AhlulBayt News Agency

source : IINA
Monday

11 June 2012

7:30:00 PM
321714

Prof. Ihsanoglu condemns killing of UN peacekeepers, attack on churches

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed shock and sadness following the recent killing in Cote d’Ivoire of seven UN peace keepers from the Republic of Niger.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - He condemned the targeting of UN blue helmets deployed to restore durable peace in the West African country and who have been making enormous sacrifices in the discharge of their duties.

The OIC chief paid homage to the fallen soldiers and offered his sincere condolences to the government and people of Niger for the huge loss.

He then appealed to the Ivorian authorities to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Prof Ihsanoglu also condemned the recent attacks on churches in the cities of Biu and Jos in Nigeria which caused many deaths and left scores of others injured.

He noted that acts of violence targeting religious places and worshippers were abominable crimes which have no place in any religion.

He conveyed his profound condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of Nigeria over the sad incidents.

While calling for the end of the cycle of violence inNigeria, the secretary general appealed to all segments of the nation, to continue to preserve national cohesion and avoid acts that could ignite sectarian conflict in their country.

/smh_