TEHRAN, Dec 11: Muslim leaders sought a consensus on Middle East peace. Gulf security and terrorism at an Islamic summit in Tehran that is closing later today, reports Reuter.

Delegates said many differences had been papered over on Wednesday, but they were still in work late Into the night to complete work on the statement to be issued at the end of the three-day Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Summit

Iran, re-emerging on the world stage to host the biggest international event in Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has contended that US

backed Middle East peace efforts are futile and Gulf states should make a pact to defend themselves without relying on Western forces.

It has not pushed its views to the limit to avoid offending moderate Arab states and has taken pains to reassure the Muslim world of its intentions.

"Iran intends to use its chairmanship of the OIC to re-tpove misunderstandings and strengthen an atmosphere of understanding and tranquillity in the region." President Mo hammad Khatami said on Wednesday in a meeting with his Sudanese counterpart

"Muslim states have to arrive at the fact that cooperation is possible in spite of some differing outlooks? he said

Iran and Pakistan, long at odds over Afghanistan, where they sympathise with rival factions. were due today to discuss ways to bring peace to their tormented neighbour.

Both say they want a broadbased Afghan government, but Pakistan has recognised the Taliban administration ruling Kabul, while Iran says ousted Kiident Burhanuddin Rab-

i. attending the summit as an observer, is the rightful ruler