Iran Calls On Muslims to React to 'Zionists-Led' Insult of American Pastor
TEHRAN -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi here on Sunday called on Islamic countries to react to an American pastor's insult to Prophet Mohammad (S), saying it was incited by the Zionists.
Speaking in a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Abdelouahed Belkeziz, the Iranian foreign minister said that the insult was part of the 'American mass media's psychological and propaganda war which is conducted by the Zionists'.
"By creating such an environment in its media, the American government which claims to respect Islam and Muslims has proved once again that it is seeking political, military and cultural domination on the world," IRNA quoted Kharrazi as saying.
American ultraconservative evangelist Jerry Falwell has reportedly called Prophet Mohammad (S) 'a terrorist' in a CBS television interview.
"Islamic countries, especially the OIC, must not remain silent in the face of such impertinence and must not let the clash of religions and civilizations which is definitely in line with the Zionists' objectives to become real," Kharrazi said.
Belkeziz said he will raise up the issue of 'this Christian pastor's irresponsible remarks' in a meeting with heads of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
The Iranian foreign minister described the situation in the Middle East as 'sensitive, especially in view of the Zionists' exploitation of the existing atmosphere'.
The Organization of the Islamic Conference holds a grave responsibility to use all capacities of the Islamic world and prevent the objectives of the Zionists and their supporters from materializing, Kharrazi said.
He renewed his condemnation of the American Congress' recent move to recognize Bait-ul-Moqaddas as Israel's capital, saying President George W. Bush's signing of the bill was a first step in 'the Zionist regime's expansionist and aggressive plans'.
Kharrazi also urged members of the OIC to help avert a possible war between Washington and Baghdad amid American threats to attack Iraq.
"Iraq, by fully cooperating with the United Nations and its inspectors, must remove any pretext for America to create war and tension in the region," he added.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=10/7/02&Cat=4&Num=005Sad but probably what they would do.