KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11, 2007 (WAFA)- Malaysia has condemned Israel's excavation work around and beneath the holy al-Aqsa Mosque and called for its immediate stoppage.

In a statement released by Wisma Putra , Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said that Israel's act would ignite the feelings of Muslims all over the world and that it was a retro gressive step in the efforts to achieve peace in the region

"We denounce this blatant act of provocation and the complete disregard for the sanctity of the Holy Mosque. These acts by Israel against religious, cultural and heritage sites in the Occupied Territories are a direct violation of international law," he said in the statement.

Syed Hamid said Malaysia demanded an immediate stoppage to the excavation work that had a direct impact on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"As Chairman of the OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference), we call upon the international community to intervene immediately in order to stop these illegal activities," he said.

M.H.(11:28 P)(09:28 GMT)