Kuwait upholds moderation, tolerance, diversity -- official

PARIS, Oct 24 (KUNA) -- Kuwait is ever cognizant of promoting the values of moderation, tolerance, and respect for cultures and religions, said Kuwait's permanent representative to UNESCO Dr. Ali Al-Tarrah on Friday.
He was speaking to KUNA on the sideline of the meetings of the 195th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, which started last Monday here in Paris to discuss, among a gamut of issues, international conflicts that carry with them a sense of sectarianism and racism and cultural indifference.
Dr. Al-Tarrah stressed Kuwait's stellar record on respecting diversity and multiculturalism which it has codified by being a co-signee on international agreements promoting these values. He however decried the rising tone of caustic criticism of Islam in some parts of the world, seeing in it a disparagement of all religions, not just Islam.
On a different note he expressed pride and joy that Kuwait and the UNESCO will honor on Nov.5 the late Kuwaiti Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his half a century contribution to the progress of education in Kuwait.
Sheikh Abdullah is the first Kuwaiti personality to be celebrated by the UNESCO in accordance to UNESCO's charter stipulating that highly esteemed world personalities should be honored for their educational and cultural contributions and achievements, said Dr. Al-Tarrah.
He said the upcoming celebration will be under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
It was last year when the UNESCO executive board approved a proposal by Kuwait to enlist the late Sheik Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah among those UNESCO will honor as an international personality of high achievement for having left behind a distinguished educational and cultural heritage. (end) amm.ajs