LAHORE, Sept 7: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal has condemned the joint attack of the United States and Britain on Iraq, terming it uncalled for and illegal lacking even a formal UN approval.

A summit meeting of the MMA held at Sarwar Road police station here on Saturday adopted a resolution urging all Arab countries to severe their diplomatic and economic relations with the US.

The Majlis comprises six religious parties — the JUP, the Jamaat-i-Islami, the JUI(F), the JUI(S), the Islamic Tehrik and the Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith — representing all schools of thought.

It demanded immediate convening of the OIC summit meeting to chalk out a bold strategy to counter the threats being faced by the Ummat.

Demanding restoration of democratic rights of the masses enabling them to fight against external aggression, it regretted that Muslim rulers had failed to protect the lives, property, independence and sovereignty of the Ummat.

The MMA also urged people to protest the US attack and adopt resolutions against it in mosques.

The meeting warned the US leaders that their steps would intensify the hatred against Americans the world over. It also advised the US citizens and policy-makers to get rid of Jewish influence responsible for the conflict between Americans and Muslims.

Meanwhile, local MMA organization organized a demonstration at the Firdaus Market Chowk against the attack.

The demonstrators carrying portraits of Iraqi president Saddam Husain, chanted slogans against US president Bush and burnt his effigy.

A protest meeting was also held at the JUP office here which was addressed by Qari Zawwar Bahadur and others. They announced that the next Friday (Sept 13) would be observed as condemnation day against the US aggression.