MPAC Expresses Relief on Foiled Terror Plot

Posted Aug 11, 2006      •Permalink      • Printer-Friendly Version Bookmark and Share

MPAC EXPRESSES RELIEF ON FOILED TERROR PLOT

(Washington, DC - 8/10/06)—The Muslim Public Affairs Council today expressed relief following the announcement overnight that British officials had thwarted a plot to blow up airliners en route from Britain to the United States using explosives smuggled in carry-on luggage.

As a representative of mainstream American Muslims, MPAC reminds the international community during this sensitive time that Islam does not tolerate the use of terrorism for any purpose, regardless of who the aggressors are and what their justifications might be. It is a time for solidarity, not division, for the British and American people, regardless of race or faith, to fight against the evil of terrorism.

“Muslim Americans stand in solidarity in their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, and are committed to protecting the safety and security of our nation,” said Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati. “We are against anyone who would attempt to attack our country, particularly those who would pervert the sacred teachings of Islam in their pursuit of criminal endeavors.”

In a press conference held this morning, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff said there was no evidence of any related plots in the United States, or any threats against other modes of transportation. MPAC joined other national Muslim and Arab groups in a conference call with DHS officials this morning, where they shared their support for law enforcement efforts and shared community concerns over a potential backlash that may arise.

“As the horrifying news unfolds about this Satanic plot to kill innocent air travelers, we feel the deepest gratitude to God for the fact that this terrible attack was prevented,” said Dr. Maher Hathout, MPAC Senior Advisor. “We are thankful to the British law enforcement and to all agencies and indivudals who helped expose and prevent this unjustificable and inexcusable terrorist attack.”

MPAC urges the American Muslim community to continue to maintain vigilance and protect the security of our mosques, our communities and our nation. MPAC continues to collaborate with American Muslim institutions to carry out the National Grassroots Campaign to Fight Terrorism http://www.mpac.org/ngcft/

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