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Top Islamic Body Holds Foreign Minister Meeting In Dushanbe


Tajik President Emomali Rahmon (right) shakes hands with Ahmad Muhammad Ali, Islamic Development Bank chairman, in Dushanbe on May 17.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon (right) shakes hands with Ahmad Muhammad Ali, Islamic Development Bank chairman, in Dushanbe on May 17.
DUSHANBE -- A top Islamic body is holding a meeting of foreign ministers in Dushanbe, the first time the Tajik capital is playing host to the annual gathering, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

The three-day meeting brings together delegations from the 56 member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

In an opening address today, President Emomali Rahmon said the OIC could play a significant role in ensuring peace and stability in the Islamic world. He also criticized what he said was the misuse of Islam toward political or violent ends.

"Terrorism, terrorists, have no nation, no country, no religion," he said. "Using the name 'Islamic terrorism' only discredits Islam and dishonors the clean and harmless religion of Islam."

Participants at the Council of Foreign Ministers gathering are due to discuss how to tackle Islamophobia and defamation of Islam. They are also expected to discuss women's development in member states, as well as Central Asia's contribution in building Islamic culture and civilization.

The session is expected to approve draft rules governing observer status in the OIC.

The OIC groups 56 member countries and the Palestinian Authority.
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