PUTRAJAYA, Aug 3: Leaders from the Muslim world on Thursday condemned the Israeli aggression and demanded an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, release of all Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners and called for deployment of United Nations peacekeeping force.
The emergency meeting of a representative group of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) after day-long deliberations voiced anger over the “blatant and flagrant violations of human rights” and demanded that Israel be held accountable for all its actions.
“There should be no impunity for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law,” Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi told reporters after reading from a declaration released at the end of the special meeting of the organisation’s extended executive committee.
He warned that the situation was flaring anger among people and added “we fear that with what is happening in Lebanon, the war against terrorism will become more difficult”.
He termed the meeting a success, reflective of “true spirit of the Muslim solidarity”.
Mr Badawi said a demarche would be sent to the world leaders drawing their attention to the plight of Palestinian and Lebanese people.
The meeting, attended by 18 countries, called for an immediate convening of the special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to address these violations.
Pakistan’s six recommendations, presented by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in his speech, formed part of the declaration, including the demand for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.
The meeting agreed on establishing a contact group that would be coordinated by Malaysia.
The declaration condemned the “indiscriminate and massive Israeli air strikes”, particularly on Qana and the targeting of United Nations peacekeepers at Khiam.
“We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all Lebanese detainees held by Israel,” it said and called for a full investigation into these criminal acts.
The declaration also condemned the destruction of religious and historical sites in Lebanon by Israel and demanded that it should be stopped immediately.
The declaration held Israel responsible for the loss of lives, sufferings and destruction of property and demanded that Israel compensate Lebanon and its people.
