OIC President Calls for Islamic Satellite TV Channel

02/06/2001| IslamWeb

DOHA, (Islamweb & News Agencies)-HH the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who is also chairman of the 9th session of the Islamic Conference Organization (OIC), Saturday called for the setting up of an Islamic satellite channel to create a cultural awareness and influence public opinion in different countries.
Addressing the third meeting of Islamic culture ministers in Doha Saturday, HH the Emir said the Islamic countries could make use of the communications and information revolution, and stressed the vital role played by satellite channels.
The Ummah should break the hateful link which some prejudiced quarters try to establish between Islam and terrorism, and work in all earnestness to correct the unfair stereotyped image attached to Muslims, and explain the true basic elements of Islamic culture, he said.
HH the Emir said the Islamic nation should rectify the distorted and false image of Islam and Muslims in order to enhance mutual understanding since lately many people propagated such ideas, particularly in the West.
HH the Emir reiterated his call for a dialogue of cultures, without which humanity will not be secure, nor would peace prevail.
He also called for a speedy implementation of a cultural strategy for the Islamic world.
It is vital to maintain the collective will of the nation to resume its cultural and civilizational role in communication and dialogue with other cultures.
HH the Emir said the Ummah should make use of the migrant Muslim communities all over the world to reach out to other civilizations.
The knowledge and capabilities as well as the ties those communities have with their Muslim nation have made them the window through which other cultures view Islam, HH the Emir told the opening session.
The ministers attending the meeting are to debate a proposal to establish the Islamic satellite TV channel, to be based in Qatar.