The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dakar

As the OIC countries started a summit meet here yesterday at a trying time, Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed called for addressing the challenges facing the Muslim ummah unitedly, urgently and effectively.

"We face an attempt to undermine the message of peace brought to humanity by Holy Prophet Muhammad (SM). This has to be dealt with immediately and unitedly," he said giving vote of thanks on behalf of the Asian group in the opening session of the 11th summit of the OIC at the King Fahad Complex.

Dr Ahmed said the glory of Islam needs to be restored, Muslims' contribution to the civilization underscored.

" The issues of our own times-the problems of ending occupation, expanding the welfare of our peoples, protection of environment, preservation of global peace and stability-must be resolved with unity, solidarity, and strength," he said.

The Chief Advisor, citing from Sura As-Saff of the Holy Quran, said:

"Allah loves those who fight in His cause united in one column, like the bricks in one wall."

He appreciated the preparation of a report on 'Islamophobea', enhancing intra-OIC trade, upholding the image of Islam, preserving the heritage of Ummah, and strengthening the Muslims' capacity in science and technology and in the eradication of poverty.

At the outset of the two-day conference, Senegal was elected chairman of the 11th summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and took over the leadership from outgoing chair Malaysia.

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade addressed the inaugural session of the summit as the new chairman.

Majority of the heads of state and government of the 57-member OIC are attending the summit

The Chief Advisor, on behalf of the Asian leaders, extended heartiest congratulations to Senegalese President Wade on his assumption of the role of chairmanship of the forum.

"Your prodigious capabilities are legendary. We have every confidence that with your vast wisdom, and recognized skills, you will be able to guide our work to fruition. Your stirring inaugural remarks are a testimony to your capability to lead."

Dr Ahmed expressed profound gratitude to King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for organizing the 3rd Extraordinary Summit in 2005. This was done at a time when the Ummah was facing new kind of challenges in a fast- changing world.

He said the historic outcome of that summit, the Ten-Year Porgramme of Action, proved to be the lifeline of OIC, assisting its forward movement.

The Chief Advisor appreciated the Prime Minister of Malaysia for sharing the work since the Putrajaya Summit, saying his forward-looking visions and proficient leadership earned admiration of all.

Dr Ahmed expressed profound gratitude for the King of Morocco for leading the Al-Quds Committee, the President of Turkey for leading the Standing Committee on Commerce and Economic Cooperation and the President of Pakistan for chairing the Standing Committee on Science and technology.

These, he said, have strengthened immeasurably and enlightened the Ummah.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Bin Ahmad Badawi were absent from the summit due to compulsions at home.

The Chief Advisor said since the leadership of OIC passes from Asian hands to Africa, he assured Asia's unflinching support to President Wade's leadership.