OIC condemns Iraqi vice president's comments about Saudi Arabia

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned comments by the Iraqi vice president about Saudi Arabia. Nouri Al-Maliki accused the kingdom of supporting and sponsoring terrorism, and called for the Gulf state to be placed under “international custodianship”.

A statement released by the OIC on Wednesday described the comments as “irresponsible” and insisted that they violate the organisation’s charter. This calls for member states to promote friendly relations, mutual respect and cooperation between each other.

The Iraqi official’s comments, said the umbrella body, contradict the kingdom’s active role in the fight against terrorism and extremism nationally, regionally and internationally. They also contradict the OIC’s efforts in such matters.

“These unjustified statements do not contribute to supporting cooperation, solidarity and brotherly relations between our member states,” said the OIC, “and feed sectarian agendas at a time when all efforts should be combined to fight terrorism and extremist thought.”