'Muslim economic forum in KL must state stance on Israel, Iran'

Harakahdaily

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4: PAS has called on the World Islamic Economic Forum to be held from May 18 to 20 to state its opposition to the US-led sanctions against Iran and to seriously address issues related to trade ties with the state of Israel. PAS information chief Idris Ahmad said besides the Malaysian leaders' connections with the Zionist state such as their ties with consultancy firm Apco Worldwide and secret meetings between UMNO leaders and Israeli ministers, there were other Muslim countries who had been openly having trade and diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv such as Indonesia, Mauritania, Jordan and Turkey. "This issue must be discussed by the heads of these governments who claim to symphatise with the Palestinian struggle yet they, the Malaysian government included, are in cohorts with the Zionist state," he said in a statement. The forum, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, will be attended by leaders of Muslim majority nations. Among others, it is expected to address issues such as tourism, small and medium-scale industries, water management, education, technology and Islamic banking. Idris said besides these issues, the Muslim leaders must not ignore the Palestinian plight and show their commitment by advocating pressure against Israel in the same way the Zionist state had been lobbying for economic sanctions against Iran. PAS also urged Muslim countries to declare their stance on issues such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran. "They must prove that they can unite to defend Iran against economic sanctions. This is the time to show the world that they are not America's lackeys," added Idris.