Marrakesh- Religions should encourage democratization in the Middle East and North Africa towards peace and people's prosperity.

That was stated by the General Chiarman of Muhammadiyah Central Executive, Din Syamsuddin, when giving a talk at the Religious Figure Conference of Middle East and North Africa in Marocco on Wednesday (16/11/2011). According to Din Syamsuddin, the political changes happpening in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yaman, and Syria are people's demand in fighting for justice and prosperity. On the other hand, according to Din, the demand is also criticism on dictatorship having lasted for so long. "Religions, especially Islam, must be able to respond to the new development and to contribute to fill and guide it towards peace and prosperity as what the religions want," he said.

In the meantime, Din Syamsuddin also hopes that the 3 Abraham religions in the Middle East and North Africa can become the model of tolerance and  peace. Thus, the religions should support to end Palestine-Israel conflict. "Therefore, the three religions must find common word to face common enemy," said he. The conference was attended by 70 figures of Islam, Christianity, Judaism from several countries. Din Syamsuddin was invited as the President of ACRP (Asian Conference of Religions for Peace) and Vice President of WCRP (World Conference on Religion for Peace).

(trans by hamzah - uhamka)