Islam condemns any terrorist action against innocents

Egyptian Minister of Higher Educating and state for Scientific Research Mufid Shehab addressing the 162 session of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Executive Council said the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in the U.S. on September 11 have stirred feelings of sadness and created a state of worry on the future of the entire world.

He underlined the importance of the UNESCO's role in fighting terrorism and planting the seeds of understanding, cooperation and peace among the various peoples.

Shehab warned of linking certain civilization or religion to terrorism, stressing that all Arab countries condemned all forms of terrorism.

He noted that the Arab countries were the first to sign a regional agreement against terrorism at the world level.

"We should differentiate between the terror acts in which Arabs are found guilty of and Islam on the other hand," he said, expressing fear that the west will consider the latest terror acts and overall assault by Muslims against the western civilization.

"Terrorism is an unknown enemy that is not limited to certain area or religious section and so it should be dealt with seriously," he added.

Shehab stressed on Wednesday that holding dialogue among the various civilizations has become a pressing demand to avoid any conflict that may emerge.

"But, in order that such dialogue becomes fruitful, it has to be based on mutual respect and good understanding of all cultures and civilizations," he added.

Shehab, speaking in the name of the Arab Group, said it is time that the UNESCO will start developing dialogue not only between the leaders of the countries, but also between the various peoples and groups.