Statement of the Non-Governmental Expert group on the Implementation of the Action Plan for the Preservation of the Rights of Muslim Communities and Minorities in Non-OIC Member States at Its Third Meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria (9/13/2001)

We, the undersigned, participants of the third meeting of the Non-governmental Expert group on the Implementation of the Action Plan for the Preservation of the Rights of Muslim Communities and Minorities in Non-OIC Member States – Sofia, Bulgaria, 12 – 14 September 2001, utterly condemn what are apparently vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. We express our deepest sorrow for Americans that were injured and killed. We offer our condolence to all victims of this cowardly terrorist attack. There is no cause that justifies this type of an immoral and inhumane act that has affected so many innocent American lives. We support all efforts to investigate and immediately capture the evil persons responsible for these immoral and cowardly acts.

Certainly, there is no justification for these acts from either an Islamic perspective or, in truth, from the perspective of any other moral and freedom – loving people.

These acts diminish the freedom of all Americans, including American Muslims.

All members of the Muslim community are asked to offer whatever help they can to the victims and their families. Muslim medical professionals should go to the scenes of the attacks to offer aid and comfort to the victims. Individual Muslims should donate blood by contacting the local office of the Red Cross.

We further call on media professionals to exercise restraint and not draw premature conclusions as to who was responsible for the apparent attacks. We are confident that authorities will protect all men, women and children. We hope to prevent the acts of violence directed towards Muslims and Islamic centers.

We urge our fellow Americans and people around the world not to be quick to stereotype Muslims, who are also suffering at this traumatic time. We, like all Americans, want to feel secure and want to see the perpetrators brought to justice.

The Islamic Society of North America
Ahmed M. ElHattab, Assistant Secretary General

Islamic Organization of Latin America
Muhammad Y. Hallar, Secretary General

Islamic Dawa Center of Latin America
Ahmad Ali Saifi, Chairman

European Islamic Conference
Muhammad Bechari, Secretary General - France

The Cultural Practice Strategy in the West
Salah El-Gafrawi, General Co-ordinator - Germany

European Federation of Islamic Academies
Hassan Moussa, Secretary General – Austria