Global Community Still Remains Vulnerable To Threats By Extremist Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The global community still remains vulnerable to the agenda of threat and intolerance pursued by extremist groups, although technological advancement has narrowed the distance between communities, according to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In this context, the organisation's secretary-general Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said that one of the major threats to peace at present was the growing scourge of Islamophobia. "The campaign to distort the peaceful image of Islam and target Muslims in different parts of the world – who face xenophobic acts, racial discrimination, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation – is a matter of concern not only for the Muslim world but also for the entire international community," he stressed. He issued this message in conjunction with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development which falls on May 21. Ihsanoglu remarked that the day should serve as an occasion for all to take a renewed resolve to "combat the forces of intolerance and hatred for diversity, including that which is based on religion and faith, and to strengthen our determination to develop a culture of peace and respect for living in diversity." He added that the OIC had always pursued the policy of playing a constructive and proactive role to promote respect for cultural diversity. It had pioneered the concept of Dialogue among Civilisations in the United Nations and had taken up many initiatives in fostering interfaith and intercultural tolerance in its interactions with various stakeholders including governments, international organisations and the civil society, he pointed out. Ihsanoglu suggested that the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development be suitably observed to help garner tolerance and celebrate cultural diversity as an indispensible element of human existence. In December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly had declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The day provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity so that we can learn to live together in a better manner, he said. -- BERNAMA