OSCE Representative on Intolerance against Muslims cautions against tendency to identify terrorism with Islam

ANKARA, 12 July 2005 - Ambassador Omur Orhun, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, condemned last week's terrorist attacks in London but noted with regret a tendency to identify terrorism with Islam in general.

"I condemn and denounce strongly and unreservedly the senseless and barbaric terrorist attacks in London. There can be no excuse for such inhuman acts," he said.

"I note with satisfaction, however, that many Islamic communities, including those in the United Kingdom, have also condemned these atrocities and have distanced themselves from terrorism and violence."

"On the other hand, and much to my regret, I notice attempts to identify terrorism once again with Islam and all Muslims. This is not acceptable and should be rejected. Muslims should not be viewed with distrust and hostility just because of their religion. Nobody should be stigmatized because of his or her beliefs."

Ambassador Orhun said terms such as "Islamic terrorism" should be avoided.

"Otherwise, the already existing fault lines between the Islamic world and the West could be widened. Let us build bridges, not destroy them," he added.