OIC calls for end to sanctions

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has "reiterated its call to the United States to lift the unilateral economic sanctions imposed on the Sudan in view of their harmful effects and the losses incurred by the Sudanese people economically and socially". The call was made in the final recommendations of the OIC's 26th ministerial session, held in Burkina Faso from 28 June to 1 July. The OIC, 26 of whose 56 member states are in Africa, also backed Sudan's request for an "international investigating commission under the supervision of the Security Council to investigate US allegations that the Al Shefa pharmaceutical factory produces toxic chemical gases". It confirmed "full solidarity with Sudan in facing hostile designs against its security and national integrity".