Hassan Cheruppa
JEDDAH — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is making preparations to convene a second Iraqi national unity conference in Makkah in the near future.
During the recent meeting between Iyad Ameen Madani, secretary general of OIC, and the Iraqi leaders, it was agreed to form a high-level technical group to start preparations for the meet, according to sources at OIC. Madani welcomed the favorable response of the Iraqi officials to the “Makkah II” initiative and reiterated the general secretariat’s determination to engage with Iraq to ensure its success.
The pan-Islamic body took initiative to hold a national unity conference between Iraqi religious leaders representing Sunnis and Shiites in October, 2006.
The meeting adopted a reconciliation document, titled “Makkah Al-Mukarramah Document,” which called for ending the bloodshed in the war-torn country.
During his visit to Iraq earlier this week, Madani held wide ranging talks with Iraqi leaders, including President Fuad Masum and Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari.
Madani’s visit to Baghdad was part of the OIC’s continued effort to convene an Iraqi national unity conference, to be based on the frameworks and principles agreed in “Makkah I I” conference of 2006.
During the meeting, Masum praised the efforts of the OIC in the service of Islamic Ummah, in particular Iraq, through its “Makkah II” initiative. He reiterated Iraq’s intention to work with the OIC General Secretariat to ensure the success of this initiative.
On his part, Jaafari conveyed Iraq’s support for holding such a conference. Madani’s talks with Iraqi leaders also focused on the OIC’s support for Iraq’s security, stability and territorial integrity. He also reaffirmed the organization’s stand with Iraq in its fight against all forms of terrorism.
Madani stressed the OIC’s ongoing commitment to support Iraq’s efforts to achieve a lasting national reconciliation; and to deepen an inclusive political process. In Baghdad, Madani also met with UN Special Envoy for Iraq Jan Kubis.
They discussed the situation in the region and the ongoing cooperation between the OIC and the UN in support of international peace and security.
