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FINAL COMMUNIQUE
OF
THE TWENTY-SECOND ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF
CASABLANCA,
KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
8-10
RAJAB, 1415H (10-12 DECEMBER, 1994)
1.
At the kind invitation of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Twenty-second
Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers was held in Casablanca, Kingdom of
Morocco, from 8 to 10 Rajab, 1415H, corresponding to 10 - 12 December 1994.
2.
A. The
following Member States attended the Conference:
1. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
2.
Republic of Azerbaijan
3.
Islamic State of Afghanistan
4.
Republic of Albania
5.
State of United Arab Emirates
6.
Republic of Indonesia
7. Republic of Uganda
8. Islamic Republic of Iran
9.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
10.
State of Bahrain
11.
Brunei Darussalam
12.
Burkina Faso
13.
People's Republic of Bangladesh
14.
Republic of Benin
15.
Republic of Turkey
16.
Republic of Chad
17.
Republic of Turkmenistan
18.
Republic of Tunisia
19.
Republic of Tajikistan
20.
Republic of Gabon
21.
Republic of the Gambia
22.
People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
23.
Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros
24.
Republic of Djibouti
25.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
26.
Republic of Senegal
27.
Republic of Sudan
28.
Syrian Arab Republic
29
Republic of Sierra Leone
30.
Somali Republic
31.
Republic of Iraq
32.
Sultanate of Oman
33.
Republic of Guinea
34.
Republic of Guinea-Bissau
35.
State of Palestine
36.
Republic of Kyrgyzstan
37.
State of Qatar
38.
Republic of Cameroun
39.
State of Kuwait
40.
Republic of Lebanon
41.
Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
42.
Republic of Maldives
43.
Republic of Mali
44.
Malaysia
45.
Arab Republic of Egypt
46.
Kingdom of Morocco
47.
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
48.
Republic of Mozambique
49.
Republic of Niger
50.
Federal Republic of Nigeria
51.
Republic of Yemen
B.The
following Subsidiary Organs of the OIC attended the Conference:
3.
The Conference was opened by H.E. Dr. Abdellatif Filali, Prime Minister
and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco.
H.E. the Prime Minister welcomed the delegations and recalled that
Morocco which hosts today the Twenty-second Islamic Conference of Foreign
Ministers, was also the land which witnessed the birth of the OIC following the
burning of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He then reviewed the different agenda items and
urged the OIC to examine its working methods in order to increase its efficiency
and strengthen its credibility in the light of the realities imposed by
international changes in the political, economic and social fields.
4.
The Conference thereafter heard the statements made by Their Excellencies
the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Lebanon and the
Republic of Maldives respectively on behalf of African, Arab and Asian Groups.
5.
His Excellency Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, Foreign Minister of Pakistan and
Chairman of the Twenty-first Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers made a
statement in which he highlighted the salient issues including the cause of
Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jammu and Kashmir dispute
and Afghanistan which have been the focus of OIC's attention and efforts. He
paid a warm tribute to the Secretary General H.E. Dr. Hamid Al-Gabid for his
devoted service to the OIC and thanked him for the cooperation he received
during his tenure as the Chairman of the Twenty-first Islamic Conference of
Foreign Ministers.
6.
In his address, H.E. Dr. Hamid Algabid, Secretary General laid emphasis
on the concept of solidarity which must characterize the Islamic Ummah, for, he
added, without this solidarity no action, no matter how just it may be, can
achieve success. He therefore invited Member States to redouble their efforts to
make Islamic solidarity instrument in the service of the Ummah. The Secretary
General also deplored the conflicts of which the Islamic world is the victim,
whether these are instigated from abroad or of entirely endogenous origin and
result from belonging to different legal cum theological schools.
7.
His Excellency Dr. Abdel Latif Al-Fillali, Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, of the Kingdom of Morocco was unanimously
elected as the Chairman.
8.
The Conference elected Their Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the
Republic of Indonesia, Burkina Faso and the State of Palestine as Vice Chairmen.
His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan was elected as the Rapporteur-General.
9.
The Conference listened with interest to the message of H.E. Abdou Diouf,
President of the Republic of Senegal to the Seventh Islamic Summit, which was
read out by H.E. Moustapha Niasse, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign
Affairs and of Senegalese Expatriates. President Diouf expressed satisfaction at
the work done by the OIC in the political, economic and social fields. He
expressed particular satisfaction at the significant progress made in the Middle
East Peace Process and in the Iraq-Kuwait dispute. He also stressed the
commendable efforts made to rationalize the working of the OIC System while
pointing out the persistence of major problem: that of the rehabilitation of the
Organisation's financial situation. He expressed the wish that the Seventh
Summit take appropriate decisions to provide the OIC with the necessary
resources to help it fulfill its mission.
10.Thereafter,
the Conference approved the Report of the meeting of Senior Officials which was
presented by the Chairman of the Meeting, His Excellency Salah Zaimi, Head of
the Moroccan Delegation to the Senior Officials Meeting.
11.
The Conference adopted the draft Agenda submitted by the meeting of
Senior Officials.
12.
The Conference unanimously admitted the Republic of Mozambique as full
member of the OIC.
13.
The Conference noted with appreciation the Report of His Excellency
Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and
the Chairman of the Twenty-first Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
14.
The Conference noted with appreciation the Reports submitted by the
Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on various items
of the agenda and on the activities of the General Secretariat between the
Twenty-first and Twenty-second Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers.
15.
The Conference heard with fraternal sentiments the moving statement of
His Excellency, Irfan Ljubljanic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina who
expressed the gratitude of the Government of his country for the firm support of
the Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and strongly
appealed to increase this assistance at this critical juncture of the history of
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
16.
The Conference also heard with fraternal sentiments the statement of His
Excellency Atay A. Rasit who voiced the rightful cause of the Turkish Muslim
people of Cyprus.
17.
The Conference also heard a statement made by His Excellency Mr. Nur
Missuari, Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, regarding the problems
of the Muslims of Southern Philippines.
18.
The Conference noted with satisfaction the Reports of the Secretary
General on Organic, Statutory and General Questions. In this context, it
expressed its appreciation for the Report of the Secretary General in the
implementation of Resolution 1/6-ORG (IS) and 1/21-ORG adopted respectively by
the Sixth Islamic Summit and the Twenty-first Islamic Conference of Foreign
Ministers on the functioning of the OIC, its subsidiary organs, specialized and
affiliated institutions. It expressed its satisfaction for the measures taken by
the Secretary General to implement these important resolutions and requested
that he continue his efforts in this direction.
19.
The Conference approved the regulations governing the Observer status at
the OIC.
20.
The Conference took note with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary
General on the cooperation between the Organization of the Islamic Conference
and the United Nations, and other
international and regional organizations. It welcomed the ongoing cooperation
between the OIC and these organizations and expressed the hope that the
mechanisms of coordination between them will be strengthened.
21.
The Conference also welcomed the consolidation of cooperation between the
OIC and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
22.
The Conference invited the Secretary General to establish close
cooperation links with the World Muslim Scout Union and to authorize it to carry
out its activities under the banner of the OIC.
23.
The Conference expressed its determination to project the correct image
of Islam, resorting in this regard to the spirit of "Ijtihad" in Islam
based on general principles of Islamic Sharia. It condemned the evil intention
of the quarters that seize every opportunity to discredit Islam or present it as
contrary to progress and development or as a threat to the foundations of modern
civilization. It rejected the use
of this distorted image of Islam to justify aggression and occupation against
Muslim countries and peoples. It denounced the double standard approach adopted
by anti-Islamic quarters whenever a just cause of interest to the Islamic Ummah
is at stake. It affirmed the readiness of the Islamic Ummah stemming from the
teachings of Islam to engage in a constructive dialogue with the revealed
religions in a spirit of tolerance and respect for international legality.
24. The
Conference welcomed the contribution made by the Organization in the cause of
Islamic solidarity and cooperation over the last 25
years. It recognized that the profound changes taking place in the World today
such as the trend towards economic globalization and the formation of regional
economic groupings constitute a strong encouragement for safeguarding the
interests of Islamic Ummah by strengthening their coopertion and joint action.
It also recognized the important role of the Organization in galvanizing
cooperation among member states to meet these challenges. It realized the
importance of taking stock of the Organization's past achievement and of
reviewing its existing capabilities to meet the challenges in order to enhance
the relevance and effectiveness of the Organization. It decided to establish
immediately an Eminent Persons Group comprising a select number of outstanding
individuals from various disciplines drawn from member states to take stock of
the achievement of the Organization over the past 25 years, identify its
strength and weaknesses, review its objectives in the light of changing
circumstances and submit to the Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign
Ministers recommendations on appropriate measures that should be taken to
enhance ithe Organizations's effectiveness and relevance as the promoter of
Islamic solidarity and cooperation and an overall perspective plan to expand and
strengthen development cooperation among member countries for the progress of
the Ummah.
Twenty-Third Islamic
Conference of Foreign Ministers:
25.
The Conference decided that the Twenty-third Islamic Conference of
Foreign Ministers shall be held in the Republic of Guinea at a date to be fixed
after consultations.
Question of Palestine
and Al-Quds Al-Sharif:
26.
The Conference reaffirmed that the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif
is the prime cause of all Muslims,
and expressed its solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organisation in its
just struggle for removing the effects of Israeli occupation and building the
Palestinian national institutions on the land of Palestine. It called upon
Member States to continue supporting the PLO and its positions in the
forthcoming negotiations for the transfer of all powers and responsibilities in
the occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to the
Palestinian National Authority, and to emphasize the return of the Holy City to
Palestinian sovereignty. It affirmed that a just and comprehensive peace in the
Middle East region can only be achieved through complete and unconditional
Israeli withdrawal from all the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since
1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and the occupied
Lebanese territories.
27.
It expressed its support for the peace process in the Middle East, and
welcomed the agreements concluded in its framework and noted that the success of
the peace process hinges on the implementation of resolutions of international
legitimacy, including resolutions 242, 338 and 425 of the Security Council, on
the basis of Arab and international understanding of these resolutions, and the
"land for peace" formula and the need to enable the Palestinian
people to exercise their national and political rights.
28.
It stressed that Al-Quds Al-Sharif is an integral part of the Palestinian
territories occupied in 1967 and to it apply all the provisions applicable to
the other occupied territories and reiterated the necessity of its return to
Palestinian sovereignty as capital of the State of Palestine. It invited all
States in the world to refrain from having any dealings with the Israeli
occupation authorities which might be interpreted in any way by those
authorities as an implicit recognition of the "fait accompli" imposed
by the proclamation of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel. It called for
compliance with Security Council resolution 478 (1980) which invites Member
States not to transfer their diplomatic missions to the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
It called on Member States to face up to the serious developments ensuing from
the continued Israeli expansionist policy in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to confront this
policy to provide material resources for the preservation of Islamic Shrines,
and to support the steadfastness of the city's inhabitants. It invited the
international community, and in particular the two co-sponsors of the Peace
Conference, to compel Israel not to effect any geographical or demographical
changes in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transitional period, that
might affect the outcome of the negotiations on the final status of the City.
29.
It expressed its strong condemnation of the decision taken by the Israeli
Supreme Court to consider the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the territory of
the State of Israel.
30.
It called upon Member States to honour their commitment to cover the
budgets of the Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf.
31.
It called for the dismantling of the settlements already established
since they are unlawful, and to halt further Jewish settlements in occupied
Palestinian and Arab territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Syrian Golan,
as required under the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.
32.
It stressed the need to secure international protection for the
Palestinian people in the Occupied Territories; and to halt all Israel's
terrorist and repressive practices against the Palestinian people.
It invited Member States to work for compelling Israel to release the
detainees, bring back the deportees, put an end to the method of collective
punishment, and desist from any works that may endanger life and the environment
in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.
33.
It called for the support of the international programme of economic,
social and cultural development in the occupied Palestinian areas, and for the
support of the Palestinian National Authority so that it can establish its
control and start the process of reconstruction and development of the Occupied
Territories.
34.
It strongly condemned the aggressive Israeli scheme to partition the
Ibrahimi Enclosure in the city of Al-Khalil, and called on Member States to
continue their coordination and intensive efforts to prevent the implementation
of this scheme and preserve the Ibrahimi Enclosure as a mosque solely for
Muslims as it has been through the ages.
35.
It called on the international community and the Security Council to
compel Israel to comply with U.N. Resolutions, particularly Security Council
Resolution 487 (1981), to accede to the treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons, to implement the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) calling for the subjection
of all Israeli Atomic facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System, to
proclaim Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to submit a full report
on its stockpile of nuclear weapons and materials to the Security Council and
the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the
establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
36.
The Conference commended the steadfastness of the Arab-Syrian citizens in
the Golan against Israeli occupation, strongly condemned Israel for not
complying with Security Council resolution 497 (1981), and affirmed that
Israel's decision to impose its jurisdiction, its law and its administration on
the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void. It also declared that the Knesset
resolution of 11 November 1991 confirming the annexation of the occupied Syrian
Golan is null and void and without legal effect and constitutes a flagrant
violation of Security Council resolution 497 (1981).
It expressed strong condemnation of Israel for continuing to alter the
legal status and demographic set up of the occupied Syrian Golan. It affirmed
that Israel's continuing occupation of the Syrian Golan constitutes a permanent
threat to peace and security in the region. It demanded that Israel withdraw
totally from Lebanon to the lines of 4 June 1967.
37.
The Conference saluted the heroism and steadfastness of the Lebanese
people against Israeli occupation and strongly condemned Israel's continuing
occupation of Lebanese territories, and its persistence in deporting Lebanese
citizens from their villages and lands, as well as all the inhuman practices of
the Israeli enemy in those areas. It called for efforts to prevent Israel from
continuing those practices and compel it to release Lebanese detainees. It also
called for action to force Israel to implement the UN Security Council
resolutions, in particular resolution 425 (1978) which calls for immediate and
unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Lebanese territory, and for
helping the legitimate authorities to establish their control over all Lebanese
territories. It invited all
countries to increase their assistance to Lebanon in order to consolidate the
political gains of the National Reconciliation Government.
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
38.
The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the safeguarding of the
sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Republic of
Bosnia- Herzegovina and reaffirmed all previous OIC Resolutions and Declarations
relating to the Situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
39.
It strongly condemned the continuing Serbian aggression against the
Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serb non-compliance with the relevant
resolutions of the Security Council as well as the Serb rejection of the
Five-Nation Peace Plan. It also strongly condemned the Serb attacks on the Bihac
Safe area and expressed its concern over the lack of effective measures by
UNPROFOR Command to deter attacks against UN designated safe areas in
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
40.
It reiterated its call on the Five Nation Contact Group for establishing
an action oriented relationship with the OIC Contact Group on Bosnia-Herzegovina
that should give a fair and balanced consideration of the views, concerns and
interests of the Governments of the Republic and the Federation of
Bosnia-Herzegovina. It called for an urgent Ministerial Meeting between the Five
Nation Contact Group and the OIC Contact Group to consider ways and means to
deal with the deteriorating situation in Bosnia- Herzegovina.
41.
It called for effective deployment of international monitors/forces on
the borders of the Republic of Bosnia- Herzegovina with Serbia and Montenegro;
recognition by Serbia and Montenegro of the internationally recognized borders
of the Republics of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and other States in the region;
suspension of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 943(1994) and
vigorous enforcement of the sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro;
strengthening of UNPROFOR by including troops pledged by OIC member states;
enhancing participation of OIC troop contributors within UNPROFOR
Command, as well as political decision making process; expansion of UNPROFOR
mandate; effective protection and expansion of Safe Areas to cover all the
territories allocated in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina; establishment of
effective UNPROFOR presence in Serb
occupied areas; simplifying and streamlining of procedures to enable NATO to
provide effective and immediate military support to UNPROFOR and the Bosnian
population including air strikes to deter and reverse Serb aggression;
demilitarization of Sarajevo; and adoption
of appropriate measures to facilitate the return of refugees; and reaffirmation
of the status of Sarajevo as the undivided and united capital of the Federation
of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It requested the
OIC Contact Group and troop contributing states to establish a Working Group in
New York to evaluate current and future contributions to the UN mandated forces.
42.
It demanded that the Government of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina
must be provided with all necessary means for self defense to exercise
individually or collectively its inherent right recognized by Article 51 of the
UN Charter. It expressed its readiness to cooperate with all UN member states
who exhibit a willingness on their own initiative to provide the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina with the means for self defense. It reiterated that
Security Council Resolution 713 paragraph 6 does not legally and cannot morally
apply to the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina
and indicated its commitment to act accordingly.
43.
It welcomed the call of the President of Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina
for unilateral response by members of the international community in the event
that the compromise proposal is not
effected by members of the Five-Nation Contact Group and regarded in the same
vein the call made by the General Assembly to the Security Council to give due
consideration to exempting the Governments of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina
and the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina from the embargo on deliveries of
weapons and military equipment.
44.
It condemned the tendency on the part of some to appease the Serbian
aggressor and reminded the international community, particularly the major
powers of the imperative need for establishing peace with justice in
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
45.
It regretted the direct material and diplomatic support offered to the
Serbian aggressors and the recent veto within the Security Council of a
resolution designed to cut off fuel supplies to the Serb forces.
46.
It decided to request the convening of a Special Session of the UN
General Assembly on Bosnia-Herzegovina in case the Security Council continues to
be unable to deal effectively with the Serbian aggression against the Republic
of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
47.
It warned once again the Serb and Montenegren authorities as well as all
persons who commit or order the commission of breaches of international
humanitarian law in the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina that they are
individually responsible in respect of such breaches and will be punished for
war crimes in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and requested in this
context the International Tribunal established pursuant to Security Council
Resolution 829 to expeditiously try and punish those responsible for the
perpetration of crimes against humanity in the former Yugoslavia.
48.
It appealed to the international community to mobilize resources for the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina in
coordination and cooperation with the Agency for Reconstruction and Development
(AICRED) and emphasized the need to aid the efforts of the Special Coordinator
for Sarajevo in conjunction with Security Council Resolution 900.
49.
It approved the establishment of a special OIC-IDB Programme of
Assistance for Bosnia-Herzegovina, as recommended by the Secretary General and
keeping in view the national mechanism that already exist in some Member States
for mobilising financial support.
50.
It condemned the denial of human, civil and national rights of Albanians
in Kosova. It also condemned human rights violations against non-Serbs in the
Sanjak and Vojvodina and reaffirmed the national rights of Muslims of the Sanjak.
Afghanistan:
51.
The Conference expressed its deep concern over the fratricidal conflict
in Afghanistan and appealed to the Afghan leadership to spare no effort to bring
the hostilities to an immediate end and emphasized the urgent need for a
political consensus among the Afghan parties.
52.
It affirmed the need for the launching of a credible intra-Afghan process
for restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan and for reviving the political,
economic, social and institutional infrastructure of the Afghan society. It
emphasized the need for promoting national reconciliation and rapprochement
among all political parties and segments of the Afghan society as well as for
demobilization of armed groups and formation of national army and police force.
It expressed its appreciation and support for the initiatives taken by the
Secretary General to promote a credible intra-Afghan peace process. It called
upon the Afghan parties to extend their full cooperation to the ongoing efforts
of the Secretary General and his Special Representative with a view to advancing
the progress made in the Proximity Talks held in Islamabad and Tehran and the
objectives of peace and national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
53.
It also expressed its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the
United Nations to draw the attention of the international community to the acute
economic and political problems of Afghanistan, and for promoting peace and
mobilizing assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction and encouraged the
continuing cooperation between the efforts of the OIC and the United Nations
Special Mission.
54.
It appealed to the international community in particular Member States to
respond to the humanitarian exigencies of the situation in Afghanistan by
extending generous assistance. It also urged Member States and Islamic financial
institutions to provide assistance for the Afghan refugees in the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran and called for the speedy
and voluntary repatriation and rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.
Jammu and Kashmir:
55.
The Conference called for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir
issue in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions. It condemned the
continuing massive violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people and called
for the respect of their human rights including the right of self-determination.
It called upon Member states to take all necessary steps to persuade India to
cease forthwith the massive human rights violations of the Kashmiri people and
to enable them to exercise their inalienable right to self determination as
mandated by the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. It also called
upon upon India to allow International Human Rights Groups and Humanitarian
Organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir.
56.
It supported the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to initiate a
meaningful bilateral dialogue for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and
called upon the Government of India to respond positively to these efforts. It
affirmed that a sustained dialogue is essential to address the core of the
problems and to remove the basic causes of tension between India and Pakistan.
57.
It expressed its deep concern at the prevailing tension that threatens
security and peace in the region. It called upon India and Pakistan to redeploy
their forces to peace-time locations.
58.
It requested the Government of India, in the interest of regional peace
and security, to avail itself of the offer of Good Offices made by the Twentieth
Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and the Sixth Islamic Summit Conference.
59.
It requested the Secretary General to establish contact with the
Governments of India and Pakistan and the True Representatives of the people of
Jammu and Kashmir with a view to promoting a just and peaceful settlement of the
Kashmir dispute and to take necessary steps for enabling the True
Representatives of the Kashmiri people to have their views expressed in OIC and
other international fora. It also requested the Secretary General to send a
three member OIC Fact Finding Mission to visit Jammu and Kashmir and requested
the Government of India to allow the OIC Fact-Finding Mission to visit Jammu and
Kashmir.
60.
It recommended that member states continue to coordinate their positions
and to take joint action at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human
Rights and other relevant international fora to promote respect for the
fundamental human rights of the people of Jammu and
Kashmir. It welcomed the establishment of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu
and Kashmir at the United Nations comprising of Niger, Saudi Arabia, Turkey,
Pakistan and the OIC Secretary General and requested the Contact Group to
continue its efforts for promoting the right of self-determination of the
Kashmiri people in accordance with the UN Resolutions and for safeguarding their
fundamental human rights.
61.
It appealed to the Member States, OIC and Islamic Institutions, such as
the Islamic Solidarity Fund, and philanthropists to mobilize funds and
contribute generously towards providing humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri
people.
Somalia:
62.
The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the restoration and
preservation of the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political
independence of Somalia. It noted with appreciation the constant efforts made by
the Organization of Islamic Conference to promote peace and national
reconciliation in Somalia, as well as for the alleviation of the suffering
of the Somali people in cooperation with the regional States, the United
Nations, the League of Arab States and Organization of African Unity, in the
framework of a joint approach and requested the Secretary General to send a
Contact Group to Somalia to urge various Somali parties to resume their dialogue
with a view to achieving national reconciliation.
63.
It called for the convening of the International Conference for Peace and
National Reconstruction in Somalia in accordance with the relevant resolution
adopted by the 47th Session of the UN General Assembly with the participation of
all the Somali parties. It also called upon all Somali factions to enter into
negotiations for a constructive dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the
problem.
64.
It welcomed the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement for establishing
Peace and National Reconciliation in Somalia and called upon all Somali
political factions to facilitate the work of United Nations Operations in
Somalia (UNOSOM II) until its termination and to cooperate fully with the United
Nations to ensure the safe and orderly withdrawal of the UN forces from Somalia.
It called upon all states, in particular the neighbouring states, to cooperate
in the implementation of the arms embargo established by Security Council
Resolution 733 (1992).
65.
It expressed its appreciation to those Member States which have
contributed troops to UN operation in Somalia as well as those which have
provided relief and humanitarian assistance to the Somali people. It called upon
the international community especially the Member States to assist in the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of Somalia.
Iraqi Aggression
against Kuwait:
66.
The Conference welcomed the recognition, by Iraq, of the sovereignty of
the State of Kuwait, its national security and political independence as well as
its international borders in compliance with Resolution No.833 (1993) of the
Security Council. It urged Iraq to pursue efforts and thoroughly fulfill its
obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions.
67.
It called on Iraq to co-operate fully with the International Committee of
the Red Cross with a view to implementing its engagements pursuant to Para.2C
and Para.3C of resolutions No.686 (1991) and (30) of resolution No.687 (1991)
pertaining to urgent release of prisoners and hostages from among Kuwaiti
military troops and civilians and any others from other countries' citizens,
especially following the agreement between Iraq and Kuwait and the other
concerned parties on December 8, 1994 to set up a Subsidiary Committee to
facilitate their task.
68.
It affirmed that Iraq, in accepting resolution 686 (1991) and resolution
687 (1991) is deemed accountable for implementing Para 2-6 of resolution 686 and
Para 16 of resolution 687 which involve the responsibility of Iraq under
the relevant Security Council resolutions for reparations in respect of any
direct loss or direct prejudice, including the losses inflicted on the
environment, the depletion of natural resources or any losses sustained by
foreign governments, their nationals or their companies.
69.
It reaffirmed Security Council resolution 949 which calls on Iraq not to
use again its military or any other forces in an aggressive or provocative
manner to threaten its neighbours or the U.N. operations in Iraq. It reaffirmed
respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of
Iraq, expressed its sympathy with the Iraqi people and called on Iraq to
promptly implement the relevant resolutions of international legality. It
emphasized that Iraq must commit itself to implementing all the resolutions of
the Security Council regarding the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
Armenia - Azerbaijan:
70.
The Conference strongly condemned the aggression of the Republic of
Armenia against the Azerbaijan Republic. It considered the actions perpetrated
against civilian Azeri population in occupied Azeri territory as crimes against
humanity and strongly demanded the strict implementation of the United Nations
Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884, immediate unconditional and
complete withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied Azeri territories inter
alia Lachin and Shusha regions and strongly urged Armenia to respect the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Azerbaijan Republic.
71.
It called on the Security Council to recognize the existence of
aggression against the Azerbaijan Republic; take the necessary steps under
Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations to ensure compliance with its
resolutions; condemn and reverse aggression against the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Azerbaijan Republic and decided to take coordinated
action to this end at the United Nations.
72.
It called for a just and peaceful settlement of the conflict between
Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of respect for the principles of territorial
integrity of states and inviolability of internationally recognized frontiers.
It urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan and all states member of the Minsk Group to
engage constructively in the ongoing CSCE peace process and refrain from any
action that will make it more difficult to reach a peaceful solution.
73.
It reaffirmed its total solidarity and support for the efforts being made
by the Government and people of Azerbaijan to defend their country. It called
for enabling the displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes in
safety, honour and dignity. It expressed its concern over the severity of
humanitarian problems concerning the existence of more than one million
displaced persons and refugees in the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic and
requested the member states, the Islamic Development Bank and the other Islamic
Institutions to render urgent financial and humanitarian assistance to the
Azerbaijan Republic.
US Aggression against
Libya:
74.
The Conference condemned the continuing United States aggression and
threats and plots against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. It
supported the right of the Socialist People's
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to appropriate reparations for the physical and human
losses sustained as a result of aggression as well as the right of the
Jamahiriya to demand reparations from the United States in conformity with
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 38/41.
75.
It reaffirmed its solidarity with the Socialist People's Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya in defending its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity
against the economic boycott measures which seek to undermine its plans for
development.
76.
It condemned the U.S. economic boycott measures against the Socialist
People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and called for their cancellation forthwith as
they violate international law and conventions. It called upon the United States
to desist from all threats, provocations and acts of aggression against the
Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya as such practices contravene
international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Crisis between Libya,
United States and United Kingdom:
77.
The Conference considered the current crisis between the Socialist
People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, on the one hand, and both the United States of
America and the United Kingdom, on the other. It expressed satisfaction with the
positive initiative undertaken by the Great Jamahiriya for the solution of this
crisis in accordance with international law and in such a manner that does not
contradict the respect for its sovereignty; its acceptance of the UN Security
Council Resolution No. 731 (1992) and its request to the UN Secretary General to
find out the mechanism for the implementation of this resolution while
expressing its full cooperation within the context of the initiatives it has
taken and the proposals it has put forward.
78.
It called on all parties to exert greater efforts to reach a solution of
the crisis thereby ending the plight to which the Libyan people are subjected as
a result of the embargo imposed on them. It declared its support for the
proposal made in the resolution adopted by the League of Arab States (Doc.
5373-DA,(101)-G 3) on 27 March 1994 calling for the holding of just trial of the
two suspects by Scottish Judges in accordance with Scottish law at the seat of
the International Court of Justice in The Hague and for urging the Security
Council to take into consideration this constructive proposal in order to seek a
peaceful solution to avoid any escalation of the crisis, which would exacerbate
tension in the region. It called upon the Security Council to review its two
resolutions Nos. 748 and 883 on the crisis.
Cyprus:
79.
The Conference reaffirmed the previous resolutions of the Islamic
Conferences on the question of Cyprus which express firm support for the
rightful cause of the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus who constitute an
integral part of the Islamic world. It reiterated its support for the efforts of
the UN Secretary General under his mission of good offices towards a negotiated
settlement mutually acceptable to both sides. It welcomed in this context, the
acceptance by the Turkish Cypriot side of the package of confidence building
measures suggested by the UN Secretary General following his assessment of
November 1992 that it would be difficult to achieve any success in the
negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement as long as the current crisis of
confidence between the two sides continues.
80.
It also expressed its solidarity with the Turkish Muslim Community of
Cyprus and its appreciation for their constructive efforts to attain a just and
mutually acceptable settlement.
81.
It reaffirmed the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus as the
principle enabling them to live side-by-side in security, peace and harmony
without the one having the ability to exploit, oppress or threaten the other. It
urged the Member States to strengthen effective solidarity with the Turkish
Muslim people of Cyprus and to increase and expand their relations in all fields
and in particular in the fields of trade, tourism, culture, information,
investment and sports. It decided to support until the Cyprus problem is solved,
the rightful claim of the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus for the right to be
heard in all international fora where the Cyprus problem comes up for
discussion, on the basis of equality of the two parties in Cyprus.
82.
It considered that building of mutual confidence between the two parties
in the island is essential to make progress towards an overall settlement of the
question. It called on the two parties to cooperate fully with the UN Secretary
General to achieve agreement on the modalities for implementing the confidence
building measures at the earliest possible time. It also decided to remain
seized of the request of the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus for full
membership of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
The Comorian Island of
Mayotte:
83.
The Conference reaffirmed the unity and territorial integrity of the
Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros and its sovereignty over the Comorian
Island of Mayotte. It expressed its active solidarity with the Comorian people
and supported the Comorian Government in its political and diplomatic efforts to
effectively restore the Island to its natural entity. It rejected any idea of
dividing the Comorian Island of Mayotte into departments, as this would be
contrary to all international resolutions.
84.
It urged the Government of France to accelerate the process of
negotiations with the Government of the Comoros with a view to ensuring the
effective and prompt return of the Island of Mayotte to the Comoros. It called
upon the Member States to use their influence with France collectively and
individually so as to induce it to accelerate the negotiations with the Islamic
Federal Republic of the Comoros on the basis of the national unity and
territorial integrity of that country.
Sudan:
85.
The Conference reaffirmed its complete solidarity with Sudan in
confronting hostile designs, and defending its unity, territorial integrity and
stability. It commended Sudan's continued efforts to reach a peaceful solution
to the problem of Southern Sudan through negotiations and dialogue between
various Sudanese parties for achieving its stability and national development.
86.
It appealed to Member States to continue to support Sudan's efforts to
safeguard its unity, territorial integrity and identity, in conformity with the
principles embodied in the Charter and resolutions of the Organization of the
Islamic Conference.
Mali:
87.
The Conference expressed its gratitude to the General Secretariat, IGATHA,
RABITA and ISF for their contribution to the efforts of the Government of Mali
for the rehabilitation and development of the northern regions. It requested the
Member States and Islamic institutions to provide necessary financial assistance
for the emergency projects programme for ensuring the return of the refugees,
their rehabilitation and for the social, economic and cultural development of
the northern regions of Mali.
Niger:
88.
The Conference expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Peace
Agreement in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) on October 9, 1994 between the
Government of the Republic of Niger and the Coordination of the Armed
Resistance. It requested Member States, the General Secretariat of the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference and other Islamic Institutions to provide
Niger with the necessary assistance to enable it to consolidate its national
unity and achieve its regional development objectives within the framework of
the implementation of this Agreement.
Eastern and Central
Europe:
89.
The Conference reaffirmed the need to maintain and promote ties of
friendship and cooperation between the Islamic world and the countries of
Eastern and Central Europe on the basis of mutual interests and expressed the
hope that strengthening of economic relations between Eastern
and Western Europe would not affect the order of priorities in respect of
economic cooperation and trade exchanges between those countries and Islamic
countries, nor have a negative impact on the flow of financial resources
extended by the advanced countries, whether Eastern or Western, for financing
development in Muslim and Third world countries. It also expressed the hope that
the States of Eastern and Western Europe and other States respect and protect
the Islamic identity of the Muslim communities and/or Muslim minorities living
in their countries and their right to practice freely their language and
religion.
Security and
Solidarity:
90.
The Conference reiterated that the security of each Muslim country is the
concern of all Islamic countries. It firmly resolved to strengthen the security
of Member States, through cooperation and solidarity among Islamic countries, in
accordance with the objectives and principles of the Charters of the
Organization of the Islamic Conference and of the United Nations and as
stipulated in the Dakar Declaration. It also reaffirmed the permanent and full
sovereignty of the Islamic countries and peoples over their natural resources
and economic activities.
91.
The Conference emphasized the importance of the establishment and
maintenance of security, peace and stability throughout the Islamic World and of
strengthening the climate of mutual confidence and solidarity among Islamic
Countries and cooperation in all fields between them. It reiterated the resolve
of Member States to encourage, wherever appropriate, the initiation of
confidence and security building measures, bilaterally or
at the sub-regional
levels in conformity with the provisions and principles contained in the Dakar
Declaration.
92.
The Conference recognized that small States are particularly vulnerable
to external threats and acts of interference in their internal affairs. It
called upon the Member States to provide assistance, when requested by small
Member States, for the strengthening of their security in accordance with the
principles and objectives of the Charter of the OIC.
Disarmament:
93.
The Conference called for the elimination of all weapons of mass
destruction notably nuclear weapons with a view to creating a world free of such
weapons and for the intensification of efforts aimed at finding a solution to
disarmament issues as a whole, particularly the elimination of nuclear weapons.
It also emphasized the need to conduct negotiations within the framework of the
Conference on Disarmament according to the priorities specified in the Plan of
Action of the Final Document of the Tenth UN General Assembly Special Session.
It also emphasized that all States have an inalienable right to develop their
programmes for peaceful uses of nuclear energy for their economic and social
development and that all States are entitled to have access to the technology
and equipment needed for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
94.
It called upon all States, particularly the States of the regions
concerned, to respond positively to proposals for the establishment of Nuclear
Weapon Free Zones in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia and
requested all member States to cooperate at the United Nations and other
relevant international fora to promote the establishment of such Nuclear Weapon
Free Zones.
95.
It requested the members of the Conference on Disarmament to work
urgently towards an agreement on an international convention to assure
non-nuclear weapon States against the threat or use of nuclear weapons and to
explore all additional means to provide effective assurances to Non-Nuclear
Weapon States in the global or regional context. It also urged all States
especially the nuclear weapons states to engage in serious negotiations in
competent international fora for the early conclusion of a comprehensive Nuclear
Test Ban Treaty preferably before 1995 NPT Review Conference.
96.
It affirmed that global and regional approaches to disarmament complement
each other and should therefore be pursued to promote regional and international
peace and security and encouraged the conclusion of equitable and
non-discriminatory agreements for nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and
confidence-building at regional and sub-regional levels.
97.
It also recognized the need for enhancing regional security and stability
through the settlement of outstanding disputes and the establishment of
equitable and verifiable balance of armaments at lower levels.
Consultation and
Coordination among Member States:
98.
The Conference called upon Member States to observe the principles of
good neighbourliness, and to prevent the use of their territories or government
bodies by individuals or groups bent on doing harm to other Member States. It
decided that no movement exploiting the noble Islamic religion should be allowed
to carry out any hostile activity against any Member State, and reaffirmed the
necessity of consolidating coordination among Member States so as to control the
phenomenon of intellectual terrorism and extremism. It stressed the need to
continue to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Member States at all
levels, and to deepen their consultation so as to remove all causes of
dissension and promote understanding among them.
Sahel:
99.
The Conference noted with satisfaction that the Islamic Committee of
Solidarity with the Peoples of the Sahel met during the Twenty-second Islamic
Conference of Foreign Ministers, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sheikh
Sabah Al Ahmed Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the State of Kuwait. It also noted that the Committee examined the issues
relating to the OIC-CILSS-IDB Programme in favour of the Sahel.
It underlined the necessity to expedite the implementation of the said
programme which reflects the effective solidarity of the Ummah in favour of this
important area of the Islamic world. It
welcomed Kuwait's proposal to host an experts meeting entrusted with examining
the programme and for determining the modalities of its implementation.
Critical Economic
Situation in Africa:
100.
The Conference welcomed the efforts made by the African countries towards
their economic recovery and development in conformity with the Treaty of Abuja
concluded in 1991 establishing the African Economic Community aimed at
progressive economic integration of Africa. It stressed the importance of the
successful implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development
of Africa in the 1990's and called upon the international community to fulfil
its commitments on the basis of the principle of shared responsibility and full
partnership with Africa.
101.
It also called upon the international community, particularly the
developed countries and the concerned international financial agencies, to make
a substantial contribution to the objectives of African Economic Recovery and
Development inter-alia by increasing financial flows, especially concessional
flows, to Africa, particularly to sub-Saharan countries as well as through
measures for an increase in Africa's export earnings and a reduction in the
adverse impact on African economies of fluctuations in those earnings and
through measures to limit and reduce the burden that external debt imposes on
African recovery, reform and development.
Reparations for
damages from colonialism:
102.
The Conference reaffirmed its condemnation of colonialism, in all its
forms, as an act of aggression which violates all international conventions and
principles of international law. It recognized that the effects of colonialism
have impeded economic and social development plans and programmes in the
developing countries. It also reaffirmed the right of the developing countries
to obtain fair compensation for the human and material losses they have suffered
as a result of colonialism. It affirmed the right of the Great Socialist
People's Libyan Arab Jamahirya for reparations for all the human and material
losses it has sustained as a result of the period of Italian invasion and
colonization of the Libyan territories. It also affirmed the right of the
developing countries to recover their cultural property which was looted during
the period of colonialism, including antiquities, masterpieces, manuscripts and
historical documents.
Right to use of
science and technology:
103.
The Conference affirmed the inalienable right of the Islamic Ummah to
develop, acquire and make use of science and technology for progress in
economic, social and cultural fields. It called upon industrialized States to
facilitate the transfer of technology to developing countries and remove the
restrictions hindering this process. It called upon Member States to strengthen
cooperation among themselves in the fields of science and technology for
peaceful purposes, especially in the framework of the Standing Committee for
Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
Dumping of Toxic
Wastes:
104.
The Conference affirmed that the dumping of toxic and nuclear wastes in
Member States is a crime against humanity. It called upon all States which
produce dangerous and toxic waste to take all the measures necessary for
treating and recycling this waste in their own countries. It urged all the
Member States to ban all the illegal trans-border movements of dangerous and
toxic waste, transported without the necessary safeguards and the prior consent
of the importing country.
Refugees:
105.
The Conference noted with satisfaction the ongoing efforts of the
Secretary General to further enhance the capacity of the OIC to provide
humanitarian assistance to the refugees in cooperation with the UNHCR and
expressed appreciation to Member States, donor countries, the UNHCR, the U.N.
specialized agencies, and other humanitarian institutions for the valuable
assistance they extend to refugees in Islamic countries.
Muslim Communities and
Minorities:
106.
The Conference urged the Member States to continue to pay due attention
to the problems faced by Muslim communities and minorities in non-Member States
and requested them to make the necessary contacts, individually and
collectively, with the governments of non-OIC Member States so as to ensure the
safety and non-violation of the values and rights of Muslim communities and
minorities.
107.
It invited the member states to carry out consultations among themselves
regarding the action to be taken in cases of violations, aggressions and
occupation against Muslim communities and minorities.
108.
It requested the Secretary General to take the necessary measures to
ensure protection of the basic rights of Muslim immigrants living in Europe and
preservation of their Islamic identity and heritage as well as to problems
facing them.
109.
It urged the Member States and Islamic institutions and organisations to
extend every support and assistance to the General Secretariat so as to enable
it to perform the tasks entrusted to it in the best manner.
110.
It noted with concern that the rights and fundamental freedoms of the
Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace continue to be denied and violated and
urged that all their rights and freedoms, individual and collective, be fully
respected.
Southern Philippines:
111.
The Conference confirmed its previous resolutions on solidarity with the
Muslims of the Southern Philippines in their legitimate aspirations within the
framework of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines.
112.
It welcomed the agreement between the participants in the official peace
negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and
the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), with the participation of the
Ministerial Committee of the Six and the OIC Secretary General to make the
subject of their talks focusing on the necessary means to fully implement the
1976 Tripoli Agreement, in letter and spirit and that this should include:-
(a) Those parts of the Agreement left for further subsequent talks.
(b) The Transitional Implementing Structure and Mechanism.
113.
It hailed the spirit of goodwill which prevailed during the First and
Second Phases of the Formal Peace Talks which facilitated the achievement of
positive results reflected in the signing of a group of agreements.
114.
It welcomed the Memrandum of Agreements which crowned the First Phase of
the Formal Peace Talks, held in Jakarta on 25 October to 7 November 1993. It
also welcomed the 1994 Transitional Agreement which crowned the Second Phase of
the Formal Peace Talks held in Jakarta on 1 to 5 September, 1994.
115.
It welcomed the 1993 Interim Ceasefire Agreement as well as the Joint
Guidelines and Ground Rules for implementing the Ceasefire Agreement concluded
between the (GRP) and the (MNLF) with the participation of the OIC Ministerial
Committee of the Six and the OIC Secretary General.
116.
It welcomed the determination of the Government of the Philippines to
strengthen the process of confidence building with the MNLF so as to ensure
success of the Third Round of Formal Peace Negotiations which it hoped will lead
to reaching a just, comprehensive
and final political solution to the issue of Muslims of Southern Philippines.
117.
It also urged the Member States and all Muslim Charitable Societies,
individuals as well as humanitarian organizations in the Islamic world to extend
financial assistance to the MNLF so as to boost its potential for pushing the
peace process forward.
118.
It hailed the role played by the Government of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
in reaching the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and hosting the first preparatory talks
in Tripoli on 2 to 4 October, 1992.
119.
It also hailed the role played by the Government of Indonesia in hosting
and facilitating the work of both rounds of the 1993 and 1994 Peace Talks and
warmly welcomed Indonesia's offer to host the Third Round of the Peace
Talks in the middle of 1995.
Legal issues:
120.
The Conference urged Member States that have not yet ratified the Statute
of the International Islamic Court of Justice to accelerate the completion of
the ratification procedures so that the quorum necessary for the Court to become
operational may be reached. It also urged signature/ratification of various
other agreements concluded in the framework of the OIC.
121.
It also emphasized the importance of following-up the Cairo Declaration
on Human Rights in Islam and expressed appreciation for the contribution made by
the Member States in the World Conference of Human Rights in Vienna in 1993. It
also reiterated the need for more regular consultation and coordination among
Member States in the field of human rights especially at the United Nations.
122.
It reiterated its support for convening of an international conference
under the auspices of the United Nations to define terrorism and to distinguish
it from the struggle of peoples for national liberation.
123.
The Conference approved the Code of Conduct for the Member States of the
OIC on Combatting international terrorism.
124.
It condemned all forms of international terrorism including the crime of
hijacking aircraft and unlawful acts against the safety and security of civil
aviation.
Information issues:
125.
The Conference noted with satisfaction the constructive efforts made in
the field of information thanks to the directives of His Excellency President
Abdou Diouf of Senegal, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Information and
Cultural Affairs (COMIAC); and also through those of the First and Second
Islamic Conferences of Information Ministers and Follow-up Committees and
meetings of groups of experts set up by higher bodies. These efforts have made
it possible to build a true system of Islamic information; a system comprising a
Strategy of Information, a Code of Conduct of Islamic Information, a Plan of
Information and an Islamic Programme for Information and Communication
Development (PIDIC), an organ which will see to it that the first three
components are properly implemented. Ongoing projects include Islamvision, the
reduction of telecommunication tariffs applicable to information organs of the
Islamic world, the distribution of Radio electromagnetic frequencies as well as
the making of a documentary film on Al-Quds Al-Sharif and a programme devoted to
the teaching of Arabic on radio to non-Arabic-speakers.
126.
It urged Member States to assist and support the Ministerial Follow-up
Committee of the Second Islamic Conference of Information Ministers to enable it
to play the full role assigned to it.
127.
It expressed its profound gratitude to His Excellency President Abdou
Diouf for the positive role of COMIAC in strengthening cooperation among Member
States in the field of information and recommended the continuation of efforts
until the above projects are implemented with a view to making the specific
personality of the Islamic world known through the tolerant concepts of Islam
and the defence of its just causes while correcting the false image given it by
ill-intentioned people.
128.
It expressed its profound gratitude to the government of the Arab
Republic of Egypt for hosting the Second Session of the Ministerial Follow-up
Committee of the Second Islamic Conference of Information Ministers.
129.
It noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary General on the
recommendations of the Second Session of the Ministerial Follow-up Committee of
the Second Islamic Conference of Information Ministers.
130.
It approved the activities and programmes submitted by the General
Secretariat within the framework of the implementation of the Plan of
Information for the 1994-95 period.
131.
It noted with appreciation
the renewed offer of the Syrian Arab Republic to host the Third Islamic
Conference of Information Ministers.
132.
It took note with appreciation of the efforts made the International
Islamic News Agency (IINA) and the Islamic States Broadcasting Organisation (ISBO)
for carrying out their mission and urged Member States to support these efforts.
Economic Affairs:
133.
The Conference examined the economic problems facing the Islamic
countries which are still grappling with the heavy burden of debt, the
inadequacy of development financing resources, the limited access to technology
in the developed world, and the sharp drop in commodity prices, as well as a
high degree of trade protectionism practised by the North.
134.
It expressed its deep concern over the imbalance in the prevailing
international economic relations and the lack of progress for the institution of
a New International Economic Order due to the reluctance of the developed
countries.
135.
It emphasized that the prevailing situation of the world economy urgently
calls for dialogue between the developed and the developing countries and
demanded a constant follow up of the world economic situation and all
international trade negotiations. It strongly recommended that Islamic countries
should be invited to coordinate their stands within the different negotiating
groups set up in the framework of the GATT agreements with a view to
safeguarding the economic interests of the Islamic world during those
negotiations.
136.
It expressed the hope that the strengthening of economic relations
between East and West would not affect the order of priorities in economic
cooperation and trade exchanges between these countries and the Islamic States,
and would not have any negative repercussions on the flow of financial resources
devoted by the developed countries, eastern or western, to the financing of
development efforts in the Islamic States and the Third World in general.
137.
It appealed to the developed countries to establish a more practical,
more equitable and more transparent environment so that developing countries may
be able to implement their structural adjustment programmes aimed at achieving
continued development.
138.
It examined the consequences of the establishment of the Single European
Market and economic groupings worldwide for the Islamic States and called on the
Member States to make the efforts necessary for promoting global economic and
commercial cooperation in favour of the Islamic States, and urged them to boost
trade exchanges and investments among them and to remove any obstacles thereto.
External Debts:
139.
It expressed its concern at the external debt of Member States, which has
continued to rise in an alarming way over the last few years, and also at the
increasingly high interest rates, the unstable exchange rates and the increase
in the average rate of debt service.
140.
It noted with appreciation that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia had taken measures aimed at writing off the public debt of the least
developed countries.
141.
It also welcomed the initiative of His Highness the Emir of the State of
Kuwait who, as Chairman of the Fifth Islamic Summit Conference, stated in the
address he delivered at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September
1990, that, in order to alleviate the debt burden of the developing countries,
the State of Kuwait had decided to write off the interests accrued on the loans
made to developing countries.
142.
It also noted with satisfaction that the Government of the State of Qatar
had also written off the official debt of least developed countries.
143.
It expressed its appreciation of the efforts being exerted by the
Chairman of the Sixth Islamic Summit and the OIC Secretary General to ensure
implementation of the relevant Dakar Summit resolution on the indebtedness of
OIC Member States.
144.
It recommended that an appeal be made to the Member States which have not
yet done so, the industrialized countries and the International organizations to
implement the resolution of the Sixth Islamic Summit Conference on the external
debt of OIC Member States.
Aid for Development:
145.
It expressed its deep concern over the economic problems of the
least-developed Member States and noted with regret the slow implementation of
the decisions adopted by the United Nations and the decrease in the Official
Development Assistance.
146.
It noted with deep concern the slow implementation of the New Programme
of Action in support of the poorest countries, adopted by the Second United
Nations Conference in 1990.
147.
It stressed the need to increase the Official Development Assistance
granted by the developed countries to the developing countries in general, and
to the least developed, landlocked and/or Sahelian countries in particular.
Drought:
148.
It noted with concern the serious situation caused by drought,
desertification, natural disasters and their harmful effects on man, living
conditions, food availability, and economic and social structures as well as
public utilities and facilities.
149.
It appealed to all Member States to contribute generously, at bilateral
level or through OIC specialized agencies or any other regional organizations,
to the fight against drought, the effects of desertification and natural
disasters.
Economic Cooperation:
150.
It noted with satisfaction that COMCEC under the leadership of its
Chairman, the President of the Republic of Turkey, has played an important role
in strengthening and expanding cooperation and collaboration among Member States
in the economic and commercial fields.
151.
It also noted with
satisfaction the work contributed by the General Secretariat, its subsidiary
organs, and the OIC specialized and affiliated institutions in implementing the
Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member
States, and in formulating new strategies for the first Plan of Action, in
conformity with the directives of the Sixth Islamic Summit, and urged them to
continue this work.
152.
It noted with satisfaction that the Tenth Session of COMCEC held in
Istanbul on 22-25 October, 1994 approved the new Plan of Action aimed at
strengthening economic and trade cooperation among the OIC Member States.
153.
It urged the Member States to implement the new Plan of Action in
conformity with the principles and the modalities of implementations of the
strategy and the procedures as defined by its mechanisms for follow up and
implementation.
154.
It invited the Member States to host the Expert Group intersectoral
meeting envisaged by the mechanism for the follow-up implementation, and urged
Islamic Centre for Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training (SESRTCIC),
the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Islamic Development Bank
(IDB) and the other OIC institutions to extend their technical assistance and
expertise to ensure the success of the said meeting.
155.
It invited Member States to participate in the various projects recently
initiated by the Islamic Development Bank, and to take advantage of the
Longer-Term Trade Financing Scheme, the Islamic Banks Portfolio, the IDB
Investment Funds, the Export Credit Insurance and Investment Guarantee
Corporation, in parallel with other ongoing projects, programmes and operations
at the IDB level.
156.
It examined the progress made in regard to the signature and/or
ratification of the various OIC Agreements and Statutes, and expressed its
appreciation of the efforts made by the General Secretariat to ensure the
signature and ratification of such agreements and statutes. The Conference also
invited Member States to speed up implementation of the agreements negotiated
under the auspices of COMCEC.
157.
It emphasized the increasingly important role played by the private
sector in the economic cooperation among Member States, and recommended that the
Member States should extend their support and assistance to the Islamic
Shipowners Association, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and
Commodity Exchange, and the International Association of Islamic Banks.
158.
It noted with satisfaction that the first meeting of the private sector
of the OIC Member States was held on 18-19 October, 1994 in Istanbul, and
expressed thanks and appreciation for the efforts made by the Islamic Chamber of
Commerce and the Turkish Federation of Chambers of Commerce to ensure the
success of the said meeting.
159.
It took note of the recommendations contained in the report of the First
Meeting of the Private Sector and encouraged the Islamic Chamber to continue
holding such annual meetings before the COMCEC sessions or in conjunction with
the Islamic Trade fairs, under any form that may be deemed appropriate by the
representatives of the private sector in the Member States.
Food Security:
160.
The Conference recognized the importance of agriculture and its vital
role in socio-economic development of the countries of the Islamic Ummah and
appreciated the close cooperation between the OIC on the one hand and the FAO
and IFAD on the other. It also requested member states to closely cooperate with
these institutions in the
implementation of their programmes. It expressed support for the proposal of FAO
to organize a World Summit on Food Security in 1996. It urged the member states
to participate in it actively.
161.
The Conference emphasized the importance of inter-Islamic cooperation in
the field of tourism, which is a vital sector for development of member states
and for the strengthening of cultural exchanges and rapprochement among peoples
and requested the OIC institutions to make a comprehensive study on tourism
potentials of member states.
162.
The Conference expressed its appreciation for the role played by the
Subsidiary Organs of the OIC in strengthening inter-Islamic cooperation and
launched an appeal to member states to increase their support to these organs
and to regularly pay contributions to their budgets. It encouraged the
Subsidiary Organs to continue their activities for the development of the
Islamic Ummah. It approved the recommendation aimed at changing the Dhaka Center
to Islamic Institute of Technology.
Science and
Technology:
Environment:
163.
The Conference examined general environmental problems especially the
environmental problems in the Islamic world, the epidemic diseases affecting
human, animal resources and natural life, the problem of drug abuse,
psychotropic substances and their illegal production, processing and
trafficking, and the environment, sustainable development and ways and means to
deal with the issues of environment and health.
164.
It requested Member States to continue to incorporate environmental
consideration in their developmental policies and stressed that Member States
mobilize national institutional resources for implementing programmes for
environmental protection.
165.
Noting the potential threat posed by the possible rise in the sea-level,
it called upon the International Community to undertake vigorous scientific
investigation in this regard so as to protect the people living on the lands and
islands of Member States exposed to these dangers.
166.
It reaffirmed the determination of Member States to work for the
strengthening of international cooperation with a view to seeking solutions to
global environmental problems and stressed that multilateral cooperation for the
protection of the environment should include the provision of additional
resources and access to environmentally sound technologies to the developing
countries.
167.
It expressed its solidarity
with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya concerning its position on the question of the
minefields remaining in its territory since World War II, their grave effect on
the environment and the accidents and grievous damages they cause to thousands
of its citizens.
168.
It urged all Member States to continue consultation and coordination
among them at all international meetings relating to environmental protection.
169.
The Conference requested the Islamic countries to continue to extend help
and assistance to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Syrian citizens
in the occupied Golan and the Lebanese citizens in South Lebanon and Western
Bekaa occupied by Israel, in drawing up of plans deemed necessary for
environmental conservation within these territories.
170.
It strongly condemned Israel's persistence in changing the legal status
of the occupied Syrian Golan and its practices aimed at changing its
environmental conditions as well as its geographical, demographic and historical
characteristics and at imposing Israeli bans, jurisdiction and administration on
the occupied Syrian Golan.
171.
It called for greater coordination among the Member States, the other
countries and the World Health Organization to combat epidemic diseases through
the use of new vaccines and immunization schedules against contagious diseases.
172.
It appealed for greater
coordination and cooperation in the field of health and cooperation by applying
the international health regulations such as compulsory vaccination of all
Pilgrims coming to the Holy Land and the improvement of awareness of sanitary
conditions before departure through the appropriate media available in their own
countries.
173.
It urged the Member States
to coordinate their efforts to unify their systems relative to the legal
manufacture and importation of Psychotropic substances within the framework of
the relevant international organizations.
174.
It welcomed the measures taken by some Member States to draw attention to
the damaging effects of narcotics and reaffirmed the importance of preventive
measures including the need for crop/income substitution and accessibility to
international markets for substituted products.
175.
It requested Member States to continue to intensify their cooperation and
to exchange information and technical expertise to control narcotic drugs.
176.
It acknowledged the effective interdisciplinary relation between
environment and other sectors of development including health and welcomed theinitiative inviting effective cooperation among Member States and with
the relevant OIC, regional and international institutions for conducting a
comprehensive study of the inter-related issues of Environment, Health and
Sustainable Development from the perspective that would best serve the interests
of the Member States.
Cultural and Social
Affairs:
177.
The Conference noted with appreciation the Reports of the Secretary
General on Islamic Universities and Islamic Cultural Institutes and Centres and
endorsed the recommendations which were adopted by the Eighteenth Session of the
Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs. It expressed deep
concern that most of these institutions are facing problems due to lack of
financial, material and other support from Member States. It urged the Member
States, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Islamic Development Bank and other
Islamic institutions to extend financial and material support to these
Universities, Centres and Institutions, specially as they contribute to human
resources development essentially required for any developmental activity of the
Islamic Ummah.
178.
It commended the draft document on the Rights and Protection of the Child
in Islam, prepared by the experts symposium which was held at the OIC General
Secretariat from 28 to 30 June 1994 and which clearly focussed on the Islamic
teachings and lofty principles enjoined in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the
Holy Prophet and distinguishing the Islamic Ummah from other peoples in the
world. These teachings and principles should serve as a source of inspiration to
the peoples and governments of the Ummah for their programmes on children, and
as a message to all other peoples regarding the attitude of Islam towards the
child.
179.
It appealed to the Member States to integrate the Cultural Strategy
within their cultural and educational projects.
180.
It expressed its deep concern over the killing of the Muslims and the
aggression against their holy places in Palestine, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Jammu and Kashmir and in many other places in the world. It also strongly
condemned the repeated aggression by the Zionists on Hebron Mosque and other
Islamic sanctuaries in Palestine, and
renewed its call upon the Government of India to reconstruct the Babri Mosque at
its original site.
181.
It also
took note with appreciation, of the reports submitted by the Islamic Educational
Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Islamic Committee of the
International Crescent. It expressed satisfaction at the measures adopted by the
Sports Federation of the Islamic Solidarity Games in collaboration with the
General Secretariat and particularly for its convening at the Federation's
headquarters in Riyadh from 16 to 18 January, 1994, to prepare for the First
Conference of Muslims for Youth Sports and the World Federation of the
Arab-Islamic International Schools, on the activities in their fields of
competence.
182.
It expressed its profound appreciation for the work completed by the
Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture; the International
Commission for the Preservation of the Islamic Cultural Heritage and the Islamic
Fiqh Academy.
183.
It took note of the Report of the Chairman of the Permanent Council of
the Islamic Solidarity Fund on the activities of the Fund and its Waqf. It
expressed its appreciation to the member States which have made generous
donations to the Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf. It requested all Member
States to commit themselves by extending annual voluntary donations to the Fund,
each according to its ability, to enable the Fund to cover the deficit of its
annual Budget. It called on all Member States to contribute towards the capital
of the Waqf of Islamic Solidarity Fund.
Administrative and
Financial Affairs:
184.
The Conference expressed particularly its deep concern on the financial
difficulties faced by the General Secretariat and the Subsidiary Organs. It
urged the Member States to pay their financial contributions in a regular and
timely manner. It also requested the Member States which have not settled their
arrears of contribution to the General Secretariat and to the Subsidiary Organs
to do so before 30th June, 1996 by availing the 50% concession granted by the
Sixth Islamic Summit Conference in Resolution No. 1/6-AF(IS) or by arranging
installments. Otherwise sanctions would be applied to the defaulting Member
States with effect from 1st July 1996.
CLOSING SESSION:
185.
His Excellency Abdellatif Filali, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco and Chairman of the
Conference, thanked the participating delegations for the spirit of constructive
cooperation and for their precious contribution towards the success of the
Conference.
Vote of Thanks
186.
At the end of the deliberations, His Excellency, the Foreign Minister of
the Republic of Albania expressed, on behalf of the participating delegations
profound thanks and gratitude to His Excellency Abdellatif Filali, Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of
Morocco and the Government and people of Morocco for the generous hospitality
extended to the delegations and for the excellent arrangements which greatly
contributed to the success of the Conference. He also expressed his appreciation
to His Excellency Abdellatif Filali, Chairman of the Conference for his
farsightedness and competence in conducting the deliberations of the Conference,
which has been a success.
Issued
in Casablanca
10 Rajab 1415H
December 12, 1994
