BERN, SWITZERLAND

We at the European Muslim League can not begin to imagine the heartbreak caused to pilgrims who have had their trips to Makkah cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

For millions of Muslims the chance to perform umrah or hajj is a once in a lifetime opportunity, an event which is often a life-changing or reaffirming commitment to Islam.

The decision by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to temporarily suspend entry to the kingdom to prevent coronavirus spread can not have been an easy one to make. Travel has also been suspended to Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina.

However at EML we and all of our global ambassadors of peace are united in the view that this was the only course of action open to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"This virus is complex but it can spread quickly wherever there are large gatherings. In order to combat coronavirus and contain it, it is essential we all co-operate with the advice of health officials in our localities.

"My thoughts go out to the would-be worshippers who were looking forward to performing their pilgrimage to Makkah," said EML President Alfredo Maiolese in a letter to concerned Muslim groups.

The coronavirus has already had a dramatic effect on Islamic worship across the Muslim world and in Iran there has been a cancelling of Friday prayers in major cities.

The virus has now spread to more than 25 other countries around the world including the US, the UK, Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

Coronavirus is no respecter of boundaries, faiths, nationalities or culture. We are all at risk and to this end we must act in a calm and panic-free manner to overcome this global public health emergency.

HANAU, GERMANY

Hate will not win says EML President following German shootings

Today dawned with the horrific news that at least 11 people have been killed in what appears to be a far right-inspired shooting.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who died and with the survivors following the incidents at shisha bars in the German town of Hanau 25km east of Frankfurt.

German counter terrorism prosecutors have now taken over the investigation into what is being described as a xenophobic attack.
The perpetrator, according to various media, expressed extreme rightwing views in a letter of confession he left behind.

The shisha bars are known to be patronised by members of the Turkish and Kurdish communities, but at this stage little is known about the victims of this horrific attack.

However, regardless of the victims' faith, culture or identity EML offers the deepest sympathy to all of those affected by this horrific incident.

EML President Alfredo Maiolese, a leading figure in Europe's interfaith community, said: "The horrific scenario emerging from Hanau has shaken all of us to the core. Our thoughts are with every family which has been affected by this heinous crime.

"It makes those of us in EML, including our global network of peace ambassadors, more determined than ever to continue to promote our messages of love and understanding between all people of faith and none."

EML Secretary General Yvonne Ridley added: "The motives behind the attack are still being investigated but credible information emerging shows this hate crime was rooted in the rise of the far right.

"There is too much hate in the world today but our message of peace and mutual respect will continue because it will always be far more powerful than the hate which fuels the fire of xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-semitism and other forms of hatred."

NEW YORK , GENEVA, VIENNA USA SWITZERLAND AUSTRIA

The President of EML Amb. Dr. Alfredo Maiolese and Secretary General Dr. Yvonne Ridlley and the entire Board of Directors, are delighted to announce the appointment as EML Ambassador of Peace to the United Nations of Dr. Dianko Lamine, Italian citizen of Senegalese origin. Amb. Dianko boasts a large experience in human rights, education of children, defence of Women and had partecipated many times at the Ecosoc conferences hold in Usa , Switzerland and Austria. With this nomination, the European Muslim League has therefore the possibility to access and to partecipate steadily to United Nations conferences. Eml and our ambassador can use the office inside United Nations, given to ONG in Geneva, Vienna and New York. Amb Dr. Dianko Lamine, leaving in Geneva, can follow the daily needs of our organization, being present at ONU offices. 

GENEVA , SWITZERLAND

The President of European Muslim League Amb. Dr. Alfredo Maiolese, attended at the International Conference held at the United Nations Office,  on youth education in spreading the values ​​of pluralism and respect for religious and cultural diversity, supporting the culture of diversity.

ELBASAN, ALBANIA

Eml representative in Albania Dr. Arben Ramkaj, supported a very important iniziative.
The conference "Safe Internet as part of education for a modern  society. This conference brought together specialists, university professors, school leaders, teachers, parents, students, NGO representatives and State Police and the media. Elbasan District Prefect Mr. Maksim Malaj welcomed the organizers and praised the conference as a wonderful space to exchange messages for safe use of the Internet. The participants expressed their views on concrete ways of education as we cannot stop accessing the internet but prevent the risks through education.

TIRANA,ALBANIA

The Apostolic Nuncio in Tirana received the representatives of EML , respectively dr. Arben Ramkaj, exchanged views on the newly established Institute for Religious Studies and Cooperation. Nunci expressed appreciation for the work so far of EML in collaboration with QBNF and agreed with our new idea. He expressed the Holy See's full support for these undertakings with outstanding contributions to the peace and religious harmony in the country and the regio

.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

EML Envoy in Portugal, Dr. Imran Mohammed partecipated on invitation of Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, in collaboration with Science Academy of Lisbon to an International Conference. Many diplomats and leaders, were present. Envoy Dr. Imran Mohammed presented the program of EML and convey the greetings of our President Amb. Dr. Alfredo Maiolese and spoke to the Apostolic Nuncio of Vatican,  H.E Prof. Ivo Scapolo, of the role of EML in Europe and worldwide to prevent clash of religions and to support the interfaith dialogue.