OIC Chief calls for unity and solidarity among all Iraqi people

Jeddah, August 02, SPA -- The Secretary General of the Organization
of Islamic Conference (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed his
outrage against a series of bomb attacks perpetrated against five
Mosques in Baghdad last Friday and the ensuing roadside bomb attack
near another mosque in the town of Hilla yesterday.

He voiced his indignation and repulsion at these wave of inhuman
acts specifically targeting places of worship and worshipers.

Secretary General Ihsanoglu, while reaffirming his solidarity with
the government and people of Iraq in the face of these vicious
attacks, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the
victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

The OIC Secretary General described the heinous attacks as acts of
mere provocation at a crucial transitory period, targeting the Iraqi
nation and its unity for the sake of evil calculations which have
nothing to do with the welfare and future of Iraq.

He cautioned that the enemies of Iraq will continue their
provocations in the days ahead to stir sectarian strife and violence,
according to a press release of the OIC.

As such, he appealed to the Iraqi political and religious leaders to
openly exhibit solidarity and dialogue with their words and deeds
against any attempt to stir sectarian divide, in order not to let the
provocations harm the unity and brotherhood of the Iraqi people.

Secretary General Ihsanoglu, referring to the 2006 Makkah Document,
particularly urged all Muslim religious leaders in Iraq to draw
attention to and highlight the Islamic principles which sanctify
human life and consider it sacrosanct and inviolable and to condemn
the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

--SPA
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