Muslim civil rights group views initiative as move toward greater dialogue.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/27/07) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed an announcement by President Bush that he will name a special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), a world body made up of 57 Muslim-majority nations. (SEE: www.oic-oci.org

President Bush made that announcement at an event marking the 50th anniversary and rededication of the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., the same mosque he visited after the 9/11 terror attacks.

He said: "Our special envoy will listen to and learn from representatives from Muslim states and will share with them America's views and values. This is an opportunity for Americans to demonstrate to Muslim communities our interest in respectful dialogue and continued friendship."