October 12, 2003	Sunday	Sha'aban 15, 1424

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PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Oct 11: Muslim nations demanded “eviction of all foreign forces from Iraq” as they began a summit in Malaysia on Saturday, with only Turkey defending plans to deploy its troops alongside the US-led alliance.

They also voiced support for Syria after an Israeli air raid last weekend stoked fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Abdelouahed Belkeziz, Secretary-General of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), said occupying forces should quickly withdraw from Iraq to give the United Nations a chance to reconstruct the country.

“Foremost of these is the eviction of foreign forces from Iraq, allowing the United Nations to administer Iraqi affairs,” Mr Belkeziz said in his opening address.—Reuters