By Jonathan Helman, 12/29/08
Muslim coalition requests more inclusion in new administration
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The American Muslim Taskforce for Civil Rights and Elections called on President-elect Barack Obama for greater Muslim outreach during his administration as well as assisting in ending the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the Middle East.
"We demand that our government, the U.S. government, take immediate steps to end the immoral and illegal Israeli bombardment of Gaza and its population," said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The AMT also said the United States must look at any violations of international and domestic law that occurred as a result of the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
In a news conference Monday, the coalition of prominent national Muslim groups underlined its policy recommendations for the new administration.
"We are approaching our incoming administration on four key issues: inclusion and access, policy development, personnel appointment and partnership for peace," said Agha Saeed, chairman of the American Muslim Task Force on Civil Rights and Elections.
Citing a survey commissioned by the task force, the organization said this year's election saw the biggest turnout of American Muslims ever reported that 89 percent of those who voted cast a ballot for Obama.
Speaking at the press conference, Senator Larry Shaw (D-N.C.) called the Muslim community an untapped resource that the Obama administration should not forget about.
"We are ready to be your partners for peace," Saeed said.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment