In his speech at the opening of the ministerial-level extended executive committee meeting convened today at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Pr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called for the setting up of a legal experts group to convene as soon as possible and work out appropriate concepts as to the legal course through which the Israeli officials who planned the Israeli aggression on the Freedom Flotilla on its way to the Gaza Strip and those who participated in carrying this crime out, are brought to justice. "The legal course needs to be duly explored in our endeavor to achieve justice and ensure the lifting of the oppression visited upon our brothers in the blockaded Gaza Strip", Ihsanoglu added. He also urged the OIC Member States to rally and work together with friendly regional groups and other UN Member States to convene a meeting of the UN General Assembly within the framework of "Uniting for Peace" in order to ensure that the UN shoulders its responsibility in lifting the oppressive blockade on Gaza Strip. Ihsanoglu extended his heartfelt condolences to all the families of the martyrs who lost their lives as a result of this crime perpetrated by Israel, the occupying power, against the civilians. He wished a prompt recovery to the injured and a safe return to their countries and families to all participants after having achieved such a distinctive act of glory, dignity and humanity. At the same time, he paid a special tribute for the noble stand adopted by the Republic of Turkey, a stand that is indicative of a high sense of responsibility and distinct valour in the defense of the causes of the Islamic Ummah through a large and effective participation in the Freedom Flotilla, and through the positions expressed by its Government after Israel committed its crime. My special tribute also goes to all those who participated in staging this maritime convoy, both individuals and institutions, as well as to all those who volunteered to sail on these ships in this noble mission.
