The Sacristan of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Sheikh Vadzhih Nusseibeh,
who gave a press conference after visiting Dagestan, said that he didn't
see that the issue of interfaith cooperation is very acute in the
region. In his view, it is more important to solve the problems of
unemployment, poverty and poor education in Dagestan.
"I did not see that in Dagestan there are any differences or
friction between faiths. The only thing I noticed - and I think that it is a
big problem - is poverty ... We offered them some common projects, and
perhaps because of this they will be able to rise above and reach the
average level (of the quality of life), which exists in the country,"
RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.
Dagestanis, the Sheikh said, are "very nice and kind people, but they,
including young people, unfortunately, often find no application for
their lives."
During the visit and meetings with students, Nusseibeh urged residents
of Dagestan to distance themselves from extremism, study the Holy
Koran, and improve their educational and cultural level. "That culture
will help them get away from anything that may harm their souls," he
summed up his impressions after his visit to Dagestan.
