DOHA, February 19, 2006 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – A cohort of Western and Muslim dignitaries have called for constructive dialogue to develop better understanding and ties between the United States and the Muslim world.

"If we truly desire to reach a better understanding of each other, if we truly want our dialogue to produce results, we have to stop demonizing each other and replace hate with hope," Karen Hughes, US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy, told the opening session of the annual US-Islamic World Forum on Saturday, February 18, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Qatar's Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al-Thani, who opened the three-day forum, called for drawing up plans to clear misconceptions, developing an objective media stance on US-Islamic relations, addressing the roots of terrorism and developing policies to help fight the ugly phenomenon.

"We must try very hard to avoid provocation and ensure the respect of all beliefs and religious sanctities," he said in a reference to the insulting cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) published by many European newspapers.

The meeting brings together 700 figures from 38 Western and Muslim nations to discuss ways to bridge the gap between the Muslim world and the United States.

Among participants in the event are Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and leaders of the Muslim minorities in several Western countries.

The forum is jointly sponsored by the Washington-based Brookings Institution and the Qatari government.

"The US, in fact, is to blame for this gap as the Muslim world cannot tolerate its double standards," said Ihsanoglu.

Ihsanoglu said the US should reconsider its double standards towards the Muslim world, especially when it comes to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

"The US bias towards Israel and the bombing of Afghanistan and Iraq, which left thousands of Muslims killed, have undoubtedly blemished the image of the US in the eyes of Muslims," he said.

"The US, in fact, is to blame for this gap as the Muslim world cannot tolerate its double standards."

Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa, however, called for promoting common grounds to help bridge the yawning gap and clear the stereotype that equated Islam with terror.

"The US should cooperate with the Muslim world to help solve problems encountering Muslims," he addressed the opening session.

"Common grounds between the two sides are the best way to reach common solutions [to the pending problems]."

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar also urged the US and the Islamic world to join forces in promoting tolerance and peaceful co-existence.