Muslims in Austria and Europe move to release Austrian tourists

The European Islamic Conference and the Permanente Council of Imams in Europe appealed for the release of two Austrian hostages held by the so-called Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

 In a statement released on Sunday, the European Islamic Conference called on the kidnappers to treat well Wolfgang Ebner, 51 and Andrea Kloiber, 44.“Islamic precepts spread tolerance, urge to be generous with guests (reference to Wolfgang Ebner and Andrea Kloiber) and to not harm them for the guilt of someone else,” said the statement.

The statement said trends which are often presented as excuses for attacking non-Muslims has no religious basis any more. “Millions live in countries where most of people are non-Muslims yet they declare and practise their religion without embarrassment.”“Austria is among the few non-Muslim countries which officially acknowledge Islam and protect its practice by law,” said the release.

Permanent Council of Imams in Europe, which represent imams in 35 European countries called on the kidnappers to come back to Islam’s real precepts. “They prohibit injustice and calls for charity.”

In a statement released on Sunday, the council warned the kidnappers of their act repercussions especially that millions of Muslims live in many European countries.“Austria is one of the few countries which had fair positions and stood on the side for Arabs and Muslims in international occasions.

  Tunisia steps up surveillance on touristy journeys in Sahara

 Tunisia is on high alert following the abduction of the Austrian tourists. Security measures have been tightened up on touristy journeys across the Tunisian Sahara.Tunisian tourism ministry has released an instruction which stipulates to provide passengers and tourists with specialist guides.The ministry urged passengers and tourists to not travel alone and to inform Tunisian national guards of their routes during the trips.It encouraged foreign tourists who consider going to the Sahara to use the Global Positioning System (GPS).