Jeddah, Sha'ban 12, 1433, Jul 2, 2012, SPA - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) denounced in a statement today the demolition of historical sites in Timbuktu, Mali by religious extremist groups. The OIC Spokesperson said that the sites were part of rich Islamic heritage of Mali and should not be allowed to be destroyed by bigoted extremist elements. The spokesperson expressed the OIC’s satisfaction at the actions taken by the Government of the Republic of Mali against the perpetrators, calling for taking necessary measures and appropriate steps for the protection and preservation of the historical sites. --SPA 15:05 LOCAL TIME 12:05 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1012584