Myanmar blocks OIC office

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar - Myanmar's president blocked a world Islamic body from opening an office in the nation, an official said Monday, bowing to rallies against its efforts to help Muslims in unrest-hit Rakhine state.

"The president will not allow an OIC office because it is not in accordance with the people's desires," said an official from Myanmar leader Thein Sein's office, after thousands of monks held the latest protests against the Organization of the Islamic Conference in two major cities on Monday. - Agence France-Presse