In a message dated 4/5/00 6:36:47 PM Central Daylight Time,
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<< Subj:     AMC-NET: Tony Blair Praises Islam
 Date:  4/5/00 6:36:47 PM Central Daylight Time
 From:  [log in to unmask] (AMC Media and Communications)
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 With the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful


 Tony Blair Calls on Britain to Reach Out for More Understanding of Islam

  "There is a lot of misunderstanding about Islam. It is a deeply reflective,
 peaceful, a very beautiful religious faith," stated British Prime Minister
 Tony Blair, in an interview with The Muslim News, a United Kingdom based
 newspaper.

 The Prime Minister stated that he "owns two copies of the Qu'ran and carries
 one with him whenever he can," a habit he picked up from Chelsea Clinton. He
 also expressed his respect for Islam by saying that he ".draws inspiration
 from it. If you read the Qu'ran.it is so clear, the concept of love and
 fellowship as the guiding spirits of humanity."

 The public statements made by the Prime Minister illustrating his
 appreciation of Islam, and his call for the necessity of Britain to ".reach
 out and build greater understanding of what Islam is and means and the
 values that underpin it," are an illustration of the growing recognition of
 Islam.

 Mr. Blair also predicted that there would be more Muslim Members of
 Parliament in the next election. In fact he said that he would be, "very
 surprised if the Labour Party didn't have any Muslim candidates standing in
 winnable seats in the next election."

 This interview with The Muslim News and Mr. Blair's words of praise, come
 after Britain sent the first ever official, British Hajj Delegation to offer
 consular assistance to British pilgrims. Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, who was
 nominated by Blair and became the first ever Muslim in the House of Lords,
 headed the Hajj Delegation.

 "The acknowledgment by the British government of its Muslim citizens is
 greatly appreciated and respected by the American Muslim community. We look
 for the increased inclusion of Muslims in public affairs and a more
 proactive role in their society," states Aly Abuzaakouk, Executive Director
 of the American Muslim Council.

  The full text of the interview can be read at The Muslim News website.
 http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/131/131-1-1.html

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 PHONE  : (202) 789-2262
 FAX    : (202) 789-2550
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