Any theory trying to justify clash of cultures a product of ignorance, ALECSO chief
Regional, Culture, 4/18/2003

Any theory trying to justify a "clash of cultures" or a "conflict of civilizations" is merely the result of passion or a product of ignorance, director general of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Educational Organization (ALECSO), Monji Bousnina, said.

Speaking at the international conference on "Islam and Peace," held here, Bousnina said though different, civilizations communicate with each other.

"What humanity suffers from today is the result of hatred and fears that threaten world peace and breed usually a prevailing opinion that leads to discord between peoples, civilizations and cultures," he said, adding that in the end, culture is (É) gift of peace, progress and tolerance. "Fundamentally, it is the respect of human dignity."

"We can not defend ourselves against the hegemony of a unique or prevailing culture while condemning ours to sclerosis, on grounds of protecting our identity," he went on.

"Is the theory of clash not at the limit of incitation to murder? He wondered. Is it not a sign of intellectual blindness?"

"When ignorance, fanaticism, misery and fear from others conspire to threaten world peace, the only means to face them is knowledge, the critical mind, development of human resources, generous hospitability and the promotion of human rights, political, economic, intellectual and social," Bousnina said.

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