian constitution, which notes to patriotism as the basis for its democratic system, and which promotes equality in rights and duties between all citizens and prevents the establishment of any religiously-motivated political parties.

He expressed sorrow over the woes and worries currently facing some regions in the Islamic world, naming Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia as some of these.

The Egyptian leader also expressed grief on the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, who continuously have to live under harsh Israeli practices. ? NNN-KUNA

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