Published on October 20, 2005

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thursday blasted the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), saying he should read the holy Koran carefully before making criticism about his government’s handling of the violence in the Muslim-majority south.

“I would like him to read the Koran, which stated clearly that all Muslims, regardless where they live, must respect the law of that land,” Thaksin said.

“This mean the Koran wants Muslims to live peacefully with people of other religions,” he added.

Thaksin was directing his criticism to OIC Secretary-General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu who earlier this week issued a statement saying he had "deep concern and preoccupation" about the "continued acts of violence in southern Thailand against Muslims", and urged dialogue as the only way to restore peace and security.

Thaksin questioned motivation of the secretary-general for issuing such a statement, saying Thailand has permitted OIC representatives to inspect the situation in the deep south.

OIC should condemn the perpetuators behind the violence that have killed both Buddhist monks and Muslims religious leaders.

“No leaders in the world want to see these killings take place,” Thaksin said.

He said Muslims also killed each others, as seen in Iraq, and “why don’t the OIC make statement of concern”.

“All Thai people are tired of the violence and want to see peace. I will do every by all means to end the violence,” Thaksin said.

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