OIC condemns recent suicide bombings in Iraq

Jeddah, April 26, SPA -- The Secretary General of the Organization of
the Islamic Conference Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has strongly
condemned the new wave of horrific terrorist attacks that struck Iraq
on April 23 and 24.

In a press statement issued on behalf of the OIC, the Secretary
General expressed his deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the
leaders and people of Iraq and more particularly to the families of
the victims who lost their lives as a result of these appalling
attacks, and to the wounded for whom he wished prompt recovery.

"As scores of the victims were visiting Iranian citizens who also
lost their lives or wounded, the Secretary General offered his
condolences to the Iranian people, government as well as bereaved
family members of the victims," the press statement said.


Prof. Ihsanoglu stated that he was particularly dismayed from the
very fact that after a period of calm and stability, the enemies of
peace chose to resort to violence once more, by targeting worshipers,
including women and children and attacking holy places in a sinister
manner to attain their objectives.


The Secretary General exhorted all Iraqi people to abide by the
Islamic law which sanctifies human life and consider it sacrosanct
and inviolable and condemns the perpetrators of such a heinous crime.

He called upon all Iraqis to respect and uphold the “Makkah Document”
which was signed by all Iraqi religious leaders on October 20, 2006
at Makkah Al-Mukarama and which played an important role in reducing
sectarian strife in Iraq.


He urged all the Iraqis not to let the provocations harm their
strong will for unity and brotherhood and to unite against extremists
and terrorists including suicide bombers who distort the image of
Islam as a religion of peace, compassion and tolerance.

--SPA