DATE= 04/03/02

TYPE= CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288282

TITLE= ISLAMIC CONFERENCE / TERRORISM (S)

BYLINE= SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE= KUALA LUMPUR

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Muslim nations are calling on the world community to correct a misperception of associating terrorism with Islam and the Palestinian struggle. But as correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Kuala Lumpur, that the 57-member Islamic Conference did not agree on a definition of terrorism.

TEXT: Malaysia's Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Abar says the conference showed Muslim resolve to combat terrorism and respond to developments affecting Muslims in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.

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We have reiterated that terrorism has no particular face or image and cannot be linked to any group of people, religion or culture.

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He said in order to contain terrorism, however, the world community must address its root causes. The conference aimed to forge a Muslim definition for terrorism, but delegates disagreed over whether Palestinian suicide bombings should be labeled terrorist acts.

They called instead on the United Nations to work on a global definition and they rejected any attempt to associate the Palestinian struggle or Islamic states to terrorism. (signed)

NEB/HK/SB/MAR