ISTANBUL, Turkey, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan rejects the notion differences between Islam and the West amount to a clash of civilizations.
After accepting the High-Level Group of the Alliance of Civilizations' report in Istanbul Turkey, the secretary-general Monday called for better education and opportunities for youth, along with resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to stem mounting mistrust and violence between Islam and the West.
The report put forward a range of proposals in education, media and migration to build bridges and promote a culture of respect. It also called for a U.N. high representative to assist the secretary-general to defuse crises that arise at the intersection of culture and politics, as well as measures aimed at restarting the Middle East peace process and encouraging political pluralism in Muslim countries.
Religious differences are not at the core of the problem, Annan said. "We must start by reaffirming -- and demonstrating -- that the problem is not the Koran, nor the Torah or the Bible," he said. Legal measures to ensure freedom of religion, to end discrimination and enforce rights of minorities were also not the total answer, he added.
"Any strategy to build bridges must depend heavily on education -- not just about Islam or Christianity, but about all religions, traditions and cultures, so that myths and distortions can be seen for what they are," the secretary-general said.
In addition, he advocated expanded opportunities for young people, offering them a credible alternative to hate and extremism.
Said Annan, "We must give them a real chance to join in improving the world order, so that they no longer feel the urge to smash it."
