February 14, 2002	Thursday	Zilhaj 1, 1422

ISTANBUL, Feb 13: Foreign Ministers from the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference on Wednesday urged greater dialogue between Christian and Muslim states and pledged to fight terrorism, at the end of a forum aimed at closing the cultural divide after the terror attacks.

“The tragic events of Sept 11 have shown the need to strengthen tolerance and understanding among different cultures to avoid a reappearance of deeply-rooted prejudices that can surface,” said a joint press statement issued after the meeting.

The statement said participants had identified a “need for further cooperation” to avoid racial religious and cultural prejudices as well as to promote common universal values.

“The forum proposes that existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks continue to be used for general debate on the issues raised during the meeting,” it added.

“The OIC and EU countries are committed to defining problems emerging from cultural prejudices and political and economic injustices and to promoting solutions that will contribute to universal peace, welfare and stability,” the statement said.

The foreign ministers also denounced the Sept 11 attacks in the United States as “brutal acts of terrorism” and condemned terrorism in general, which they said they could not be justified for any reason.

“They recognize the joint responsibility to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations within the framework of the United Nations, in conformity with its charter and resolutions,” the statement said.

The statement also called for a “just and comprehensive” settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict “in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions”.

“In this context the “two state” solution will contribute to bring peace and security to the peoples concerned,” it said.

The statement welcomed an invitation by Qatar to host an OIC-EU group meeting in the second half of 2002 in Doha.—AFP