Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KUWAIT4033
2005-09-13 14:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

TFUS01: ISLAMIC CONFERENCE MAKES APPEAL FOR AID TO

Tags:  AEMR EAID PREL ENRG KU US ISCON 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS KUWAIT 004033 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI SWALKER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR EAID PREL ENRG KU US ISCON
SUBJECT: TFUS01: ISLAMIC CONFERENCE MAKES APPEAL FOR AID TO
HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS

UNCLAS KUWAIT 004033

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI SWALKER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR EAID PREL ENRG KU US ISCON
SUBJECT: TFUS01: ISLAMIC CONFERENCE MAKES APPEAL FOR AID TO
HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS


1. (U) Summary. In a sign of solidarity with the victims of
Hurricane Katrina, the International Islamic Council for
Dawah and Relief (an-Egyptian based pan-Islamic
organization),has issued a statement on the final day of its
annual conference in Kuwait, urging all its international
affiliate organizations (83 worldwide) to contribute to the
relief efforts currently underway in Louisiana, Alabama and
Mississippi. End Summary


2. (U) On September 12-13, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf
(Endowments) and Islamic Affairs co-hosted the annual
gathering of the Foundation Society of the Islamic Council
for Dawah and Relief, an Egyptian-based pan-Islamic
organization that meets annually to address issues of concern
impacting the Muslim world (Note: Ahmad Al-Hattab, a founding
member of the organization, is a member of the U.S. Institute
of Peace's Advisory Committee on U.S.-Muslim Relations. End
Note). This year's participants issued a statement of appeal
for support to victims of Hurricane Katrina, noting that "the
Islamic message respects humanity as instructed by the holy
Quran."


3. (U) The president of the Islamic Council, Sheikh Dr.
Mohammad Syed Tantawi, a prominent Islamic scholar and head
of Egypt's Al-Azhar University noted that ratifying the
Katrina relief proposal was an affirmation of Islam's
universal support for humanity (Note: Al-Azhar is the world's
oldest university and Sunni Islam's most prestigious academic
institution. End Note).


4. (U) The organization's Secretary General, Kamal
Al-Shareef, confirmed that a condolence message would be
conveyed on behalf of the organization to the victims of
Katrina and that the Islamic Relief Agency and the Kuwaiti
Committee will be responsible for collecting donations.
Ambassador has received a condolence letter from the Deputy
Head of the Islamic Council and Chairman of the International
Islamic Charitable Organization, Yousef Al-Hajji, expressing
his solidarity with the hurricane victims.


5. (U) This recent declaration by the Islamic Council comes
amidst continued outpouring of support and solidarity with
the victims of Hurricane Katrina from a broad spectrum of
Kuwaitis, including government officials, students,
businesses, charities and other public and private entities.
Post has made it a priority to respond in a timely manner
(within 24-48 hours),either via email or faxed response, to
all correspondents.


6. (U) Earlier this week, the National Bank of Kuwait
(country's largest bank),established, in coordination with
the Kuwaiti Red Crescent, a bank account to receive donations
for Hurricane Katrina victims. These and other gestures of
support underscore the broad sentiment of solidarity
prevalent among a wide spectrum of Kuwaitis and their Muslim
brethren. Post will continue to update Washington on these
and other Hurricane Katrina-related developments.






LEBARON