The present situation in Syria, which spiraled into bloodshed two years ago and now is just a footstep away from foreign intervention, leaves bitter feelings, said head of Russia Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin at XII Secretariat Session of the Congress of World and Traditional Religions, speaking at international academic and research conference "On the Role of Astana Interfaith Forum in the Dialogue of Civilizations".

"We express our condolences and share the pain of Syrian people, pray for the end of this fratricidal war and for return of peace to these blessed lands," said mufti. According to him, any foreign involvement in Syrian affairs must come in strict accordance with international law and must respect Syrian sovereignty and people.

In his speech, spiritual leader of Russian Muslims mentioned the importance of the address of Pope Francis to Vladimir Putin as a host of G20 summit: "The pontiff called up to political leaders not to turn a blind eye on the suffering of Syrians, and to resume the search of peaceful solution of the situation through the peaceful dialogue of involved parties. This appeal of the head of Catholic Church meets our respect and full support".

According to the mufti, many countries of Europe are experiencing revival of nationalist, if not racist, ideologies. "To our regret, this problem exists in CIS countries as well," he said. "The success of Eurasian countries, including Russia, has always depended on their ability to combine the best qualities of their many peoples, and make them serve the interests of their common homeland. In the end of 1980s, slogans like 'Russians - go back to Ryazan, Tatars - back to Kazan, and we can sort the rest on our own' was a toll for USSR's funeral knell". According to him, nowadays slogans of national and religious exceptionalism have become the main obstacle in the way of Russia's unity and Eurasian integration.

Note: Participants of XII Secretariat Session of the Congress of World and Traditional Religions share their opinions, summarizing the results of IV Congress, which took place in May of 2012. The agenda includes issues of Secretariat's cooperation with international institutions involved in the dialogue of religions and civilizations.