KYIV, UKRAINE

 

EML prays for peace in Ukraine

The European Muslim League has watched with growing alarm and dismay the fast-moving events which have seen Ukraine and its citizens reluctantly plunged into a war footing.

The invasion has now entered its fourth day with thousands feared to have been killed in the bloodshed.

Our thoughts are with all Ukrainians, including those in the Muslim community and others living overseas and those who, with their families, have fled to neighbouring countries for safety.

We urge people of all faith to join us in our prayers for peace and ask those of nonbelief to find hope in all of the despair.

"War is never a solution to peace," said Secretary-General Yvonne Ridley.

Meanwhile, EML President Alfredo Maiolese said: "We are praying for a swift, diplomatic solution and would urge all sides to find a way of sitting down and negotiating a peaceful settlement."

There are thought to be more than 100,000 Muslims living in the capital Kyiv with Muslims making up around one percent of the country's population. There are 160 mosques and Islamic prayer rooms in Ukraine plus seven theological universities