Doha Forum Urges Better US-Islamic Ties
DOHA, February
19, 2006 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – A cohort of Western and
Muslim dignitaries have called for constructive dialogue to develop
better understanding and ties between the United States and the
Muslim world.
"If we truly
desire to reach a better understanding of each other, if we truly
want our dialogue to produce results, we have to stop demonizing
each other and replace hate with hope," Karen Hughes, US
Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy, told the opening
session of the annual US-Islamic World Forum on Saturday, February
18, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Qatar's
Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al-Thani, who opened the
three-day forum, called for drawing up plans to clear
misconceptions, developing an objective media stance on US-Islamic
relations, addressing the roots of terrorism and developing policies
to help fight the ugly phenomenon.
"We must try
very hard to avoid provocation and ensure the respect of all beliefs
and religious sanctities," he said in a reference to the insulting
cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)
published by many European newspapers.
The meeting
brings together 700 figures from 38 Western and Muslim nations to
discuss ways to bridge the gap between the Muslim world and the
United States.
Among
participants in the event are Secretary General of the Organization
of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and leaders of
the Muslim minorities in several Western countries.
The forum is
jointly sponsored by the Washington-based Brookings Institution and
the Qatari government.
Double
Standards
Ihsanoglu said
the US should reconsider its double standards towards the Muslim
world, especially when it comes to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
"The US bias
towards Israel and the bombing of Afghanistan and Iraq, which left
thousands of Muslims killed, have undoubtedly blemished the image of
the US in the eyes of Muslims," he said.
"The US, in
fact, is to blame for this gap as the Muslim world cannot tolerate
its double standards."
Bahraini
Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa, however, called for
promoting common grounds to help bridge the yawning gap and clear
the stereotype that equated Islam with terror.
"The US should
cooperate with the Muslim world to help solve problems encountering
Muslims," he addressed the opening session.
"Common
grounds between the two sides are the best way to reach common
solutions [to the pending problems]."
Malaysian
Foreign Minister Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar also urged the US
and the Islamic world to join forces in promoting tolerance and
peaceful co-existence.
He also urged
Western countries to avoid provocation of Muslims.
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