Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), urged both Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar to build confidence and trust in each other for a peaceful co-existence. He made this comment while speaking to residents at the internally displaced people’s camps in the restive Rakhine State in Myanmar.

“The OIC seeks to help both communities to live together in peace and harmony,” he said.

Myanmar’s minister of foreign affairs and the union minister of border affairs briefed the OIC delegation of their government’s efforts for the resettlement of the Muslims. The delegation toured three camps in the state’s capital of Sittwe and the town of Maungdaw.

A large number of Rakhine Muslims, mainly from the Rohingya community, lined the dusty roads cheering and welcoming the OIC delegation, read an official statement issued by the organization.

“In his dialogue with members of the Rakhine Buddhists, Ihsanoglu repeatedly stressed that the OIC is not a religious organization and was not in Myanmar to spread Islam or to help Muslims only, but to help all people affected by violence without discrimination,” the statement said.

Ihsanoglu and his ministerial delegation attended Friday prayers at Thabuchaung Mosque where thousands of worshipers surrounded them. Ihsanoglu spent time listening to their grievances and expressing support and sympathy. The OIC chief and his accompanying delegation from seven member states met on Thursday with Nay Pyi Daw, the vice president of Myanmar and the chairman of the Central Committee on Implementation of Peace and Stability and Development in Rakhine State, Dr. Sai Mauk Kham, and the Vice Speaker of People’s Parliament, Nanda Kyawswar.

“The meetings were constructive reflecting the willingness of both sides to cooperate with each other,” the statement said. In both meetings, Ihsanoglu expressed appreciation of the recent steps taken by the Myanmar government toward democracy, inter-communal reconciliation, reform and ending violence to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including in Rakhine State. Ihsanoglu expressed his wish to open channels of communication and dialogue with Myanmar.

Ihsanoglu said, “The OIC, as the official representative of the Muslim world, is in a position to cooperate and contribute to the socio-economic development programs in Myanmar.”

The OIC delegation stressed at the meeting, which was attended by seven Parliament members including two Muslims, its readiness to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance to all affected people and communities, including Rakhine State.

They also stressed on the need to clarify the misunderstandings on both sides.

Mohammed Rauf Rafi, secretary-general of the European Rohingya Council, commended the OIC for its efforts to solve the Rohingya issue. However, he stressed the need for putting more pressure on Myanmar to ensure the safety of Muslims in the country.

“Myanmar wants to become a federal democratic country by 2015 and is seeking international support,” Rafi told Arab News. He said that opposition leader Aung San Suu would not be elected in the coming elections.

Rafi said the Rohingyas are still suffering because of anti-Muslim violence. “We will definitely go back to Arakan when the violence subsides.” However, he feared the government would implement strict conditions to prevent them from returning.