‘Go Home’

Up to 35 heads of state are expected to attend in what will be the largest gathering of Muslim leaders since 9/11. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is also scheduled to attend, along with non-members Russian President Vladimir Putin and Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who both rule over large, rebellious Muslim minorities.

Belkeziz said of all the conflicts involving Muslims, the occupation of Iraq and the Palestinian problem needed to be addressed most urgently. ‘‘Foremost of these is the eviction of foreign forces from Iraq, allowing the UN to administer Iraqi affairs,’’ Belkeziz said in his opening address.

But Turkey’s team of senior officials said although Ankara would have liked a UN mandate to help restore order in neighbouring Iraq, it was more important to act.

When asked whether troops would definitely not be deployed in the Kurdish areas in northern Iraq, where Turkey is regarded with deep suspicion, members said: ‘‘No. We already have troops there, we will not be sending any more. They will be deployed elsewhere’’.

The US-backed Iraqi Governing Council is expected at the summit. Iraq’s other northern neighbour, Iran, predictably wanted the US-led forces out. ‘‘All OIC members are urging the occupiers to leave Iraq and give the power to the Iraqi people,’’ Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ghomali Khoshroo, said. Belkeziz also condemned Israel for failure to live up to peace process commitments.

Veteran Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad, hosting the summit before his retirement on October 31, said the OIC would have little influence as long as US politicians were inclined to support Israel. Belkeziz said the eight-day meeting, which ends when leaders depart on October 18, should also discuss major challenges to Muslims arising from terrorism and globalisation and ‘‘campaigns against Islam, Muslims and human rights’’.

Other conflicts that the summit will touch upon include the situations in Afghanistan, Kashmir, Azerbaijan, the Philippines and Somalia. (Reuters)