"At the moment we do not have a mechanism (for a peacekeeping force) but I think there is a demand," said OIC secretary general, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.

"I think it is in the interest of the Muslim community to have a peacekeeping force under the OIC banner," he told reporters at the sidelines of a gathering of lawmakers from the grouping's parliaments here.

Delegates said the formation of an OIC peacekeeping force was expected to be discussed at the summit on Friday.

Lawmaker and parliamentary speaker from Burkina Faso, Toure Solimane, told AFP OIC peacekeepers would provide a better alternative to resolving conflicts in OIC member countries such as Iraq.

"I think it is a good idea. Look at what is happening in Iraq. When the US sends its troops there is trouble. The violence escalates. This is because the US has other interests. They eye the natural resources," he said.