Myanmar Muslims' Suffering Should Be A Concern for Int'l Community
Among the issues discussed, the plight of the Muslims in Myanmar; the Israeli devastation of the Gaza strip; and the crimes committed by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIL figured prominently, the OIC website reported. Madani stressed the conditions of the Rohingyas and how they are denied their rightful identity as citizens of Myanmar and are categorized instead as Bengalese. The OIC Secretary General added that the suffering of Myanmar Muslims should be a concern of the international community; he also outlined the efforts being made by the OIC to open up dialogue with the Government of Myanmar. Both Secretaries Generals agreed that their Special Envoys for Myanmar should foster their consultations and cooperation. On the issue of Gaza, Madani emphasized the basic and prerequisite importance of a definite peace process; and the importance of reinforcing and supporting the unity government in Palestine; as well as to create hope among Palestinians especially in Gaza. He put forward the importance of reopening the Gaza airport and reviving the project of a Gaza seaport, as effective instruments to create hope and optimism, to address the siege of Gaza and to create work and economic activity for the Palestinians. The two Secretaries Generals also discussed extremist movements that claim to be Islamic. Madani pointed out that such movements have nothing to do with Islam as a world religion of peace, equality and justice, nor with the Muslim culture and civilization of tolerance and inclusiveness. Such movements, Madani offered, should not only be confronted militarily, and as a humanitarian issue, but also should be analyzed to understand their makeup, their formation and the environment and actors that promote them. He also added that these movements should not be named Islamic, but called for what they are as terrorists and assassins.
