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OIC concerned over U.S. restrictions on entry of citizens of 7 member states

Xinhua, January 30, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Monday expressed "grave concern" at an executive order signed by the U.S. president banning nationals of seven OIC member states from entering the United States.

In a statement, the OIC urged the U.S. administration to reconsider this blanket decision and "maintain its moral obligation," saying it "will further complicate the already grave challenges facing refugees."

"As a result of this ban many of those fleeing war and persecution have been adversely and unjustly affected," the statement said.

"Such selective and discriminatory acts will only serve to embolden the radical narratives of extremists and will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the U.S., to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations," the statement added.

The executive order signed on Friday by U.S. President Donald Trump bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. for a period of 90 days.

The countries listed are Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Iraq, with dual nationals included in the ban. Certain visa categories, such as those for diplomats, are exempt.

There have been reports of legal U.S. residents, known as green card holders, being turned away from U.S.-bound flights. Endit