Ihsanoglu: the logic of force overrides wisdom in Syria. OIC is prepared to contribute to the decisions of the Syrian People’s Group of Friends

The OIC Secretary General, Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, affirmed that the Organization and its Member States are fully prepared to contribute to all efforts and initiatives to be approved by the Syrian People's Group of Friends, in their meeting being held in the Republic of Tunisia today Friday, 24 February 2012, to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria through the cessation of bloodshed of innocent people and satisfaction of the legitimate claims of the Syrian people in democracy and respect for human rights. Ihsanoglu, who participated in the meeting, said that the situation in Syria is worsening day by day; and the excessive use of force continues leading to death and injury of hundreds of civilians; and the shelling of cities, towns and villages; adding that the logic of force overrides the logic of reason and wisdom. He noted that the suffering of the Syrian people in many cities and villages exacerbates; and relief and humanitarian organizations are denied access to provide aid and support to these areas, calling for the need to protect Syrian civilians by enabling these institutions to perform their work. The Secretary General praised the OIC Executive Committee’s call on the Syrian authorities to end violations of human rights and to grant access to Islamic and international humanitarian organizations. He noted that the Syrian authorities did not respond to the Organization’s demand in this regard. The Secretary General expressed regret for the death of more victims following the UN Security Council’s failure to adopt a resolution on the Syrian crisis, and recalled that the OIC previously stated fears realized on the ground by more killing of innocents and destruction. Ihsanoglu affirmed his support to UN General Assembly resolution adopted by a broad majority, calling for immediate and comprehensive cessation of all acts of violence and killing of Syrian civilians, and inviting the UN Security Council to issue a resolution in this respect.