DATE=03/31/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288187

TITLE=ISLAMIC CONFERENCE/TERRORISM (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=KUALA LUMPUR

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Foreign ministers of the Muslim world are gathering in Malaysia to forge a common stance against international terrorism. However, as we hear from correspondent Scott Bobb in Kuala Lumpur, delegates are also expected to strongly criticize Israel, which many here say engages in state terrorism.

TEXT: Malaysia's foreign minister, Syad Hamid Albar, says the violence between Israel and the Palestinians is weighing on the minds of delegates as the 57-member Islamic Conference opens Monday. He indicated Israel is likely to be accused of engaging in state terrorism for its attacks against the Palestinian Authority.

He told reporters the object of the conference is to better understand the causes of terrorism, find a common definition for it and seek ways to overcome it.

He said Muslims are disturbed by the association of their religion with terrorism, and want their viewpoint to be taken into account. The foreign ministers of Iraq and Iran, two countries that have been accused of supporting terrorism, are due to attend, as well as the senior foreign affairs official of the Palestinian Authority. (signed)

NEB/HK/KSB/MAR/TW