A/HRC/11/L.10 page 110 the universality of human rights through constructive dialogue and the exchange of best practices and experience, thereby promoting cooperation and mutual understanding. 446. This mechanism, however, had to take into consideration the particularities and the stages of development and evolution of societies. This effort required a profound understanding of each culture and its guiding values and principles, which, by their very nature, converge with the humanitarian principles that have made human rights universally acceptable to and recognized by all cultures and civilizations. The principle of transparency, which is a prerequisite for the effective functioning of this mechanism, had to be fully accepted and respected by all. 447. In keeping with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to these principles, the custodian of the two holy mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, launched an initiative calling for dialogue among the followers of religions and cultures, with a view to promoting mutual understanding among the world’s predominant cultures, on the basis of the understanding that human civilization is homogeneous and that dialogue is a means to settle conflicts and disputes. 448. This initiative, if followed up at the international level, would establish a favourable environment in which human rights could develop and flourish and in which they could be applied on a purely humanitarian basis. Saudi Arabia observed that all people, without exception, were entitled to enjoy the principle of the universality of human rights. This applied even to proponents of extremist ideologies, whom Saudi Arabia was endeavouring to save from the consequences of their aberrant modes of thought through ad hoc counselling and rehabilitation programmes. This Saudi security project was a pilot experiment, the international circulation of which has been advocated in some recommendations. 449. The recommendations resulting from the universal periodic review dialogue were an expression of a sincere desire to offer advice and objective criticism. However, some of the recommendations might fail to achieve their goals because of a misunderstanding of the values and principles guiding each culture or an inaccurate appraisal of the real situation. 450. In consultation with the public and private bodies concerned, Saudi Arabia carefully studied the recommendations made during its review. Having considered whether their