VIOLATION OF AL-AQSA DENOUNCED

VIOLATING SANCTITY: Settlers and rabbis break into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. (source:Arabnews.com) Jeddah, 21 jumadil awwal 1435/22 March 2014 (MINA) – The repeated aggressions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque are part of an Israeli attempt to impose a fait accompli in its negotiations with the Palestinians, according to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Strongly condemning Israeli officials and extremist settler groups for breaking into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and for perpetrating aggression against worshippers, with the support and protection of Israeli occupation forces, the OIC warned against the rising Israeli incursions and violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque at a time when international endeavors are going on to move the peace process forward, Arab News quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Also Read: Arab World Condemns Egypt Church Bombings

OIC Secretary-General Iyad Madani called on the international community to take actions immediately to compel Israel to stop its crimes and aggressions against the Palestinian people and to put an end to its occupation of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem.

The OIC, meanwhile, has called on all member states to speedily ratify the statute of the OIC Women’s Development Organization (WDO) and thanked Saudi Arabia for ratifying the statute.

Madani said this will enable the WDO to start its work which also includes implementing the OIC plan of action for the advancement of women adopted in 2008. The plan articulates the OIC member states’ commitment to addressing a range of problems faced by women.

Also Read: UN: March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia

The OIC is committed to take steps toward eliminating all acts of discrimination against women in order to reduce inequality between women and men. It earmarks the visionary and comprehensive strategy to advance the status of women.

During its weekly session on Monday, the Saudi Council of Ministers endorsed the statute after reviewing a report presented by the minister of foreign affairs and examining the decision of the Shoura Council in this regard.

The WDO was established with the objective of promoting the role of women in OIC member states through capacity-building supplemented by training, education and rehabilitation.
The aim of the organization is to highlight the role of Islam in preserving the rights of Muslim women, especially in international fora in which the organization is involved.

Also Read: EGYPT ARMY STEPS UP ATTACKS ON GAZA TUNNELS AFTER MORSI OUSTER

The OIC will also organize conferences, seminars, workshops and forums in the member states in the areas of women’s development.

The OIC is mandated to explore opportunities for women to take part in the development of Muslim society and enhance their capacity to play an active role in all walks of life in the member states. (T/P015/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)