MORO OXFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR TO PRESENT PAPER ON TERRORISM

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Written by Shiela Teodoro
Friday, 26 December 2003
The United Kingdom, through the British Embassy and the British Council, has been working for some time with Philippine government agencies, NGOs and educational institutions in Mindanao to promote inter-faith dialogue and conflict prevention. And for the first time this year, a young Muslim Filipino leader, Samira Ali Gutoc, was granted a study fellowship at Oxford University’s Centre for Islamic Studies. On 10 December Miss Gutoc will give a presentation of the findings of her Oxford research study entitled: “Causes of Terrorism: Philippine Case”. Speaking about her findings she said: “Terrorism affects peace and development, builds mistrust between religions and harms the economy. Its causes are complex and the solution is not limited to military means, but must involve the Muslims who are affected by the negative image brought by the Abu Sayyaf.” She added further, “My being a peace journalist, or one who writes non-combatant stories, led me to pursue research on terrorism. Because we have few Muslims writing or studying the factors that drive our brothers in the faith to engage in such acts. This event is very timely for on this very same day we observe the International Human Rights Day and terrorism displaces civilian lives which is contrary to the right to leave free from fear.” Representatives from both the UK and Philippine governments will be interested to find out more when they attend the presentation. Senator Loren Legarda will give her special message and Dr. Clarita Carlos, former President of the National Defense College and Secretary Teresita Deles, Office of the President Adviser on the Peace Process will contribute their reactions. Noted peace activists Mr Aldean Alonto and Ms Rissa Hontiveros-Baraquel will act as moderators. As part of the UK’s continuing programme of support for Philippine Inter-faith initiatives, Dr. Farhan Nizami of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies visited Manila last year to speak on the theme of “Building Bridges Between Peoples”. Dr Nizami shared his personal experience of promoting dialogue in the United Kingdom’s multi-cultural society and held discussions with religious leaders about how their communities might join each other in a process of constructive engagement. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Hits: 170 Trackback(0) TrackBack URI for this entry Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Website Title Comment smaller \| bigger Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Write the displayed characters
Last Updated ( Saturday, 26 July 2008 )