|
Kasuri urges world not to identify Islam with terrorism
Foreign Minister Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri has said that Pakistan resolutely rejects terrorism as it has no creed, culture or religion and "we collectively oppose the attempts to identify our noble religion â Islam â with terrorism." "Except for jihad in Kashmir, of course. That's legit. And Afghanistan." Addressing the Ministerial meeting of the Security Council here Monday, he said the misrepresentation and slander against Islam must be opposed by the international community, lest it sow the seeds of endemic confrontation between cultures and civilization. He said there should be no double standards in combating terrorism. We are surprised that terrorism by other religious fanatics in non-Muslim societies has not been condemned vigorously. On the few occasions when it occurs, it is. You just don't notice amidst all the atrocities being perpetrated in the name of Islam. It's the difference between "big" and "small." Foreign Minister quoted President Musharraf as saying "Hate should have no market. It must be stamped out with the same zeal with which the fight against terrorism is being pursued". We shall do this vigorously in Pakistan. Better get crackin', because you've fallen way behind... He said that we are trying to build Pakistan as envisioned by our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as a tolerant, modern democratic. Islamic state. Until proven different, I'll continue to regard "modern" and "Islamic" as antonyms... He said that while collectively opposing terrorism, the international community must also endeavour collectively to promote greater cultural and religious harmony all over the world. In this connection, he said Pakistan has proposed the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a Declaration on Religious and Cultural Understanding, Harmony and Cooperation. Good idea. And how about a Pak declaration in favor of religious freedom? Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-01-21 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=9440 |