PRESS
RELEASE
NEW
ZEALAND MUSLIMS CONDEMN CONTINUATION OF BOMBING IN AFGHANISTAN
The
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc. (F.I.A.N.Z.) would like
to express strong opposition to the US and British military campaign in
Afghanistan. Already 30% of the children growing up in Afghanistan have lost one
or both of their parents though the last two decades of fighting. The
continuation of the bombing will increase the death toll of innocent civilians
and the number of orphans in Afghanistan will rise even further.
We
are alarmed to note that a place of prayer has also been bombed. We strongly
protest any actions that show no regard for the places of worship.
We
strongly believe that the bombing in Afghanistan is not in the long-term
interests of international peace. The current military campaign victimises the
innocent, exacerbates the humanitarian disaster, and creates widespread
resentment across the Muslim world.
We
would like to repeat our strong belief that this violent course of action
against civilians, who are already suffering countless hardships and
deprivation, is entirely unjustified. Two wrongs do not make a right. Further
continuation of this bombing campaign is totally unnecessary and can only make
matters worse. We call for an immediate
cessation of the bombing in Afghanistan and a return to negotiations
mediated by the UN authorities.
We
call upon the Government of our country to urgently re-assess our commitment and
involvement in this campaign, and to strive through all diplomatic means
available for international peace. We loyally stand by our Government and would
like to offer our services in building bridges of understanding with Muslim
countries, and to assist in removing any and all root causes of
misunderstanding, grievances and conflict. We feel it is our civic duty and
responsibility to express our sincere views of what is in the best long-term
interests of our country.
Furthermore
we reiterate our call upon the nations of the world to show urgency in
addressing the injustices being perpetrated against the ordinary people of
Palestine, Chechenya, Iraq and so on.
We
remain resolute in our total condemnation of the Terrorist attacks of 11
September on the American people, the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.
We
pray to God to bestow His mercy, healing and peace on all humanity.
**
Dr
Anwar Ghani
PRESIDENT
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ENDS -
