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November 11, 2004

US seeks talks with British Muslims over Iraq

The US has called for urgent talks with the Muslim Council (MCB) in response to criticism over the major assault on the Iraqi city of Fallujah, according to a copy of a letter from the American Embassy in London obtained by The Muslim News.

“Your press statement on Fallujah clearly demonstrates the need for such dialogue. I invite you and other members of your Council to meet officials from my Embassy as soon as you are available,” the American Charge d’Affaires to London, David Johnson, said in a letter addressed to MCB Secretary General Iqbal Sacranie.

In a statement released Tuesday, the MCB expressed its outrage at the US assault on Fallujah, saying that it was “utterly appalled” by the “barbaric” action. The US destruction was being waged on the besieged and long-suffering Iraqi people, who were "paying the ultimate price for the US neo-con fantasy," it said.

Sacramie said that the war against Iraq and the continuing military occupation of Iraq by the US and British governments is "illegal” and was recently confirmed by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. "We have long stated that the only solution in Iraq is for all foreign armies to leave and allow the Iraqis to determine their own affairs and regain control of their own territory and resources," he said. "It is highly improbable that the US Army is going to help usher in an era of liberation and democracy in Iraq by terrorising and killing its citizens in this ghastly manner," he warned.

But Johnson, acting in his capacity in the absence of an ambassador designated to London, claimed that there were “many inaccurate statement” in the press release. He said it gave a “grave disservice to the people of Fallujah, the citizens of Iraq and the brave Iraqi and American soldiers risking their lives to fight terrorism in Iraq.”

For further information contact us on 020 8863 8586 or 077 68 241 325. Please acknowledge The Muslim News when using the press release

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