Jannati stresses need for unity of Muslim media

Tehran, Dec 3, IRNA – Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati on Wednesday urged the need for convergence of media in the Islamic states. The minister made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Information Minister of Bangladesh Hasanul Haq Inu who is here to attend the 10th Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM). The gathering began here today with the participation of a large number of the Islamic states and with the motto of 'Media Convergence for Establishment of Peace and Calm in Islamic World.' Referring to the current disputes among Muslim states as a result of the presence of extremist groups in the Middle East and Africa, Jannati said the ongoing situation in Iraq and Syria, resulted from the performance of the terrorist group of Daesh (ISIS), upsets every human being. Jannati said media can help bring unity to Muslim World and resolve existing disputes there. The Iranian minister hoped that the final statement of the 10th ICIM meeting could help improve situation of media in the Islamic world in order to strengthen unity among Muslim nations. According to Jannati, performance of extremist groups in the Islamic world has damaged the image of Islam and resulted in creation of a feeling of hatred among Western states towards the divine religion. 'The Islamic states need to display the real portray of Islam to the world community through consultation and convergence,' Jannati stressed. Referring to President Hassan Rouhani's proposal at the United Nations which was ratified as the 'World Against Violence and Extremism (WAVE) Resolution in December 2013, he said, 'All acts of extremism and violence which are prevailing the Islamic world, urge every Muslim nation and government to stay united and show the true image of Islam to the world.' Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi minister said in order to amend the image of Islam in the world public opinion, Muslim nations should use social media to show the violent and barbaric nature of the extremist and terrorist groups such as Daesh.