US Muslim Leaders, Gov't Officials Meet, Vow to Increase Cooperation

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muslim American Citizens Coalition and Public Affairs Council (MACCPAC) in collaboration with the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy (ICRD) hosted a post election dialogue between both local and national Muslim leadership and various U.S government agencies  on Wednesday, November 14^th, in Washington, D.C.

The discussion focused on ways both sides could increase cooperation and effectiveness on issues of common concern. Speakers also reflected on the role minority communities have played in shaping American politics and suggested ways in which American Muslims could help move the country's national agenda forward.

Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang, MACCPAC chairman and Howard University professor, said that MACCPAC has made significant progress toward creating and implementing a dialogue between the Muslim community and the political leadership in the U.S.

"Three things have become clear: (1) we are now very constructively engaged with legislative and executive leaders on the issues affecting our people; (2) we have fully expressed and heard back from those leaders or their representatives on our concern about Islamophobia, issues relating to Shariah and other pressing matters; (3) we have succeeded in mobilizing our community for the presidential elections, and have seen America's national leaders give credit to our participation as a key part of the record turnout that led to results likely to be of great interest and benefit to the community," he added.

At the conclusion of the event, MACCPAC circulated and later passed a resolution that read, in part:

"...MACCPAC urges US Government agencies through elected and appointed officials to cooperate regularly with the Muslim community in extending dialogue over policies and actions in order to address critical issues affecting American Muslims, the US and the Muslim World.

MACCPAC urges the US Administration and Congressional leaders to consider assigning advisory tasks in different areas of public life to Muslim-American experts of proven professional capabilities and integrity to ensure both Muslim representation in policy process and to broaden the base of policy alternatives.

MACCPAC urges members of Congress and the Administration to work together to find Legislative and Executive branch solutions to the discriminatory and burdensome system of profiling and watch lists, to ensure a safer and more just America for all citizens..."

(To read the full resolution, please visit: http://www.maccpac.org/resolution/).

MACCPAC's mission is to promote mutual understanding and engagement in national security, human rights, justice, peace and democracy in the public squares all across the United States, and in other Muslim countries around the world. For more information, visit www.maccpac.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rabiah Ahmed, [email protected], 202-439-1441

SOURCE Muslim American Citizens Coalition and Public Affairs Council