King condemns 'impostors' tarnishing image of Islam

Morocco's King Mohammed has condemned the "groups of impostors, extremists and obscurants" who try to "tarnish the image of Islam by using different subterfuges."

In a message addressed to Islamic leaders to congratulate them on Ramadan, that started Friday in Morocco, the Moroccan monarch said "this is an occasion to recall the bonds uniting the Islamic nation (É), that is attached to the precepts of our religion in terms of tolerance, equality and brotherhood, (É) and that bans all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism."

The genuine image of Islam is that of "peace, moderation and respect of human dignity," he said.

King Mohammed VI, Amir Al Mouminine (commander of the faithful), voiced hope Islamic leaders will manage to redress the image of Islam, which "groups of impostors, extremists and obscurants try to tarnish using different subterfuges."

The congratulation messages also reaffirm Morocco's constant concern to build a strong Maghreban Union that is founded on solid bases in such a way as to make it an effective regional coalition in its regional and international environment. The Union, known as UMA, was set up in 1989 by five north African countries, namely Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

The king also renewed his country's stance in favor of a fair, lasting and global peace that would allow the Palestinian people live in freedom and dignity.