Carter calls on Muslim Americans to support peace

Jimmy Carter speaks in Detroit.

DETROIT — Former President Jimmy Carter said today that Muslim Americans should use their religious principals to support peace and justice efforts for all.

Carter delivered the keynote address at Saturday’s Islamic Society of North America convention at Cobo Center, where he also spoke about his foundation’s work in the Middle East.

“We are all Americans in a system that allows basic human rights: peace, justice and the ability to treat each other as equals,” Carter told the attendees of a fundraiser luncheon. “I hope all of you will use the principals of Allah to bring peace and justice to all.”

The Detroit area has one of the nation’s largest Muslim populations.

Carter said his foundation is working toward peace in the Middle East, saying a goal has always been for Israel to withdraw from all occupied territories, The Detroit News reported.

He said the Carter Center meets with people and groups the U.S. government or the United Nations won’t negotiate with. It also has worked for fair treatment for Muslims, Arab Americans and all people who may have been persecuted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“When the U.S. allows (that treatment), it sends a signal to the other oppressive dictators in the world: ‘We can do the same thing, and we won’t be prosecuted,‘” Carter said.

He said the foundation also works to promote human rights and monitors elections for fairness.