Islamic Countries willing to go to Iraq together with U.N.
Putrajaya (AsiaNews/AP) The Organization of the Islamic Conferecne (OIC), gathering for an emergency meeting today in Malaysia, has asked the UN to pass a resolution for new peace mission in Iraq, as it has the support of the entire international community.
By way of the new resolution, even Islamic countries can send troops. Countries like Pakistan and Malaysia have already expressed their intention to send peace keeping forces to Iraq should the UN decide to return to Baghdad.
At the OIC meeting only representatives from 20 nations were in attendance at the one-day meeting. The OIC is an association representing 57 nations. The Many countries sent minor leaders.
The meeting should have been conducted next month. Today's meeting was called on an emergency basis under pressure placed by Yasser Arafat. The purpose of the meeting seems to be that of condemning total support for G.W. Bush and Sharon's withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip.
At the opening of the meeting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi underscored the deteriorating situation in Iraq and Palestine in that it jeopardized the stability of the entire Middle East.
Malaysian foreign minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, emphasized the need for unity and cohesion among Islamic nations. "By not doing so, we will continue to be marginalized and pushed aside Other countries will decide our future."
Pushed by such requests, delegates took up two positions: one regarding Israel-Palestine and the other concerning Iraq.
In the final statement released it was said the OIC "recognizes and underscores the importance of the United Nations in playing a central role in bringing about peace, security and stability to Iraq."
The statement called for the UN Security Council to pass a new resolution to reach these objectives, as all the representatives condemned the latest incidents of violence in Iraq.
Yesterday suicide attacks occurred on Bassora killed 68, among whom two were children. The Iraqi delegate, Ghassan Mohsen, told reporters that "such terrorist acts should be eliminated not only in Iraq but throughout the world. The should be dealt with strongly by all nations."
The statement criticizes the United States for not guaranteeing sufficient protection to civilians in Iraq and asks the Coalition to respect the June 30 deadline for transferring power over to Iraqis.
The other position taken up was that of a unilateral plan regarding Israel's pulling out of Gaza and some areas of the West Bank without the agreement of the Palestinian Authority. The OIC statement issued also criticized U.S. support for Ariel Sharon.
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