"In the process of convergence with the OIC [Organization of the Islamic Conference], we have begun to make efforts to explain our position on Chechnya. I think Islamic countries have a better understanding of our motivation," Veniamin Popov, the Russian liaison to the OIC, said at a press conference.
He said Islamic countries have often been critical of Russia's policy in Chechnya.
"Beslan has become a big divide in the Islamic world's attitude on this issue. Islamic countries have understood that it is an internal Russian affair and that it is necessary to help Russia to solve this conflict," he said, adding that Islamic countries advocate the earliest possible solution of the problem with respect to Chechen people' interests.
Popov has also informed of the OIC Secretary's General forthcoming visit to Moscow.
"We have invited the OIC Secretary General to Moscow on a working visit. I think that during the visit we will agree on concrete cooperation projects," Popov said, adding that these projects include joint publications, events and conferences in Russia and OIC countries.
Russia was granted observer status in OIC in June, but cannot be a full OIC member since OIC member states are required to have a Muslim population majority and must be ruled by an Islamic government.
OIC was established in 1969 and includes 57 members.
