The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed surprise at the comments made by the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in an interview with TV "CBC" Channel on the 10th anniversary of the 11/9 terrorist attacks in which he described "Islamism" or "Islamic terrorism" as the main threat to the world security. OIC said it was regrettable that such misleading statements were made by a prime minister of a government of a sovereign state, and they may give rise to confusion, asserting that the use of the term "Islamic terrorism" is wrong, as it is wrong to talk about "Christian terrorism" or "Jewish terrorism". In a statement released today, the OIC stressed that "Islam is a religion of peace and compassion," renewed the principled position of the Organization in the fight against terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, a position inspired by the teachings of Islam rejecting terrorism and violence. "The OIC member countries paid a heavy price in the fight against terrorism in terms of human lives and damage to life for its firm position against both terrorism and extremism, confirming that the statements of the Canadian Prime Minister Harper will only serve to exacerbate misunderstandings and suspicions between the West and the Muslim world and impede the collective goal of the international community to address intolerance and hatred among different religions and cultures.", the OIC said.
