The Hindu : International : Islamic nations discuss reforms

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 12, 2004

International

International

Islamic nations discuss reforms

RABAT (MOROCCO), DEC. 11. The U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, told a gathering of Islamic leaders on Saturday that they must join hands with industrialised countries on political and economic reforms to ease the ``despair and frustration'' that afflicts much of the region.

Mr. Powell was one of several speakers who addressed a ``Forum of the Future Conference'' aimed at bringing greater dynamism to Islamic societies and make them less of a breeding ground for political extremism.

U.S. criticised

But several Arab delegates used the occasion to blast American support for Israel.

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said the United States could do a better job of winning the ``hearts and minds'' of the Islamic world by a shift in its policies toward Israel. He said U.S. policies toward Israel are the ``real bone of contention'' with the Muslim community.

Focus on Israel

The Arab League Secretary-General, Amr Moussa, also drew a link between Islamic reform and the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

``Arab culture is directly influenced by other situations,'' Mr. Moussa said, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.

At the same time, he said, ``We need to combat extremism. If we are to build a strong society, we must take a strong stand against extremism.''

Mr. Powell said en route here Friday night that reform in the Islamic world should not be impeded by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

``We can't keep pointing to the Middle East peace process as the reason we don't undertake reform efforts that are needed by these nations and as these nations have identified for themselves,'' Mr. Powell said. Muslim countries ``know that they can't wait for that solution to occur and not move forward,'' he said.

`Long-term task'

``Ours is a long-term task requiring a long-term commitment, extending generations,'' Mr. Powell told the delegates. ``This far-reaching effort starts here and now. It's a challenge that must be confronted by all of us working together.''

In addition to Islamic delegations representing the broader West Asia and North Africa regions, officials from the G-8 industrialised democracies were present. The United States and Morocco served as co-chairs.

Iran declined on Friday to send a delegation after indicating a willingness to attend. All told, 21 Islamic countries were represented here. — AP

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