Jeddah, May 20, SPA -- A spokesman of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah has strongly deplored the action by a US staff sergeant serving in Iraq for using the Holy Quran for target practice. The spokesman said that the action by the soldier was reprehensible and irresponsible and that it could not be condoned under any pretext. The spokesman however appreciated the prompt disciplinary action taken by US army commander against the soldier by relieving him of his duty and for issuing a statement of apology and seeking forgiveness on his own behalf and on behalf of his soldiers. The OIC spokesman expressed the hope that the concerned US authorities in Iraq will take all necessary measures to ensure that such acts of incitement and provocation that cause anguish and insult to religious sentiments of the Muslims will not be repeated, according to a press release issued by the OIC.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/557501