OIC urges Washington to show no leniency to perpetrators of Quran desecration
Regional-USA, Politics, 6/6/2005

The Organization of the Islamic conference (OIC) has urged Washington to "live up to its responsibility and not show leniency to perpetrators of Quran desecration" in the American base of Guantanamo (Cuba).

"The confession by the southern command of the United States army on the occurrence of cases of desecration of the Holy Quran in Guantanamo prison was a confirmation of the practices that had been reported in the papers and strongly condemned by the Organization of the Islamic Conference," said the Jeddah-based organization in a release.

"The disgraceful conduct of American soldiers reveal their blatant hatred and disdain for the religion of millions of Muslims all over the world," the release deplored.

The United States military said these incidents were limited in number and do not reflect the general standard of practices of the US military. US Senator Joseph Biden said, as shown on CNN, to be saying that he favors the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention center for its negative contribution to the US image. Indications are that hearing on forming an independent investigation into the issue of the detainees may take place soon, with a reported Republican senator also calling for hearings.

OIC said it is crucial that the United States takes urgent measures "to calm the tension in the Muslim world and ensure that such detestable acts are not repeated in the future."

The 56-strong OIC is an inter-governmental organization grouping states that combine their efforts to safeguard the interest and ensure the progress and well-being of their peoples and those of other Muslims in the world over.

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