Resisting foreign occupation can not be considered "terrorism," Arab interior ministers declared Monday, ending a security conference in Tunisia.
In a final declaration, the group of 19 ministers from the Arab League said they strongly condemned "terrorism" in any form. However, they stressed "the need to make a distinction between terrorism and peoples' right to fight occupation and foreign aggression."
The statement also said officials "categorically refused any attempt to place the blame for terrorism on Arabs and Muslims."
The ministers made amendments to their charter on fighting "terrorism," declaring that it is a crime to hold, print or spread documents promoting "terrorist acts."
The ministers were in the seaside city of Tunis for two days of talks about terrorism, the drug trade and people-smuggling. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
