JEDDAH: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, has called on Saturday for an effective dialogue to spread peace and tranquility among all people of the world. Addressing a conference for unity between followers of religions and peace lovers organized by the Peace Promotion Forum in Washington and attended by 400 figures from different countries, Al-Issa said the world suffers from weakness in understanding the importance of co-existence in its capacity as a base for peace. The MWL chief also warned against the absence of dialogue and wisdom and ignorance of history in a human madness that exploited religions for its own interest. Religions, he said, became its fuel and victim. Lack of constructive dialogue and non-investment of common goals, notably those related to values and co-existence, have a tangible impact on our reality today, he said. He said ideological and religious conflict and the ensuing extremism and counter-extremism is not only the responsibility of those who have been ideologically brainwashed but also those who have prepared the ground for such conflicts. Ideas and opinions logically seem more civilized when respecting the right of others to live in dignity and cooperating with them for the common interest and for the benefit of all humanity, he said. Throughout their history, religions have suffered from “reciters” of religious texts who have topped the scientific and intellectual forums without understanding (of such texts) and, thus, become a burden on religions and themselves, he said. The MWL chief called for a remedy for the disrespect of religious followers, religious phobia. He also called for effective dialogue and the holding of regular meetings for common goals between religions and cultures as well as openness, cooperation and co-existence on such goals. He also stressed that religious and educational programs should be more oriented to cement behavioral and ethical values, respect of others, understanding of Allah’s act on diversity, and the enhancement of peace and brotherhood values for all mankind.