Dr. Ihsanoglu shed light on the role of the OIC in the Muslim world and in the international policy in addition to its role in tackling the problems facing the Muslim world. "We are in an era when slur campaigns are launched against Islam by certain quarters which target the tolerant Islamic teachings so as to create a state of hatred towards Islam and Muslims, " he noted underlining the importance of confronting these attacks in a wise manner through projecting the reality of Islam. He said the issues of human rights and the status of women are exploited by the enemies of Islam, so it is high time to present the real stand of Islam towards the human rights and the women. He also pointed out that there is a tangible progress as regards improving the status of women in the Muslim countries. On the Palestinian problem, he condemned the aggression being carried out by the Israeli settlers against the Palestinian civilians. "What is taking place in the occupied territories and the siege imposed on Gaza provide a clear evidence for Israel's disrespect to the international law and to the agreements signed with the Palestinian side, he noted.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/614862