By DPA
Riyadh : The Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) declared its support for Kosovo’s independence, viewing the move as an asset to the Muslim world, reports here said Tuesday.
“As we rejoice in this happy result, we declare our solidarity with and support for our brothers and sisters there,” said Ekmeleddin Ihsangoglu, OIC Scretary General, according to a statement issued by the organization.
He added that the Islamic community hopes that Kosovo would successfully build a strong state capable of satisfying its people.
“There is no doubt that the independence of Kosovo will be an asset to the Muslim world and further enhance the joint Islamic action,” Ihsangoglu said during a speech at a meeting for senior officials Monday.
As the 57 Islamic states, members of the organization of the Islamic conference, endorsed the declaration, the recognition of Kosovo is left up to each member state.
Kosovo declared independence Sunday after the province has been under UN control and NATO protection since 1999.
Kosovo is the sixth state carved from the Serb-dominated federation since 1991, after Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Montenegro. Tens of thousands of people were killed in ethnic fighting during the break-up of Yugoslavia during the 1990s.
The OIC aims at protecting the interests of the Muslim world, and is considered to be the second largest inter-governmental organization after the UN.