OIC 2003

Submitted by Arun (United States), Sep 21, 2005 at 22:33

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his speech at the opening session of the 10th Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) summit, did not declare war on the Jews but was merely speaking his mind, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said.

He said that although the speech was one which expressed Dr Mahathir's thoughts "he certainly did not declare war on the Jews."

Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the 10th OIC summit, which concluded here Friday night, he said Dr Mahathir was a great leader and had definitive views on certain matters close to his heart.

On Thursday, Dr Mahathir had said: "Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them".

Dr Mahathir told the leaders from 57 Islamic nations that Muslims had achieved "nothing" in more than 50 years of fighting Israel and suggested the use of political and economic tactics, not violence.

The statement by Dr Mahathir drew sharp criticism from the European Union, the United States and Australia.

"I do not want to comment on his thoughts," said Musharraf when pressed for his reaction to Dr Mahathir's views.

Speaking on another matter, he said it was high time for the OIC to be restructured but "the restructuring should be done one step at a time."

"We recognised the problem. We are going to form an OIC Commission to work on this. It was been a very productive and successful summit," he added.

He said the OIC needed to coordinate its efforts in tackling problems and instil dynamism in its leadership to make it a dynamic body.

He also heaped praises on Malaysia for the successful organisation of the summit, saying that not only did it achieve the desired results but it was also conducted smoothly and efficiently.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/events/oicsummit/oicbasic/news.open.php?cat=BI&id=24444

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