Kuala Lumpur, March 20, SPA -- Dr Mahathir Mohammed, the former Malaysian premier, has called for the settlement of differences among the Muslims so as to close their ranks. In a statement carried by the Malaysian news agency yesterday, Dr Mahathir said Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is capable of playing a crucial role in this respect. 'It is high time for Muslim scholars and intellectuals to seriously and deeply discuss this issue with open minds so as to unite the Muslim ranks under one banner in line with the teachings of Islam' he said and added 'such a development will make the Muslims united and strong and deserve the respect of other nations'.--SPA 10 39 Local Time 07 39 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/346906