KUALA LUMPUR: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday called on Myanmar to “take decisive steps” to tackle the Rohingya crisis.
An extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers expressed “grave concern” over the eruption of violence in northern Rakhine state, which has resulted in the loss of life and displaced tens of thousands of Rohingya people.
It called on the Myanmar government to ensure that the security forces act in accordance with the rule of law and that all perpetrators of violence be held accountable.
The meeting also urged Myanmar to abide by its obligations under international law, humanitarian law and human rights covenants, and to restore the citizenship of Rohingya Muslims. It called for “all necessary measures to stop the violence and discrimination against the Rohingya Muslim minority and continued attempts to deny their culture and identity.”
The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen stressed that the OIC has sought to cooperate with the authorities in Myanmar at various levels, and called it to adopt a policy of transparency and justice towards ethnic and religious minorities.
He indicated that, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 65,000 members of the Rohingya fled to Bangladesh between Oct. 9, 2016 and Jan. 5, in addition to the thousands who have been forced to flee to other OIC member states including Malaysia, and ASEAN countries during previous waves of violence.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak told the opening of a special meeting that the violence against the Rohingya was no longer Myanmar’s internal affair, as it has fueled an exodus of refugees that could destabilize the region.
He warned that the violence must end otherwise militants including those from Daesh could infiltrate and radicalize the Rohingya.
“OIC member states are well aware that terrorist organizations such as Daesh could seek to take advantage of this situation,” Najib said.
Security forces in Buddhist-majority Myanmar are accused of widespread abuses against the Rohingya, including killings, rape and the burning of thousands of homes.
Myanmar’s army began the latest crackdown in Rakhine state in October after nine policemen were killed along the border with Bangladesh. The government and the army have rejected accusations of abuse, saying they have been conducting operations to clear the area of armed elements.
The OIC meeting also reiterated its stance on the Palestinian cause. The council confirmed its absolute condemnation of all illegal settlement activities carried out by Israel as an occupying power.
The organization welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2234 on the non-recognition of any changes affecting the pre-1967 borders.
OIC calls on Myanmar to take ‘decisive steps’ over Rohingya crisis
OIC calls on Myanmar to take ‘decisive steps’ over Rohingya crisis
Saudi Cabinet condemns ‘blatant’ Iranian aggression; affirms Kingdom’s right to respond to threats
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has warned it reserves the “full right” to respond to Iranian aggression following a series of “blatant and cowardly” strikes targeting the capital and the Eastern Province.
The warning came during a late-night Cabinet session on Tuesday, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman via videoconference, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
During the session, the Cabinet “reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full solidarity with the brotherly countries whose territories were subjected to blatant Iranian aggression”, signaling a united front against regional threats.
The session followed a dramatic escalation of hostilities, including a direct drone attack on the US Embassy in Riyadh.
Major General Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, confirmed that while air defenses intercepted multiple threats, the embassy compound sustained a “limited fire and minor material damage.”
General Al-Malki further announced that Saudi forces successfully intercepted and destroyed eight additional drones targeting the cities of Riyadh and Al-Kharj early Tuesday morning.
In a sharp rebuke of the embassy strike, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) cited a flagrant violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“The repetition of this flagrant Iranian behavior... will push the region toward further escalation,” the Ministry stated, underscoring that these provocations occurred despite Riyadh’s explicit policy of not allowing its airspace or territory to be used as a launchpad for strikes against Iran.
Global condemnation and solidarity
The Cabinet expressed deep appreciation for the wave of international support as world leaders condemned Tehran’s “indiscriminate” behavior.
In a joint show of force, the US and GCC member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) along with Jordan stood united, labeling the strikes a “dangerous escalation” and reaffirming a collective right to self-defense.
Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and India. — including Prime Minister Narendra Modi — voiced strong solidarity with the Kingdom. The UK government confirmed its forces are engaged in “defensive actions” to maintain regional stability.
Amid the heightened military tension, the Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom’s hospitality efforts for GCC citizens currently stranded at Saudi airports due to regional airspace closures. The crown prince reaffirmed that the state would mobilize all capabilities to support brotherly nations in any measures they take to restore regional peace and stability.
