Malaysia for world meet

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, SEPT. 14 The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, has called for a world conference against terrorism following Tuesday's terrorist attacks in America in which some 5,000 persons were feared killed.

``We need to look at terrorism as a crime that has to be addressed by the whole world,'' Dr. Mahathir told reporters in Kuala Lumpur after signing a condolence book at the American embassy.

Dr. Mahathir, widely regarded as the leader of a moderate Muslim nation, was quoted as saying: ``Islamic countries should not side with fellow Islamic countries while non-Islamic countries should not take side with non-Islamic countries on who are their friends or enemies.''

According to the Malaysian leader, the root causes of terrorism had to be addressed if the cycle of violence was to be broken.

Separately, the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Syed Hamid Albar, said he was ``happy'' that possible American retaliation was not directed at Muslims.

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Section  : International
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