KAZAN, July 21 (RIA Novosti) - Islam does not preach extremism, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II told a news conference after the official opening of the restored Cathedral of Annunciation here Thursday.
"The use of such a notion as 'Islamic extremism' is very dangerous. We cannot identify extremism with religion because no religion preaches extremism or violence," the head of the Russian Orthodox Church said.
"Extremists call themselves followers of Islam to cover up their true identity. Islam does not preach extremism. We must combine our efforts to strengthen cooperation between traditional religious denominations," he said.
Religious leaders participating in joint events set an example for believers, he said.
"Today, we greeted each other as brothers at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in the Kazan Kremlin. I think it is a good example for everyone," Alexy II said.
Tatar President Mintimer Shaimiyev said that after the July 7 events in London, leaders of many countries acknowledged the need to combine efforts in the fight against terrorism, but that it was necessary to do the same in terms of analyzing root causes and patterns.
"Terrorists use Islam to justify their actions," Shaimiyev said.
He criticized the attempts of superpowers "to impose their way of life on other countries, which have strong traditions of their own."
"I do not think that invasions and bombardments can bring peace and harmony," Shaimiyev said.
He called upon the global community to support the idea of a dialogue between cultures and civilizations, which had been suggested by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami.
He also urged younger generations to preserve the Cathedral of Annunciation and the Kul Sharif Mosque in the Kazan Kremlin as symbols of religious tolerance.
"We are setting an example of religious and ethnic tolerance, for the world to follow," Shaimiyev said, adding that countries with problems in these areas should study Tatarstan's experience.
