Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JEDDAH578
2006-09-03 13:12:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Jeddah
Cable title:
LETTER TO SECRETARY RICE FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE
how-toVZCZCXRO4017 PP RUEHDE DE RUEHJI #0578/01 2461312 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 031312Z SEP 06 FM AMCONSUL JEDDAH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9472 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 1514 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 1593 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 6791 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUCNDTA/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0029
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"
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
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