02 February 2005	Wednesday	22 Zilhaj 1425

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KARACHI, Feb 1: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday that Pakistan would give full support and assistance to the new secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Conference , Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, in reform of the organization as mandated by member states.

Talking to the secretary-general, who called on him here, the president said the OIC would have to assume a higher profile to become more effective. He said the organization could act as a catalyst in fostering socio-economic development and scientific and technological advancement in the Muslim world.

He said efforts needed to be intensified to avert tensions between the West and the Muslim countries and promote co-existence between them. "The way forward is enlightened moderation not confrontation," he said.

He said the OIC states should not only make mandatory contributions to the organization on time but create more financial space for undertaking collective projects. Mr Ihsanoglu said Gen Musharraf was the first head of state whom he was calling on after assuming his post.

He briefed the president about the recent meeting of the Commission of Eminent Persons held in Kuala Lumpur. He said the OIC would carry forward the exercise. He agreed with the president that the OIC needed a new vision but its essential character must be maintained. They said other important countries could be associated with the organization in the OIC global partnership forum. -APP