An Internet news portal is reporting on comments made by a high-ranking European Union official in support of a “Charter” developed by the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. An earlier post discussed the meeting of 400 European Muslim organizations in Brussels this week held under the auspices of the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) where the organizations were expected to sign a “code of conduct” with rules rules for the Muslims living in Europe. According to the latest report, European Parliament vice-president Mario Mauro has praised the effort:
The charter amounts to a code of good conduct for Muslims in Europe which commits them to taking part in building a united society,” said European Parliament vice-president Mario Mauro. “It pledges Muslims to helping create harmony and well-being in our societies and to fully playing the role of citizens in upholding justice, equal rights and respect for difference.” Mauro is an Italian politician from the conservative Forza Italia party of former premier Silvio Berlusconi and in his role as deputy European Parliament president is tasked with handling relations with churches and religious communities. “The charter gives a great boost to strengthening intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. And it reinforces Muslims’ duty to respect non-Muslims,” said Mauro.
FIOE is the umbrella group for the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe and has made other in roads into the EU, most noticeably the quasi-official status attached to its youth organization known as the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organizations (FEMYSO) which is routinely invited to EU policy committee meetings. FIOE has also recently relocated its headquarters to Brussels.