JEDDAH, 30 September 2006 — The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is making contacts to hold a meeting of Sunni and Shiite scholars in Makkah to discuss ways to end the sectarian conflict in Iraq.

According to a report carried by Al-Jazirah Arabic daily, the meeting would be held within the next few days.

“All Sunni and Shiite scholars have responded positively to the OIC call,” the daily said quoting an informed source.

However, the paper said the OIC was waiting for a response from Sheikh Ali Sistani, a top Iraqi Shiite scholar, who is yet to confirm his participation.

In a statement on the advent of Ramadan, OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu had called upon warring Muslim factions in Iraq and Darfur to stop fighting and work for national unity.

“Respecting the holy month of Ramadan, and in accordance with the Islamic teaching ... the OIC believes that it would be advisable to declare the month of Ramadan as a month of tranquility in all conflict areas in the Muslim world, including Darfur and Iraq, and to allow for cessation of all hostilities and sectarian violence and conflicts,” he said.

For this action to be effective, the secretary-general called for the halt of all war-oriented operations, building up or deployment of troops, tribal and sectarian attacks and animosities.

“We should use the holy month for the purpose of catering to the need of the suffering peoples by allowing humanitarian agencies to access to areas presently beyond their reach,” he explained.

The cessation of hostilities, Ihsanoglu said, must be used to engage in confidence building activities such as peaceful dialogues among the groups. “We should also cater to the basic humanitarian needs of people suffering from wars and conflicts,” he added.

The 57-member OIC recently celebrated its 37th anniversary. Over the years, OIC has proved its significance, unifying Islamic positions, reinforcing Islamic solidarity and promoting common ground between Muslims.

Rapidly unfolding world events, the shifting geo-political scene and balance of power in the world as well as changing concepts in economic practices and social values have raised voices requesting the re-structuring of the general secretariat and reforming of the entire OC system.