- ‘Terrorists are not Islam’s reflection’
Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Youssef bin Al-Ottaimeeen on Monday said Kashmir issue was on top of its agenda as Pakistan was an important member of it.
“We will continue to work with Pakistan on all major issues,” he said while addressing a joint press briefing along with Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz here. “Pakistan is the home to all Muslims,” he said, thanking the leadership of Pakistan.
He said that a range of issues were discussed with Sartaj Aziz. “We are in full agreement with each other on all issues being faced by the Muslim world,” he said. Condemning terrorist acts all over the world, Ottaimeeen said that the terrorists have no race, no religion and no country.
“Islam is the religion of peace and peaceful coexistence, and terrorists are not the reflection of Islam,” he said. Replying to question, he said that the OIC as an organisation expresses the wishes of the Muslims and this was also one of their basic functions.” He said the OIC works both on political and humanitarian sides.
He said that there should be a political solution to the issue of Syria. Sartaj said that the matters related to Islamophobia and discriminatory policies of different countries towards Muslims living in minority came under discussion with the OIC secretary general. He demanded of the OIC to take notice of human rights violation in disputed Kashmiri state.
He thanked OIC and the Muslim countries for their consistent support on the issue of Jammu Kashmir and other various issues. To a question, Othaimeen said that OIC has been urging India to provide access to the disputed state but unfortunately that country has turned down the request.
“Despite denial by India, we should continue exerting pressure on New Delhi on the issue of human rights violations in disputed Kashmiri state and peaceful resolution of the dispute,” he added.
He said that the OIC also wants to initiate dialogue with European countries on issues pertaining to Muslims living there as the organisation was in a unique position to play the role of a bridge between Muslims and the Western governments.
