ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri on Tuesday moved swiftly to clarify reported remarks of King Abdullah about India’s membership of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) as an observer that created a stir in diplomatic circles here.

Notably the clarification comes a day after Pakistan Foreign Office’s guarded reaction on this question. Also, it coincides with King Abdullah’s visit to India, the first by a Saudi monarch in 50 years.

A press statement titled: “Saudi ambassador regrets the misreporting of Khadimul Harmainul Sharifain’s interview” was issued by the Saudi embassy here in the afternoon.

“The Saudi ambassador expressed his disappointment at the misreporting and misquoting of the contents of King Abdullah’s interview that he gave to an Indian channel by some newspapers today,” it said.

According to news reports, the Saudi king had said in a rare interview to India’s NDTV news channel that India like Russia should have observer status in the OIC. The Hindustan Times on Monday had quoted King Abdullah as saying that it would be helpful if the nomination were put forward by Pakistan.

However, the Saudi ambassador clarified that in response to a question whether India could play a role in an Islamic organization like the OIC, King Abdullah responded: “Yes as does Russia who have been given observer status on the OIC. But it is better if a move is made in agreement with Pakistan”.

Ambassador Asseri underlined: “As is evident from the above that Khadimul Harmainul Sharifain was clear in stating his position regarding India’s membership of the OIC.”

Mindful of Pakistan’s sensitivities on this question, the statement issued by the Saudi embassy concluded on the note: “The ambassador regretted the misquoting of the Khadimul Harmainul Sharifain’s interview that may have caused confusion in the minds of the brotherly people of Pakistan.”