(New York, NY, 3/12/2008) - The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) congratulated Andre Carson who is elected to Indiana's 7th congressional district on the Democratic ticket. He will replace his late grandmother US Rep. Julia Carson.

Carson who converted to Islam more than a decade ago will be the second Muslim in Congress. He won yesterday's special election with 54 percent of the vote. He must now win both a May primary election and the November general election to serve a full term in Congress.

"We congratulate Representative Carson on his victory and also congratulate the people of Indiana's 7th district. We pray that his election to the Congress will benefit not only his constituents but will help promote the positive role of Muslims in the American public service".

(Jamaica, NY) Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) a leading grassroots organization of American Muslims congratulates Kosovo on its newly acquired independence. ICNA also commends the United States government for acknowledging the  sovereignty of the state of Kosovo, which was previously a province of Serbia. It's only a matter of time that other countries will also come forward to accept Kosovo as an independent state.

Kosovar Muslims have suffered through ethnic cleansing and have survived genocide. The international community must stay committed to helping to maintain peace and order in the Balkans.

The Muslims of Kosovo should educate themselves on the rights of minorities living under Muslims and should ensure that ethnic Serbs living in Kosovo are given their due rights and are allowed to practice their religion(s) freely.

It is indeed a historic day for humanity and especially for the Muslim Ummah to see Kosova becoming an independent country after its long, valiant struggle and enormous sacrifices. We pray to Allah (SWT) for those who have sacrificed their lives and for those who have suffered tremendously in their struggle against tyranny and ethnic cleansing. We congratulate their heroism and victory. May Allah (SWT) continue to grant their leadership Sabr (steadfastness) and Hikmah (wisdom) to run the affairs of their country in the righteous manner with a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and forgiveness for all. Aameen.