DHAKA: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke at the opening of the 29th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran on Sunday morning calling for unity between Islamic nations.

Rouhani defined the theme of the conference, ‘The Muslim World’s Current Crises’, to be the lack of unity within Islam, stating that big world powers are trying to depict Islam as a religion of violence.

Islamic extremist groups are creating a militant picture of Islam that is benefiting only Israel and the Zionist movement, he added, reports The Jerusalem Post.

The Iranian president called on the Islamic scholars to allow for mutual respect during their time at the conference saying, ‘Muslims have no option but to become more united’, in order to thwart the efforts to portray Islam as a violent religion.

Those present must work together to penetrate the mindset of the Muslim community so a dialog can begin and allow for change, added Rouhani.

The Iran president emphasized the importance of bringing an end to extremism from terrorist groups like Islamic State (IS) of Iraq and Syria who have committed a series of attacks against Muslims in the name of Islam.

In attendance at the three-day conference in the Iranian capital were over 300 Muslim scholars from over 70 countries including ministers of Islamic countries, heads of universities and representatives of scientific and cultural communities.

BDST: 1527 HRS, DEC 27, 2015
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