UN chief underscores Arabs and Muslims considerable contribution to world scientific and artistic achievements

Arabs and Muslims have largely contributed to world achievements in scientific and artistic realms, but the Arab history and culture remain little known and little understood in the world, especially in western countries, said United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan.

Annan, who was addressing last week the 17th convention of American- Arab anti-discrimination committee, regretted the anti- Arab stereotypes.

These problems caused by cultural and ethical differences, Annan added, stressing that such situation is not admissible in an inter-dependence age and at a time when we are building up a global community of tolerance and shared values to face up together global challenges.

The UN secretary general, who hailed the efforts of NGOs and other organizations to promote tolerance and dialogue, announced that the United Nations will hold next year in South Africa, a conference on struggle against racism, discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance and that 2001 will be the UN year for dialogue between civilization.