The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Nayef Al-Hajraf, has called the latest remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron about Islam and Muslims irresponsible.

The Saudi Gazette reports that the GCC chief said that such remarks fuel the culture of hate and do not help build strong relations between Muslims and the French people. The Saudi Gazette further reports that provocative statements are being made at a time when all efforts should rather be made to promote a culture of tolerance and dialogue among communities and religions, and that the continued publication of insulting caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is proof of that.

Al-Hajraf has called on all world leaders, thinkers and opinion makers to reject hate speech that incites anger and mocks religions and their symbols. He said they should shoulder their responsibility in establishing peace and coexistence, and avoid falling into the trap of Islamophobia promoted by ultra-extremist groups.

Umm Muhammed Umar