Azerbaijan, Baku, April 13 / Trend, A.Taghiyeva /
The developments in Syria are not caused by inter-confessional conflict, but by the despotism of the authorities against whom the Syrians oppose, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in an interview with the Zaman newspaper.
"Certain forces are trying to introduce the developments in Syria as an inter-confessional conflict. In fact it is uprising of the Syrians against a despotic regime," Ihsanoglu said.
He stressed that the OIC is against any foreign intervention in the situation in Syria and expressed the hope that the Assad regime will keep ceasefire promise.
On Wednesday, Syrian authorities stated that they will cease military operations from 06:00 on Thursday. The Syrian opposition also stated its readiness for a cease-fire on Tuesday. At the same time, the opposition pointed out that if government troops do not leave Syrian cities by Thursday, the rebels will continue to resist.
Anti-government protests which began in mid-March have persisted in Syria for almost a year. Daily reports are being received about the deaths of people, both civilian and the security forces.
According to UN statistics, the total number of victims in the country exceeds 9000. The Syrian authorities accuse armed militants of the clashes saying they receive assistance from neighbouring countries.