Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 01/01/2011
The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, condemned in the strongest terms the criminal and terrorist act which targeted civilians who were performing their religious rituals in a church in Alexandria, Arab Republic of Egypt at dawn on Saturday, 1 January 2011 resulting in the killing and wounding of a large number of innocent citizens. The Secretary General stressed that this disgraceful terrorist act is in complete contradiction with the noble principles of Islam which strongly condemns such criminal act, as well as it contradicts the traditions of the Egyptian people who are known of their peaceful coexistence among the various sects throughout the long centuries where the values of tolerance, harmony and respect for others have prevailed. The Secretary General emphasized that the coherence of the Egyptian people will undoubtedly enable it to overcome this painful ordeal. The Secretary General also conveyed his condolences to the leadership, government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt as well as to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to the wounded ones. Professor Ihsanoglu expressed his deep regret that this vicious attack coincides with the celebrations of new year's festivities. The Secretary General has earlier issued a press release on Christmas Day and the New Year in which he considered this occasion as one of amity, peace, security and equality and called on all people to make efforts to enhance dialogue among all religions, cultures and civilizations.
