President Hosni Mubarak has renewed his call for an innovative and elevated religious discourse that concentrates on the essence of the faith, spreads the values of moderation and tolerance and rejects extremism and bigotry.

Addressing Muslim ulemas and intellectuals on the occasion of celebration of Leilatul-Qadr (the night the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed) the President said that making changes in the religious discourse is totally your responsibility." It is a great responsibility that you have to shoulder." he said.

"We understand well the hard times the Islamic world is going through and the crises and challenges that the Arab nation is confronting," Mubarak said.

The Islamic nation is facing a vicious campaign disguising under the cloak of freedom of opinion and expression, he said criticizing some media outlets, especially in the West, that insult Islam and link it to terrorism and extremism.

"The heavy storms that our Arab world is facing are badly shaking its stability," he said citing the problems in the Palestinian territories, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Somalia and warning of the opening of new flash points in the Gulf region.

Egypt and its Al-Azhar will forever remain the strong bastion that defends Islam and the beacon that spreads its correct moderate principles to the world at large, he said.

"We are determined to maintain our position in support of our nation and in defence of its identity, interests and causes," he said. "And we shall always stand united to shield Islam and its sanctities and sanctuaries against all evils,"he reiterated. 

The President said it is impossible that any Arab or Palestinian leader can cede Al-Quds or Al-Aqsa Mosque.

He asserted that Egypt is strongly seeking to establish a just and permanent peace in the Middle East.

He also said Egypt is keen to establish peace, security and stability in the Middle East out of respect for international legitimacy, the will of nations and keenness on establishing the independent Palestinian state.

The President said he wants to avail himself of this great occasion to send his heart-felt greetings and best wishes to the people of Egypt and of the Arab and Islamic nation and all Muslims around the globe.

He said that Egypt is determined to build for its people, both Muslims and Copts, a better future that brings about progress and prosperity to them all. Egypt's people are united and will always remain so, he asserted.

"We will remain committed to our slogan 'Religion is for God and the Nation is for all'."

And we will also remain committed to calls for dialogue among people of different civilizations and faiths, he said noting that the world needs such a serious dialogue that is based on mutual respect and interests and common humanitarian principles for a future world that enjoys peace, amity, stability and justice.