Islamic congress to open on Tuesday

AMBON, Maluku: The three-day Islamic congress will open on Tuesday in spite of the ongoing communal conflict between Muslims and Christians, Antara reported on Monday.

"There is no reason to postpone the meeting, even if the situation is not conducive," Lutfy Sanaky, head of the organizing committee, said.

The congress aimed at consolidating the vision and mission of Muslims in the province, especially in view of the communal conflict. The gathering, which will bring together some 2,000 people from various islands in Maluku, will also find ways of resolving the current conflict.

National leaders who will address the congress include Muslim intellectuals Nurcholish Madjid and Adi Sasono and former chief of general affairs of the military Lt. Gen. Suaidy Marasabessy.

People's Consultative Assembly chairman Amien Rais and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung canceled their scheduled appearance at the last minute, the organizers said. (04)