We are all aware that we live in a world where diversity is often evoked as a threat and, more particularly, where diversity in the interpretation of a faith can be seen as a sign of disloyalty. This phenomenon is sometimes perceived to apply principally to Muslims, but it also exists in other societies.

The pluralism of our world has existed for centuries. But during the cold war it was frozen. And when the cold war thawed, plurality became visible and I think that what we are learning to live with now is expressions of pluralism which in the past simply were not manifested in the same way

I think that one has to be realistic about young countries. That young countries, like young children, like young societies, don't always get everything right. And I find it somewhat unkind to imply that Pakistan is the only country in the world where its attempts at put ting in place the function of democracy have failed.

Elections and the existence of political parties do not by themselves guarantee stable governments, competent political leadership and respect for the constitution. Nor do they guarantee good economic management and the absence of corruption.

Sometimes I read that Islam is in conflict with democracy. Yet I must tell you that as a Muslim, I am a democrat not because of Greek or French thought, but primarily because of principles that go back 1400 years, directly after the death of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). At that time, Muslims debated how best to implement the premises he had established for being qualified for leadership

Democracy is fragile. It is susceptible to failure at any time, in any society. The experience of Europe in the last fifty years should also be a sobering reminder of another unfortunate truism. Elections and the existence of political parties do not by themselves guarantee stable governments, competent political leadership and respect for the constitution

Our 18th holy Imam Mowlana Mustansir-Billah was born on the beautiful morning of the 17th of Jumadal Akhir 420 A.H. His full name was Hazrat Abu Tamim Sayyid Al-Maad al-Mustansir bi-Amirillah. According to historian Lane Pool, Imam Zaher gave the title of "Waliahad" to Mowlana Mustansir Billah. On the 14th of Shaban 427 A.H. Mowlana Mustansir Billah ascended to the throne of Imamat and the Khilafat of the Fatimides in Cairo. He was the first Imam to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee on the throne of Imamat.

And I am only one individual, but I hope that there will be thousands of other people who will join me in recognising that we have to be proud, we have to be illustrative, we have to articulate the greatness of our histories. And within that greatness, Syria has a unique position