JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday threw its support behind Bahrain amid criticisms over the kingdom’s revocation of the citizenship of Shiite Ayatollah Isa Qassim.
In a statement, the 57-nation OIC’s general secretariat urged “external parties” to keep off Bahrain’s internal affairs.
Bahrain has said Qassim abused his position to “serve foreign interests and promote... sectarianism and violence.”
Iran has warned that the recent action by Manama against the cleric “was a step too far.”
But the OIC statement said the secretariat “follows with satisfaction the efforts exerted by the government of Bahrain to establish the institutions and rule of law and promoting the exercise by the Bahraini citizens of all their legitimate rights.”
Saudi Arabia had also voiced support for Bahrain, saying it stands by its neighbor in “measures taken to preserve the security, stability and safety of its citizens” and to protect “unity and social cohesion.”
The OIC secretariat urged all “stakeholders” in the tiny oil-rich kingdom “to place the high interests of Bahrain and its people ahead of all other considerations,” implying that they should not destabilize their own country.
The statement reminded members that “the OIC Charter calls for respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Member States and noninterference in their internal affairs.”
Bahrain and Iran are both members of the organization that was founded 47 years ago to give Muslim countries a leverage in deciding the world’s affairs.
Bahrain and other Gulf states, however, have repeatedly accused Iran of interfering in their affairs and inciting violence among Shiites, a claim Tehran denies.
There was no immediate indication of Qassim’s fate but, in theory, he would be left stateless and could face deportation through a legal process.
In a statement, the 57-nation OIC’s general secretariat urged “external parties” to keep off Bahrain’s internal affairs.
Bahrain has said Qassim abused his position to “serve foreign interests and promote... sectarianism and violence.”
Iran has warned that the recent action by Manama against the cleric “was a step too far.”
But the OIC statement said the secretariat “follows with satisfaction the efforts exerted by the government of Bahrain to establish the institutions and rule of law and promoting the exercise by the Bahraini citizens of all their legitimate rights.”
Saudi Arabia had also voiced support for Bahrain, saying it stands by its neighbor in “measures taken to preserve the security, stability and safety of its citizens” and to protect “unity and social cohesion.”
The OIC secretariat urged all “stakeholders” in the tiny oil-rich kingdom “to place the high interests of Bahrain and its people ahead of all other considerations,” implying that they should not destabilize their own country.
The statement reminded members that “the OIC Charter calls for respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Member States and noninterference in their internal affairs.”
Bahrain and Iran are both members of the organization that was founded 47 years ago to give Muslim countries a leverage in deciding the world’s affairs.
Bahrain and other Gulf states, however, have repeatedly accused Iran of interfering in their affairs and inciting violence among Shiites, a claim Tehran denies.
There was no immediate indication of Qassim’s fate but, in theory, he would be left stateless and could face deportation through a legal process.
