Ihsanoglu regrets escalation in Syria and renews readiness of the OIC to contribute in containing the crisis

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed regret at the continuing escalation of violence in Syria, which has led to a large numbers of victims, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and respecting human rights which Islam and international declarations call for. Ihsanoglu reiterated the OIC's position which calls for resolving the Syrian crisis through halting violence and bloodshed. He called for return to wisdom and serious dialogue with the national forces in order for the Syrian people to achieve their aspirations of democratic reforms and economic development. Ihsanoglu emphasized that the use of force will only lead to more violence and bloodshed, thus exacerbating the crisis and making it more complex. He warned that the continued military escalation in the light of continuing regional and global rejection of such escalation will push the country to slide towards internal risks which threaten peace, security and stability in the country and in the region. The OIC Secretary General stressed his absolute rejection for any form of foreign intervention in Syria, expressing, once again, that out of its commitment to safety, security and stability of Syria, which is an OIC Member, the OIC is ready to offer what it can through its position and possible capabilities in order to contain the current developments, and in the manner that would satisfy all parties and achieve the desired consensus, which guarantees stability in this country.