OIC MILITARY PACT NOT POSSIBLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- The formation of a military alliance
between members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is not
possible as it is too complex and a move that is not encouraged, said Foreign
Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

"Malaysia emphasises on matters that concern economic prosperity and
solidarity among the OIC member countries, as such, any policy pertaining to
military matters is something that is not encouraged by Malaysia and the OIC
member countries for the moment.

"We should emphasise more on general cooperation among the Muslim countries
besides enhancing the econonmic capacity of the less developed Muslim nations,"
he said when replying to a question at the Lower House of Parliament sitting,
here Thursday.

Rais said the lack of consensus among the Arab League itself posed a major
stumbling block in forming a military alliance.
-- BERNAMA