LETTER TO SECRETARY RICE FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JEDDAH 000578 SIPDIS SIPDIS RIYADH, PLEASE PASS TO DHAHRAN; DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP; PARIS FOR WALLER; LONDON FOR TSOU; NSC FOR PANDITH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KISL PREL SA SUBJECT: LETTER TO SECRETARY RICE FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE CONCERNING EMPLOYMENT OF THE TERM "ISLAMOFASCIST" ¶1. The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) conveyed the following letter via fax to Consulate General Jeddah for transmission to Secretary Rice: ¶2. Begin text: [Page 1] Organization of the Islamic Conference The Secretary General OIC/SG-1/2006 Jeddah 15, August 2006 Excellency, I would like to express my happiness and relief over the successful foiling of a major terrorist attack targeting the lives of many innocent civilians by blowing up several aircraft on the trans-Atlantic route. I reaffirm our Organization's strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism, irrespective of their perpetrators and motives. Terrorism today poses one of the biggest threats to the collective security of the international community and well-being and requires coordinated global response. The Muslim world, as a vital part of the international community and frequent victim of terrorism will continue to be an effective and reliable partner in the global fight against this menace. The Organization of the Islamic Conference, bringing together 57 member states, has an explicit agenda, policy and various programs for combating terrorism in a comprehensive manner by taking active part in the international cooperation. At this sensitive time, reinforcing international cooperation remains vital in containing and eliminating the scourge of terrorism, more than ever. The support of the masses, especially in the Muslim world is also an important element. However, we are concerned that some statements attributed to the U.S. Administration are being perceived by the Muslim masses around the world that the campaign of war on terror is actually targeting the religion of Islam and Muslims. These perceptions or misperceptions coincide with the fact that since 9/11, Muslim citizens of the western countries, including the U.S.A, as well as Muslims at large have been victimized by various acts of stereotyping, defamation, discrimination and even physical attacks. It is our observation that especially certain quarters and certain media members are manipulating the situation by inflaming hatred against all Muslims and the religion of Islam to advance their own agenda. In this context we are concerned that the recent qualification by H.E. President Bush of perpetrations of terrorism as "Islamofascist," might provide more ammunition and be construed as a support for the proponents of these unfortunate campaigns against Muslims and Islam. As you well know, any association of our noble and peaceful religion of Islam with the phenomenon of terrorism and evil acts of terrorists is totally unacceptable by the true Muslims and taken as a total misrepresentation and injustice. H.E. Dr. Condoleezza Rice Secretary of State of SIPDIS The United States of American [Page 2] I strongly believe that fuelling already existing impressions or perceptions, that the war on terror is actually a war on Islam, in the minds of the Muslim masses, can not serve the interest of the United States and the international community at a time when the war on terror needs active cooperation of all Muslim countries and communities. Therefore, it would be of vital importance that every opportunity should be taken advantage of to dispel these impressions and perceptions. My Organization, from one side is exerting efforts to contribute to the international endeavors against international terrorism and from other side is taking active part in efforts to combat misperceptions between the West and the Muslim world by pursuing active and constructive policies. We are committed to continue our cooperation with you in these areas. JEDDAH 00000578 002 OF 002 With the hope that our sincere concerns will be given due consideration, I reiterate to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. [Signed] Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu Secretary General End text. Gfoeller S:\Cable - Letters to Secretary.doc