OIC criticizes Bush's remarks on 'axis of evil' as counterproductive

The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC/based in Jeddah) criticized on Monday remarks by US President George W. Bush on "axis of evil" countries, represented by Iraq, Iran and North Korea, and said these unjustified statements are likely to undermine the credibility of the international coalition against terrorism.

OIC Secretary General, Abdelouahed Belkziz, said in a statement "it is regrettably observed that the recent unjustified statements and campaigns against the Islamic States are likely to undermine the credibility of the international coalition against terrorism, weaken its cohesion, and be counterproductive."

The OIC also voices refusal of any amalgam and any leveling of accusations without proof or compelling evidence, particularly in the light of the negative positions vis-a-vis the grave Israeli escalation and illegal and oppressive practices in Palestine.

The statement also recalled that Islamic countries "have adopted a clear position in condemning international terrorism and supported the United States of American in combating this phenomenon."

The OIC says the Islamic world has "unanimously made clear regarding the condemnation of terrorism, at the Tenth Extraordinary Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Doha on 10 October, 2001, which laid the foundations for the stand of the Islamic world on terrorism and the repercussions of the events of 11 September 2001."