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MPAC Bulletin - October 10, 2005
European Commission calls for increased
engagement with Muslim communities
Washington, DC: The Vice President of the European Commission last week announced a "strategic decision intended to strengthen the trans-Atlantic partnership." At a Ramadan iftar hosted by Commission Head John Bruton, Franco Frattini stressed that Muslim communities in all nations should not be courted only for security or counterterrorism purposes, but to encourage the development of Muslim identities that are vested in Europe and the United States.
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) National Director Ahmed Younis, and Board Members Dr. Yahya Basha and Dr. Hassan Ibrahim attended the event, which was hosted by Ambassador John Bruton, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States, and his wife Mrs. Finola Bruton. Sir Charles Clarke, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, also attended on behalf of the European Union. Home Secretary Charles Clarke is the convener of a number of standing committees and taskforces led by the faith communities of Britain to deal with issues ranging from poverty and identity to counterterrorism. Last month, MPAC met with the leaders of these committees at the 42nd Annual ISNA Conference in Chicago.
U.S. government officials also in attendance as guests included Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Distinguished leaders of the Muslim American community in attendance included M.J. Khan, Houston City Councilman; Dr. Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Kaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University; Imam Mohammed Magid of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS); and Farhana Khera, Executive Director of the National Association of Muslim Lawyers (NAML).
Ambassador Bruton opened the night by expressing his personal appreciation for finally being able to return to Muslims the hospitality he has been shown by Muslims throughout Europe and the rest of the world throughout his career.
Attorney General Gonzales expressed his interest in understanding the "realities of this community," saying that he intends on engaging with the Muslim American community personally to further understand its concerns. Gonzales expressed his appreciation for the day-long talks he and Secretary Chertoff had with their European counterparts.
"One of the great promises of this nation and all freedom-loving countries is that the liberties and rights we hold dear are available to every citizen regardless of race, creed or religion," said Secretary Chertoff. "The Department of Homeland Security will continue to work closely with the Muslim community to ensure that the reality they encounter is consistent with that promise."
MPAC National Director Ahmed Younis stressed to Attorney General Gonzales and Secretary Chertoff the need to emulate the work of Home Secretary Clarke in forming a number of Councils under their auspices to begin to deal with many of these important issues in an organized and comprehensive manner.
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