M A I N   N E W S

OIC backs limited strikes

Doha, October 10
Islamic nations today opposed the spread of the US-led onslaught on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to any other Arab or Islamic country.

The Foreign Ministers of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in a joint statement “rejected that any Islamic or Arab country is attacked under the pretext of the fight against terrorism.”

The OIC did not condemn the US-led strikes on Afghanistan, but instead expressed “concern that they could cause victims among innocent civilians.”

Washington warned the united nations on Monday that its war on terrorism might extend beyond the borders of Afghanistan.

The OIC demanded that the “territorial integrity and Islamic identity of Afghanistan be guaranteed.”

The ministers also said any participation of their countries in the fight against terrorism must come under the aegis of the united nations, and urged that a UN-sponsored conference on terrorism be held.

They also rejected “any attempt to link Islam and terrorism”, as well as any confusion between terrorism and the right of people. AFP

Fund to aid Afghans

Doha, October 10
OIC today announced the setting up of an aid fund for the Afghan people with a first cash injection of $14 million. OIC Chairman Qatar put in $10 million, the United Arab Emirate $3 million and Oman $1 million, a statement said after the meeting. AFP