Islamic summit starts deliberations in Mecca

Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference OIC started its two-day activities on Wednesday with the participation of Foreign Minister Farouq al-Sharaa on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad.

Representatives of 59 states and a number of regional and international organizations attended the summit that will discuss challenges facing the Arab nation and put a clear work plan to face it.

Saudi king Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed in an opening speech the Arab states aspirations for a unified Islamic nation where unfairness and oppression would be eradicated and the comprehensive Islamic development that aimed at getting over poverty and need.

The king said he is looking for the spread of ideas that embodies "the tolerance of Islam and I am looking for Muslim inventors, industrialists as well a progressed Muslim technology."

For his part, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi pointed out in his speech at the summit importance as to discuss affairs and future of the Islamic nation to serve Muslims and Islam.

Badawi depicted the standing situation the Arab nation is undergoing as very dangerous noting to the ordeal of thousands of Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan and calling Islamic countries to continue their support to the Palestinian cause until Palestinians are capable of building their independent state.

Badawi underlined the need to combat all forms of terrorism and to take practical steps to present a crystal clear image of Islam and Muslims.