53407485.

doc Page 1 of 1

March 15, 2008

Muslim nations condemn terrorism

From Times Wire Services

DAKAR, SENEGAL — World Muslim leaders on Friday condemned extremism and

terrorism as incompatible with Islam and proposed a high-level international meeting
to promote a "dialogue of civilizations" with Christians.
Leaders of the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference, which represents
1.5 billion Muslims across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, made the "Dakar
Declaration" after a two-day summit in Senegal.
"We continue to strongly condemn all forms of extremism and dogmatism which are
incompatible with Islam, a religion of moderation and peaceful coexistence," the
declaration said.
The Muslim body condemned acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam.
But, in an apparent reference to the Palestinian fight against Israel, it said terrorism
should be differentiated from "legitimate resistance against foreign occupation."
Some nations also said they were considering legal action against those that slight
their religion or its symbols.
Though the measures being considered have not been spelled out, the idea would be
in contrast to the principles of freedom of speech enshrined in the constitutions of
numerous Western governments.
"I don't think freedom of expression should mean freedom from blasphemy," said
Senegal's president, Abdoulaye Wade. "There can be no freedom without limits."
The report urges the creation of a "legal instrument" to crack down on defamation of
Islam. But some delegates said such an approach would be over the top.
"My general view would be that the confrontational approach is one my country
would avoid," said Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Iftekhar Chowdhury.