The Turkish delegation met on the morning of Monday, the 2nd of March the Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Bedreddin Ahmed Hassoun. Grand Mufti Hassoun, who carries the title Mufti of the Republic, welcomed the delegation by saying “you came here by breaking through the lies that have been spread about Syria”.
In his speech, the Mufti of the Republic, emphasized secularism.
“We never used the title Islamic State. We always used the term Umayyad State, Abbasid State, Ottoman State. Because these were states, they are earthly. Sultans killed their brothers to prevent them of getting into power, not for Islam” said Hassoun.
Not Sunni, not Shiite, Muslim
The Mufti of the Republic carried on his words: “I am a secular Mufti. I am a supporter of the separation of religion and politics. When I am asked if I am a Sunni or Shiite, I answer ‘I am a Muslim’. Islam unites, but sects are politics created to rule over societies under the guise of religion”. He stated that he regards himself as the Mufti of all Syrians; of Muslims, of Christians as well as atheists. He told that countries like Turkey and Syria obliged to be secular in order to exist.
Hassoun continued: “When I came to Turkey, I become subject to the laws of Turkey, and you become subject to Syria’s when you arrive in Damascus. This is secularism. Religion is for the conscience, and the laws are for the society”.
Perinçek: You are the Mufti in Atatürk’s dreams
Perinçek took the floor after Grand Mufti Hassoun and said: “I become jealous of the Syrian people when I listen to you, because you are the Mufti that our Great Leader Atatürk dreamt of”.
Stating that secularism is an obligation for Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran for different sects to live in peace and tolerance Perinçek said “I promise you: We will consolidate secularism in Turkey. We will rescue our country from the pawns of USA”.