Beijing (Fides Service) - China's 20 million Muslims have called for an immediate end to war in Iraq, demanding a peaceful solution to the crisis in order to avoid suffering for the people. Imam Chen Guagyan, chairman of the Chinese Muslim Association voiced indignation and condemnation for the US led coalition attack on Iraq. In an interview with New China agency, the Imam said that Chines Muslims are against the war they want love and peace and underline that the position taken by the government of Beijing represents all the Chinese people, including the Muslim minority. Imam Chen, aged 70, said Muslims consider peace a blessing and war a calamity. Commenting the fact that the United States and its allies ignored UN instructions the Imam said: "I am very sad. This proves that the war is not in agreement with international law, while it is clear that it is rejected by people all over the world, including those living in the countries which have declared war on Iraq".
Since the war started at least 200 teachers and students of the Institute of Muslim Theology in Beijing, attended a seminary tin which they voiced full support for the Chinese government on the question of the conflict in Iraq. In the Niujie district of Beijing, were most Muslims live, the Islamic community prayer on Friday for an end to the war. Mosques and cultural centres organised meetings to discuss the situation, condemn wear and call for peace.
"The Chinese Muslim Association is deeply concerned about the war led by the Untie States and its allies. It is most important that war does not cause innocent victims," Imam Chen said, stressing that the 20 million Muslims in China love their country and their religion. They hope the war will soon end and that Allah will bless the world and give peace and tranquillity to their brother and sister Muslim in Iraq. PA (Fides Service 26/3/2003 EM lines 24 Words: 338)