Muslim countries to discuss formation of authority defending Islam
Regional, Politics, 10/4/2001

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said Wednesday he would forward his proposal on the formation of an authority in defence of Islam during the emergency Islamic foreign ministerial meetings, slated for October 10 in Doha.

In statements, Moussa said he had discussed this issue with Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem al-Than), whose country holds current rotating presidency of the Islamic summit.

Moussa had earlier asserted the Arab League would press for the establishment of an authority, comprising intellectuals from several Arab countries to deal with a campaign recently launched against Islam and the Arabs.

According to Moussa, the authority is not aimed to clash with other civilizations, but rather to hold a dialogue with such civilizations with the aim of realising effective cooperation and integration.

Meanwhile, People's Assembly foreign relations committee warned on Wednesday against deliberate attempts to link Islam to terrorism and voiced rejection of any statements casting a slur on the Islamic civilization.

A statement by the committee accused some Western officials of being ignorant of Islamic morals and teachings, warning at the same time against the serious impact of this on public opinion.

The committee urged Islamic and Arab organizations to mobilize efforts at the time being towards pursuing dialogue among the various civilizations, pointing out to the true image of Islam and its tolerant teachings. It also urged them to face up to attempts to smear the image of Arabs and Muslims.

Previous Stories:
  Italy premier praises values of Islam in meeting with Muslim diplomats   (10/3/2001)
  Berlusconi meets ambassadors of Islamic countries in Rome today   (10/2/2001)
  Moussa receives Kharazi   (10/1/2001)

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