Mecca imam calls for creation of Islamic body to fight terrorism

MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Sept 28 (AFP) - The imam of the Great Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, called Friday for the setting up of an international Islamic body in charge of fighting terrorism.

In his Friday sermon, dedicated to the issue of terrorism following the September 11 anti-US attacks, Sheikh Aberrahman al-Sudayes advocated the creation of "an international Islamic body in charge of solving a problem which is dangerous at a regional and international level," the official Saudi agency SPA reported.

The organisation would be tasked with "examining the causes of terrorism and its propagation factors", as well as "outlining a mechanism for its eradication," the agency added.

Sheikh Sudayes also called on "the international public opinion and decision-makers" not to confuse terrorism and "legitimate jihad", or holy war, adding that "Islam rejects terrorism."

On September 15, Saudi Arabia's grand mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Shaikh vigorously condemned the attacks which killed thousands in New York and Washington, saying they are "not accepted by Islam and are totally forbidden because they are major sins."