Toeing the Pakistani line, the 57-member Organisation of Islamic countries has "extended" its support to the "inalienable right" of people of Jammu and Kashmir for "self-determination" in accordance with UN resolutions.
In a declaration issued after the two-day summit of the grouping in Mecca, attended among others by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, OIC also called for "respect of the human rights of the Kashmiri people and agreed to provide all possible political and diplomatic support to the representatives of Kashmiri people."
Addressing the conference, Musharraf, raising the Kashmir issue at the summit on Wednesday, had said "failure to resolve Kashmir and Palestine issues led to desperation, confusion and extremism" and asked Islamic countries to ban extremist groups.
"Our differences and divisions are exploited. Our failure to secure just resolution of disputes such as Palestine and Kashmir has spawned desperation, confusion and extremism," he said.
The OIC leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and rejected any justification for it, the declaration said.
Considering terrorism as a global phenomena not related to any religion, race, colour or country, the conference emphasised the importance of joining international efforts to combat the menace.
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