QOM Vice President and Head of the Environment Protection Organization Ms. Masoumeh Ebtekar, here Saturday, termed the change in the outlook towards environmental issues essential. She said all sectors must pay due attention to environment and its relevant issues. Environmental issues must be given greater attention in order to achieve sustainable development,'' Ebtekar said. She added that destruction of natural environment could not be prevented unless poverty is eliminated and minimum living standard is provided for the people.

Meanwhile, Ebtekar met with a number of prominent ulema here on Saturday. Head of the Experts Assembly Ayatollah Ali Meshkini said that Islam pays special attention to all aspects of the society including development and progress. Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli, turning to importance that Islam places on purity of body and environment, said Islamic views on afforestation and protection of natural environment must be introduced to the world.

(IRNA)