Military

DATE=04/02/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288241

TITLE=ISLAMIC CONFERENCE / HOLDING (S ONLY)

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=KUALA LUMPUR

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

// Eds: Conference may end as early as 10:00 GMT, or 5 a.m. Wash time. Watch for updates. //

INTRO: Muslim countries at a major international

conference in Malaysia are trying to agree on a

definition of terrorism. But the latest wave of

violence in the Middle East has underscored divisions over whether Palestinian suicide bombers should be included in the group. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Kuala Lumpur.

TEXT: Delegates from middle eastern countries - angered by recent Israeli strikes against the Palestinian authority - say violence that hurts innocent civilians is not terrorism if it is part of a struggle against foreign domination.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mohathir Mohamad Monday

opened the conference saying anyone who attacks

civilian targets, including Palestinian suicide

bombers, should be called a terrorist.

Delegates condemn the September attacks in the United States as terrorism and want a global strategy to combat it. But they do not want the Palestinian struggle to be included, saying Israel is responsible for terrorism in the region.

The 57-member Islamic Conference is trying to agree on a definition of terrorism, as part an effort to convene a worldwide meeting on the topic. Delegates Monday accused Israel of dragging the region toward war and called for immediate action by the United Nations. (signed)

NEB/HK/SB/JO