Manila, (SANA) – Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad on Wednesday criticized the "so-called" intellectuals who adopt an ideology based on civilizations' clash, fomenting separation and distorting tolerance and peace values.

Mikdad's remarks came during the Special Ministerial Meeting of the Non- Aligned Movement on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (SNAMMM) held in Manila.

He said "Tolerance and fraternity prevailing in Syria refute all conflict theories among cultures and ideologies."

The minister called for facing extremism and fanaticism which contradict tolerance and love values of all the heavenly messages.

In his speech, Mikdad wondered about the international support provided to Israel while it goes ahead with thwarting Mideast peace efforts, pointing to the Israeli repression and displacement against the occupied Syrian Golan citizens and the Palestinians.

"Israel continues its aggressions against the Islamic and Christian sanctities challenging the international community," he said.

Mikdad highlighted NAM's role in preserving the states' national sovereignty and unity, facing acts of aggressions which pose a threat to the international peace and security and in supporting the nations' struggle to restore the occupied territories.

On the sideline of his participation in SNAMMM, Mikdad met the Philippines' Foreign Minister Alberto Ramulo.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations, the latest regional developments and other issues of mutual concern.

Mikdad also met Moroccan Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Latifa Akharbach. They discussed joint coordination at the international forums.

R. Jazaeri /R. Raslan/ al-Ibrahim