OIC calls for suspension of ties with Israel

Arafat sitting next to Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League

From Rym Brahimi
CNN Producer

DOHA, Qatar (CNN) -- The Organization of the Islamic Conference Saturday called on all 56 member nations to suspend all political and economic ties with Israel as long as the violence continues with the Palestinians.

The recommendation also applied to those countries in the process of normalizing relations with the Jewish state.

However, Turkey's foreign minister expressed reservations, and Egypt and Saudi Arabia had dispatched only junior representatives to the foreign ministerial-level meeting.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia dispatched only junior representatives to the foreign ministerial-level meeting because they were unhappy that Qatar has continued to maintain a trade office with the Israelis. Qatar has denied it has a trade office open, but the Israelis have said they do have one there.

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After the meeting, Qatar's foreign minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al Thani, stated the OIC will open an Islamic fund for the Palestinian intifada.

In addition, Hamad said, an OIC committee will be dispatched to Washington and the United Nations to explain the organization's position and ask the U.N. to create a protection force for the Palestinians.

The action by the OIC came after Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat appealed for a firm stance against Israel. Arafat demanded a "firm and solid stand as an Arab and Islamic nation in the face of this wicked aggression."

There have been growing calls in the Muslim world for suspension of all political contacts with Israel amid a Palestinian uprising in which over 500 people -- the vast majority Palestinian -- have been died since September.

Last week Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo called for a freeze on relations with Israel but stopped short of demanding a full break in ties.

Amid continuing international shuttle diplomacy, William Burns, the new U.S. envoy for the Middle East, is due to hold separate meetings Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Arafat.

Peace efforts are currently centering on implementing recommendations of an international commission led by former U.S. senator George Mitchell which published its report into the violence Monday. It called for an immediate cease-fire, Palestinian steps to rein in militants and a freeze on Jewish settlements.