All religions are different and deserve respect

A reader urges everyone to accept religious differences, like Pope John Paul II.

Rym Ghazal's article, A 'salam', a wedding and a lesson in religious tolerance (June 10), was interesting in many counts. However, in urging people to be tolerant of other faiths she wrongly urged us to see religions as all having a common foundation. There exists substantial differences between faiths, religions and practices. The very basis of religious tolerance is accepting differences and respecting the beliefs of others, rather than treating as one and the same.

The Abrahamic faiths are similar in terms of fundamental concerns and beliefs, but they are not the same. I would like to note that I have conducted extensive studies of the Bible, the Quran and also of the Vedas and Upanishads. If we study each religion, we see that each struggles to be fit or interpreted in the context of a modern global society. I do share Ghazal's concerns and join her in calling for greater understanding, tolerance and co-existence between religions, but without claiming any supremacy over the others. Dr Raju M Mathew, Al Ain

In reference to Rehan Khan's piece, The arguments for a regional fat tax carry much weight (June 10), Mars GCC would like to thank him for voicing his opinion. However, whilst we understand your reference to the broad food industry, we do not feel it is fair you refer to Mars only. It gives the impression that Mars is the sole player in the food industry with a direct connection to the matter you are exposing.

We realise the importance of the UAE's nutrition strategy to improve the health of all age groups. Mars have been aligned with these strategies since its inception. At Mars we believe that taking pleasure in food is part of a rich and enjoyable life. Chocolate and other food - enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle - bring pleasure to people's lives. Mars aspires to be a leader in creating a healthier environment, making a significant contribution to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle through our products - both existing and new - and our business behavior which aims to ensure responsible consumption of our brands. Sally Hamandi, Mars GCC, Dubai

I read with interest your article, Mashreq sued over mortgage payments (June 10). It is refreshing and encouraging that so many investors are taking action and that you are giving coverage to their plight. I took a mortgage from Mashreq to buy an off-plan property. Unfortunately, the developer took down-payments, but never started any developments, and then closed the company without any explanation. If that was not a bad enough situation itself, it has been worsened by Mashreq forcing me to repay my loan with higher rates of interest than I had signed up for.

I am paying every month on a loan for a property I will never own, and after nearly three years it seems increasing unlikely that any investor will ever seen any of their money again. I am very glad that investors have taken this legal action. On a brighter note, I only have another 59 monthly payments to go before my mortgage is finally paid off sometime in 2015. Tim, Dubai

International banks will surely be the winners in the fallout over Mashreq's policies. Some borrowers from these banks pay less than one percent at the moment. Banks who change the rules to suit themselves will be remembered for doing so, and when you borrow for such a long period this is particularly true. You never know what the future holds with a local bank mortgage - that is, unless the Central Bank decids to intervene, which it should do. Peter Cooper, Dubai

It is great to hear that TransAd stood up for the taxi drivers at Al Ghazal, Taxi damage fines dropped after protest (June 10). Taxi companies have charged all sorts of fees to its employees. These companies thought that they could not get another job, so they would have to pay the fees or leave the country. K Shaji, Abu Dhabi

In the UAE, over half of total road deaths (over 500 per year) are due to excessive speeding. Why, then can you speed up to 50 kph past the limit without earning black-points? Fines are not enough of a deterrent. The authorities should introduce a demerit system for speeding to reduce road deaths. Sumi Tiwari, Dubai