Jeddah, Jan 19 (IANS/WAM): Iyad Ameen Madani, secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has expressed concern over the looting, raping and killing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

"These events violate the basic rights of the Rohingya Muslims to be protected as citizens and as a minority by their own government," the OIC secretary-general said in a statement Sunday.

"They also represent a grave violation of the Myanmar government's international commitments to protect civilians as well as breaking the statements signed between the OIC's ministerial contact group and Myanmar authorities during the group's visit from Nov 14-16, 2013," he added.

The secretary-general urged the Myanmar government to adhere to the framework it agreed to, to enforce the rule of law and keep its assurances to respect human rights and fundamental freedom.

Madani also called on political leaders of Myanmar to exercise their influence for the sake of peace, tolerance and community reconciliation.