UAE endorses draft UN resolution to prevent violent extremism

ABU DHABI // The UAE has endorsed a United Nations plan to prevent terrorism and extremism.

The country welcomed the adoption of a UN draft resolution that aims to prevent violent extremism, saying it must also address factors that promote extremism, such as “foreign occupation and state terrorism,” reported state news agency Wam.

The UAE said the plan must also hold states that compromise the principles of sovereignty and interfere in the internal affairs of other nations accountable for their actions.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN, said that the initiative should be a blueprint for coordinating efforts to combat extremism, and should be approved during the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review next June.

Ms Nusseibeh applauded a recommendation to create regional plans of action to prevent extremism, while stressing the need for international efforts to assist states in ending conflict.

During an address, she also pointed out UAE efforts to prevent extremism, which include youth involvement, female empowerment and participation and role of religious leaders “to promote the values of peace”.

The ambassador said the UAE believes “that achieving prosperity and lasting peace is dependent on the promotion of tolerance and pluralism, and confirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting its partners in their fight against extremist groups, wherever they maybe,” reported Wam.