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FOCA President Condemns Attack on Prince Washington, DC—The Friends of Charities Association (FOCA), a trade association of leading faith-based charities, condemned the recent assassination attempt on Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the assistant minister of the Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry. Prince Mohammed leads the Saudi government’s efforts to curb terrorism in the Kingdom. “The attack violated the spirit of Ramadan and dishonored the hospitality displayed by the prince,” stated Wendell Belew, chairman of FOCA. “The fact that Prince Mohammed was the target of this violent attack is a tribute to his effectiveness in fighting terrorism within Saudi Arabia. His energy and creativity in this task are well known throughout the world.” Belew urged the prince and his colleagues in the fight against violent extremism to expand the list of tools they employ. “Government leaders in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world must understand that charities and other civil society institutions are potential allies in the fight against terrorism. They fight poverty, support orphans, dig wells and provide education to needy people throughout the world. These activities address problems that otherwise can provide a breeding ground for violent extremism.” He pointed to the report “Friend not Foe: Civil Society and the Struggle against Violent Extremism” as one of many examples of studies that demonstrate how attacks on charities in the name of national security make the world less safe not more secure. Islamic charities, in particular, have been shuttered and had their operations curtailed. In the eyes of many, such actions reflect hostility toward Islamic institutions rather than a sincere and transparent effort to enhance security. This perception provides valuable propaganda opportunities that violent extremists exploit ceaselessly. Of course charities, like other organizations, should conform their operations to the requirements of law. From its earliest days FOCA has supported efforts to improve how charities operate and establish safeguards to ensure that charities are not abused and that their resources are used solely for lawful purposes and in a manner consistent with the intent of the donors. “Our members stand ready to work with government regulators and voluntary groups to identify best practices, provide transparency and ensure that proper procedures are followed at all times.” FOCA renews its call for government agencies in Saudi Arabia, the United States and elsewhere to adopt fair and effective regulations governing charities and protecting the rights of donors. Citing President Obama’s June 4th speech in Cairo, Belew said, “FOCA is actively engaged with many other groups in establishing effective and fair procedures governing charities in the United States. The President has made a commitment to secure the rights of American Muslims to fulfill their obligations to make charitable donations without fear. We stand ready to assist government officials in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in their efforts to provide similar safeguards in the Kingdom. Fair and effective regulations for charities will establish these important institutions as pillars of society and effective barriers against those elements that seek to destroy rather than build.”
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