FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ

OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS

(SESSION OF FRATERNITY AND COOPERATION)

JAKARTA, REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

28 RAJAB TO 3 SHA'ABAN, 1417H (9-13 DECEMBER, 1996)  

1.  At the kind invitation of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Fraternity and Cooperation) was held in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, from 28 Rajab to 3 Sha'aban, 1417H, corresponding to 9-13 December 1996 under the high patronage of His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia.

2.  The Conference was attended by:

(a) Member States:

1. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

  2. Republic of Azerbaijan

  3. Republic of Albania

  4. State of United Arab Emirates

  5. Republic of Indonesia

  6. Republic of Uganda

  7. Republic of Uzbekistan

  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 Turkmenistan

17. Republic of Tunisia

18. Republic of Gabon

19. Republic of the Gambia

20. People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

21. Republic of Djibouti

22. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

23. Republic of Senegal

24. Republic of Sudan

25. Republic of Suriname

26. Syrian Arab Republic

27. Republic of Sierra Leone

28. Republic of Iraq

29. Sultanate of Oman

30. Republic of Guinea

31. Republic of Guinea-Bissau

32. State of Palestine

33. Republic of Kyrgyztan

34. Republic of Kazakistan.

35. State of Qatar

36. Republic of Cameroon

37. State of Kuwait

38. Republic of Lebanon

39. Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

40. Republic of Maldives

41. Republic of Mali

42. Malaysia

43. Arab Republic of Egypt

44. Kingdom of Morocco

45. Islamic Republic of Mauritania

46. Republic of Mozambique

47. Republic of Niger

48. Federal Republic of Nigeria

49. Republic of Yemen

(b) Observers:

i) State:

  -Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

  -Republic of Togo;

ii) Muslim Communities:

  -Turkish Muslim Community of Kibris;

  -Moro National Liberation Front.

iii) International and Regional Organizations:

  -United Nations (UN);

  -League of Arab States (LAS);

  -Non-Aligned Movement.

  - Economic Cooperation Organization

(ECO);

  -Arab Maghreb Union.

(c) Subsidiary Organs:

- Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre, for Islamic Countries, Ankara;

- Research Centre on Islamic History, Art and Culture, Istanbul;

- Islamic Institute of Technology, Dhaka;

- Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade, Casablanca;

- Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development, Jeddah;

- Islamic Fiqh Academy, Jeddah;

- International Commission for the Preservation of the Islamic Cultural Heritage, Istanbul;

- Islamic Solidarity Fund, Jeddah;

- Islamic University of Niger;

- Islamic University of Uganda.

(d) Specialized Institutions:

- Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah;

- Islamic Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization, Rabat;

- Islamic States Broadcasting Organisation, Jeddah.

(e) Affiliated Institutions:

- Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karachi;

- Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities.

- Sports Federation of Islamic Solidarity Games.

- Islamic Committee of the International Crescent, Benghazi;

- Islamic Shipowners Association, Jeddah.

- World Federation of Arab-Islamic International Schools.

- International Association of Islamic Banks.

(f) Islamic Foundations and Societies, as invitees:

- World Islamic League - Makkah Al-Mukarramah;

- World Islamic Call Society, Tripoli;

- World Muslim Congress, Karachi;

- International Islamic Council for Da'wa and Relief, Cairo;

- International Islamic Charitable Foundation, Kuwait;

- Islamic Council of Europe, London.

- International Islamic Relief Organization, Jeddah.

(h) Invitees:

- Republic of Croatia;

- Republic of Slovenia;

- Macedonia;

- Sanjak;

- Kosovo.

- True Representatives of the Kashmiri People;

- U.N. High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR);

- U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);

- United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF);

- U.N. Development Programme (UNDP);

- Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO);

- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC);

- World Health Organization (WHO);

- Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS);

- International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO);

- UK Action Committee for Islamic Affairs.

- Indonesian Council of Ulemas;

3.  The Conference was opened by His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia. In his opening speech, President M. Soeharto welcomed the delegates to Jakarta. President Soeharto underlined the new challenges and opportunities emerging in the world today which constitute new challenges for the OIC.He called for the application of more efficient procedures and working methods in managing the work of the OIC with a view to maintaining its relevance in this world of rapid change.He also expressed concern over the armed conflicts in many parts of the world, including the OIC Member States.He stated that the agreements between Israel and Palestine were irrevocable international accords which cannot be changed and must be respected.He emphasized that for a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East to be possible, Israel must withdraw from the Syrian Golan and Southern Lebanon.He called for a comprehensive and lasting solution in Afghanistan which could be achieved only from the determination of the concerned parties to engage in a dialogue for the survival and future of the Afghan people themselves.He stressed that the support of the international community was needed to achieve the central objective of the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina so as to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity as a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious state.He recalled the historic agreement signed under the auspices of the OIC between the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front.He paid tribute to the statesmanship and wisdom of President Fidel Ramos and Professor Nur Misuari for their efforts in securing a just and honourable peace in Southern Philippines. President Soeharto underlined the problems of poverty, under-development, economic stagnation, high indebtedness and limited access to education which continue to saddle the majority of the developing countries, including OIC Member States.He called for the promotion of constructive dialogue through a genuine North-South partnership and a strengthened South-South cooperation.He stated that the existing potential for economic cooperation among developing countries in general and OIC Member States in particular has so far not been maximally exploited.He called for increasing the participation of the private sector in the development efforts of the Member States.

4.  The Conference then heard the speeches of the Ministers and Head of Delegations of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran, who took the floor on behalf of the African, Arab and AsianGroups respectively, to thank the President, Government and people of Indonesia for the brotherly welcome and generous hospitality extended to them.

5.  In his speech the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Hamid Algabid paid a warm tribute to His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, for kindly according his high patronage to the Conference.He also expressed his thanks to His Excellency the President for the laudable efforts made by his country for the OIC Committee of Six on the problem of the Muslim of Southern Philippines which culminated in the signing of the historic Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front. The Secretary General expressed his deep gratitude to the leaders of the Ummah for the confidence placed upon him during the eight years of his tenure and which enabled him to undertake a wide range of institutional, structural, administrative and financial reforms of the General Secretariat and its Subsidiary Organs as well as the Specialized and Affiliated Institutions. Taking up the international situation, the Secretary General, while noting with satisfaction the progress made in settling some major issues of concern to the Islamic Ummah, expressed regret at the continuation of a number of disputes and conflicts. In this context, he evoked the efforts exerted by the OIC within the framework of the Middle East situation, the questions of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and South Lebanon, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Somalia, Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the questions of Cyprus, of Muslims in Southern Philippines, and Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan.

6.  His Excellency Mr. Lamine Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Delegation of the Republic of Guinea and Chairman of the Twenty-third ICFM conveyed the greetings and best wishes of success from His Excellency President Lansana Conte, President of the Republic of Guinea to his brother His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia. He also expressed his high appreciation to the honourable Government of Indonesia for the efforts exerted to ensure the success of this Conference. His Excellency Mr. Lamine Kamara stressed the importance of the Twenty-fourth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers which is being held, he said, at a critical juncture of qualitative mutations taking place in the international scene. He reviewed the achievements of the OIC since the last ICFM in Conakry. He equally stressed that despite the results realized on the economic, cultural and social levels, the Ummah continues to face several challenges which have to be addressed.

7.  His Excellency Mr. Ali Alatas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of theRepublic of Indonesia, was unanimously elected Chairman of the Conference.

8.  The Conference elected the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Gabon, the Republic of Yemen and the State of Palestine as Vice-Chairmen. The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Guinea was elected Rapporteur General.

9. Following his election as Chairman of the Twenty-fourth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, His Excellency Mr. Ali Alatas stressed the importance of economic and social cooperation among member states and expressed satisfaction at the results achieved in this area.He expressed his conviction that the human and economic capacities of the countries of the Ummah constitute a reliable basis for establishing a group of powerful nations. His Excellency Ali Alatas also expressed his confidence that the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers will adopt the relevant resolutions that will contribute to further revitalizing the Organization.

10. The Conference heard the messages of the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement.

11. The Conference decided to adopt the opening speech of His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, as an official document of the Conference.

12. The Conference decided to place the current session under the motto of fraternity and cooperation.

13. The Conference then approved the report of the meeting of the Senior Officials, presented by its Chairman, His Excellency Ambassador Izhar Ibrahim, Head of the Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia at the meeting of Senior Officials.

14. The Conference adopted the draft agenda proposed by the meeting of Senior Officials.

15. The Conference decided to keep the seat of the Islamic State of Afghanistan vacant without prejudice to the question of the recognition of the Government of Afghanistan.

16. The Conference adopted a Declaration on Bosnia-Herzegovina appealing to the international community to defend the universal principles embodied in the Dayton Peace Agreement. (Text of the Declaration is annexed).

17. The Conference adopted a Declaration on the current situation of the Middle East Peace Process. (Text of the Declaration is annexed).

18. The Conference expressed its thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for his generous donation of US$ 10,000,000 in support of activities carried out in the framework of Joint Islamic Action. (Text of the vote of thanks is annexed).

19. The Conference welcomed and expressed its satisfaction at the signing of Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front and commended the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and all those countries which had contributed towards the successful conclusion of this Agreement. It requested member states, the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and other specialized Islamic institutions to provide the Republic of Sierra Leone with assistance and necessary logistics to enable it to implement its developmental programmes in the areas of resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

20. The Conference heard with fraternal sentiments the statement by His Excellency Taner Etkin who presented the just cause of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus.

21. The Conference also heard a presentation made by His Excellency Mr. Nur Misuari, Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, on the agreement between the Moro National Liberation Front and the Government of the Philippines.

22. The Conference noted with satisfaction the report of His Excellency Mr. Lamine Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guinea, Chairman of the Twenty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, on the activities of the Organization during the period between the two Ministerial Sessions.

23. The Conference also noted with satisfaction the reports presented by the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on the items of the agenda and on the activities of the General Secretariat between the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

ORGANIC, STATUTORY AND GENERAL QUESTIONS:

24. The Conference unanimously admitted the Republic of Suriname as a full member of the OIC.

25. The Conference unanimously granted observer status to the Central African Republic and the Republic of Togo.

26. The Conference noted with satisfaction the reports of the Secretary General on organic, statutory and general issues. In this respect, the Conference expressed its appreciation of the Secretary General's report on the implementation of resolution 1/23-ORG adopted by theTwenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers relating to the functioning of the OIC, its subsidiary organs and its specialized and affiliated institutions.It expressed satisfaction at the measures taken by the Secretary General for the implementation of these important decisions and invited him to pursue his efforts in this respect. It also decided to convene an expert group meeting to draw up the criteria for admission to full membership of the OIC and to submit a report thereon to the next session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

27. The Conference took note of the report of the Eminent Persons Group on the evaluation of the work done by the OIC since its inception, and the identification of its needs so as to improve its efficiency and performance. It also took note of the report of the Group of Governmental Experts on the Image of Islam in the outside world and expressed its deep appreciation for the attention and care given by His Majesty Hassan II, King of Morocco, Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference and of the Al-Quds Committee, to the work of both Groups.It noted with great satisfaction and gratitude the directives and orientations of His Majesty concerning the recommendations of the Group of Governmental Experts on the Image of Islam in the outside world as well as those of the Eminent Persons Group. In this regard, the Conference welcomed His Majesty's decision to have this Group continue its work so that it may complete the mission entrusted to it.

28. The Conference noted with satisfaction the Secretary General's report on cooperation between the OIC, the United Nations and other regional and international organizations. It welcomed such cooperation and expressed the hope that it will develop further.

Election of the Secretary General

29. The Conference unanimously elected H.E. Dr.Azeddine Laraki of the Kingdom of Morocco, as the Secretary General of the OIC.The term of the new Secretary General would commence from Ist January 1997.

Election of the Assistant Secretaries General  

30. The Conference requested the Secretary General to continue his consultations concerning the designation of the new Assistant Secretaries General and mandated the Permanent Representatives of the Member States to the OIC to designate the Assistant Secretaries General before the expiration of the mandate of the incumbent Assistant Secretaries General at the Headquarters of the General Secretariat at Jeddah. The candidatures received on this subject are: the Republic of Guinea (H.E. Ambassador Naibika Diallo), the Republic of Yemen (H.E. Ambassador Abdul Ilah Mohammed Hajar), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Bin Mohamed Momina), the Arab Republic of Egypt (H.E. Ambassador Ibrahim Auf), the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (H.E. Ambassador Khaled Salim), the Islamic Republic of Iran (H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Ali Hedi), the Republic of Turkey (H.E. Ambassador Ayden Karahan), Burkina Faso (H.E. Minister Idrissa Zampalegre), the Republic of Indonesia (H.E. Ambassador Hadi A. Wayarabi Alhadar) and the Republic of Cameroun (H.E. Minister Mahamat Paba Sale).

31. It also requested the Secretary General to consider the proposal of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning the creation of a new additional post of Assistant Secretary General from the Central Asia, Caucasus and Europe, in consultation with the Permanent Representatives of Member States to the OIC and submit a report thereon, to the next session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

32. The Conference welcomed the generous offer made by the State of Qatar to host the Twenty-fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in March 1998 and expressed its deep gratitude to the Government of the State of Qatar for this offer.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS:

Question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif

  33. The Conference reaffirmed that the Palestine cause is the prime cause of all Muslims, and expressed its solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization in its just struggle for removing the effects of Israeli occupation and building the Palestinian national institutions on the land of Palestine, with a view to realizing the imprescriptible and inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return, to self-determination and to the establishment of their independent State on their national soil, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

34. The Conference called on Member States to further strengthen their solidarity with the Palestinian people,and to continue supporting the PLO, and its National Authority, positions in its negotiations for the full withdrawal of the Israeli forces from all the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and to consolidate its national authority in all the Palestinian territories.

35. The Conference reaffirmed its support for the Middle East peace process and the implementation of all the agreements signed in this context among the parties concerned and the commitments made in accordance with the underpinnings of the process launched in Madrid, in accordance with the UN resolutions, in particular Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 425 and the land-for-peace formula which demand Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the occupied Syrian Golan, the occupied Lebanese territory, and the realization of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people.

36. The Conference further reaffirmed that Al-Quds Al-Sharif forms an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied in 1967 and whatever is applicable to other occupied territories also applied to it.It urged action to halt all measures, practices and decisions adopted by the Israeli occupation authorities in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, aimed at altering the city's geographic and demographic set-up and violating Islamic and Christian Holy Places therein with a view to Judaizing the Holy City; and called for combining efforts to restore Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty as the capital of the State of Palestine, so as to ensure peace and security in the region.

37. The Conference invited all States of the world to refrain from having any dealings with the Israeli occupation authorities which might in any way be interpreted by those authorities, as an implicit recognition of the "fait accompli" they have imposed by the declaration of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and affirmed that all the legislative, administrative and settlement measures aiming at changing the legal status of the Holy City are null and void, have no legal effects whatsoever and are a violation of international agreements, conventions and norms.

38. The Conference also strongly condemned Israel's persistence in the excavation works around Al-Haram Al-Quds Al-Sharif especially the opening of a tunnel in Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It appealed to the international community and especially the Security Council Member States and the two cosponsors of the Peace Conference to take the necessary and immediate measures to compel Israel to close down this tunnel and to stop such aggressive practices, underlining the need to preserve the Arab and Islamic Character of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the status quo of the city pursuant the agreements concluded between the Palestinian and Israeli parties.

39. The Conference further 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 alteration in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transitional period and to refrain from any action or measure which might affect the outcome of the negotiations on the final status of the City, adhere to the relevant international resolutions, lift the siege imposed on Al-Quds Al-Sharif, ensure the freedom of worship therein, and refrain from destroying houses, withdrawing identity cards of Palestinian citizens and emptying Al-Quds Al-Sharif of its Arab citizens. It strongly condemned Israel for the orders it has issued for closing the Palestinian institutions in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and preventing them from operating freely.

40. The Conference invited the international community, in particular the two Sponsors of the Peace Conference and the States of the European Union to compel Israel to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the occupied Syrian Golan. It requested the Security Council to set up an International Monitoring Committee to prevent the establishment of settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.

41. The Conference invited the international community, especially the two co-sponsors of the Peace Conference and the States of the European Union to compel Israel to implement the agreements on the withdrawal of its troops from Al Khalil city and the other occupied Palestinian territories, close down the tunnel it had opened in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, enter in serious negotiations on the final status of the Palestinian territories provided for in the agreements concluded between the Palestinian and Israeli parties, resume negotiations on the Lebanese and Syrian tracks on the bases of the reference agreed upon at the Madrid Conference and from the point at which these negotiations stopped, and to endeavour to achieve just and comprehensive peace which would restore rights to whom they belong and which would ensure security, stability and prosperity for all peoples of the region.

42. The Conference asserted that Israel's failure to honour the principles and basis of the peace process, its going back on the commitments, undertakings or agreements reached within the framework of this process or its procrastination in their implementation or repudiating them would lead to the relapse of the peace process, and holds the Israeli government responsible for that. It recommended that, in the event of a breakdown of the peace process, normalization of relations with Israel should be reconsidered and that consultations should be held on this question at the appropriate time in order to adopt the necessary measures.

43. The Conference 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 obtain Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to submit a full report on its stockpile of nuclear weapons and ammunition to the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the establishment of a zone free from weapons of mass destruction, and primarily nuclear weapons in the Middle East region, a fundamental factor for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

44. The Conference called upon Member States to honour their commitment to cover the approved budgets for Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf and urged Member States to take steps towards paying their contributions and appealed to those which have not pledged donations to Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf to do so.

45. The Conference lauded the steadfastness of the Syrian Arab citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan against the Israeli occupation and strongly condemned Israel for its non-compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981) and reaffirmed that Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Occupied Syrian Golan is illegal, null and void and has no legal validity whatsoever. It decided that the Knesset decision of 11 November 1981 sanctioning the annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void, has no legal effect, and constitutes a flagrant violation of Security Council resolution 497 (1981). It strongly condemned Israel for its persistence in changing the legal status and demographic composition of the Occupied Syrian Golan.The Conference reaffirmed that the continued occupation by Israel of the Syrian Golan constitute a constant threat to peace and security in the region. It demanded Israel to fully withdraw from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of the Fourth of June 1967.

46. The Conference strongly condemned Israel for its continued occupation of parts of Southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Western Bikaa, and demands the international community to endeavours to implement Security Council Resolution No. 425 (1978) which provides for Israel's immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all the occupied Lebanese territories to the international boundaries. It demanded the international community to take all necessary measures with Israel so that the latter may immediately release all Lebanese prisoners and kidnapped individuals. The Conference condemned Israel for its continued aggression against Lebanese territories indicating its non-compliance with the letter and spirit of April understanding. It demanded to exert pressure on Israel to pay reparations to Lebanon for the damages resulting from its continued aggression against Lebanese territories and to endeavour to halt the arbitrary and inhuman Israeli practices against the defenseless populations in the occupied Lebanese territories. The Conference asserted its support and backing for the efforts exerted by the Lebanese government to impose its control and sovereignty over the totality of its territories including the parts occupied by Israel in Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

47. The Conference reaffirmed the commitment of the OIC Member States to the legal continuity, integrity and sovereignty of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders and fully supported the establishment of a democratic, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It emphasized the importance of ensuring the full, effective, consistent and impartial implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and urged the international community to support the peaceful and democratic reintegration of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

48. It expressed grave concern that the conditions stipulated under the Dayton Peace Agreement for the holding of free and fair elections were not fulfilled in the 14 September, 1996 elections, specifically in the Serb entity, and also expressed serious concern over the negative role of separatists during the elections and cautioned the international community of these threats posed to the democratic reunification of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

49. It stressed the vital importance of ensuring freedom of movement throughout the country and the return of refugees and displaced persons to their places of origin under safe and secure conditions thus promoting the process of reconciliation, democratization and reintegration in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It emphasized the need for vigorous action against separatists and calls on the international community to support the viability, effective and continuous functioning of the common institutions for the smooth reintegration of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

50. It urged the international community to take concrete measures for the arrest of all indicted war criminals notably Karadzic and Mladic, and calls on the UN Security Council to utilize the enforcement procedures under the UN Charter, including those envisaged under Chapter VII, to secure the delivery of these criminals by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the Republic of Croatia.

51. It expressed full support for the legal action of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) in the International Court of Justice for genocide. It reaffirmed strong support for the Security Council resolution 777 (1992) and General Assembly resolution 47/1 (1992) which decided that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) should apply as new member of the United Nations and should not inherit the seat of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which has ceasedto exist. It reiterated the support of the OIC countries to the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to the question of succession of States, particularly the freezing of the assets of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro).

52. It urged all countries and multilateral institutions that have pledged resources for the reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina to immediately disburse the funds in order to ensure timely completion ofpriority projects and reiterates the readiness of the OIC Member States and OIC institutions in providing resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina by promoting bilateral programmes of assistance and cooperation as well as through the OIC Assistance Mobilization Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the coordination of institutions of the OIC and NGOs.

53. It reaffirmed support for the equipping and training of the Federation Armed Forces which will foster long term regional stability by creating a credible self-defense capability for the Federation. It expressed concern that the Serb entity and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) have not cooperated in good faith with the regional stabilization and arms limitation agreements envisaged by the Dayton Peace Agreement and completed in Vienna and Florence and called upon the international community to ensure full compliance.

54. It expressed the hope that the impediments to the full establishment and functioning of the Federation authorities, such as self styled Herceg Bosna, will be eliminated in accordance with the relevant Agreements reached. It welcomed the steps taken on mutual recognition of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other states deriving from Former Yugoslavia and expressed readiness to cooperate with all of them subject to their full and effective recognition and respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

55. It stressed the need for resolving the problem of Briko through speeding up the arbitration procedure. It supported the holding of free, fair and democratic municipal elections for the establishment of local democratic institutions.

56. It underlined the need for strong political support of the international community to the effective and consistent implementation of the action programme of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) adopted at the London Conference on 4-5 December, 1996 to stabilize peace and speed up the process of peaceful and democratic reintegration of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

57. It invited the international community and the OIC Member States to support the legitimate struggle of the Bosnian Muslim people of Sandjak for their equal national and civil rights.

58. It adopted an Action Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Action Programme calls for providing assistance and cooperation by Member States to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the following fields: humanitarian assistance, reconstruction of infrastructure and production capacity, rehabilitation of cultural heritage, legal support and assistance for self-defence.

Jammu and Kashmir

59. The Conference called for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions and as agreed upon in the Simla Agreement. 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 also called upon Member states to take all necessary steps to persuade India to cease forthwith the gross and systematic 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 further called upon India to allow international human rights groups and humanitarian organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

60. It affirmed that any political process/elections held under foreign occupation cannot be a substitute to the exercise of the right of self-determination by people of Kashmir as is provided in the relevant Security Council Resolutions.

61. It supported the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to initiate a meaningful bilateral dialogue for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and calls 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.

62. 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 and Seventh Islamic Summit Conferences. It also 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.

63. It appreciated the efforts made by the Secretary General for enabling the true representatives of the Kashmiri people to have their views expressed in OIC and other international fora, and requests him to continue to take all necessary steps in this regard.

64. 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.

65. It recommended that Member States continue to coordinate their positions and to take 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.

66. It commended the efforts being made by the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. It 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.

Afghanistan

67. The Conference expressed its deep concern over the fratricidal conflict in Afghanistan and called upon Afghan parties for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire and support for all the efforts being made in this regard.

68. It emphasized the need for promoting national reconciliation and rapprochement as well as for the establishment of a broad-based government, demobilization of armed groups and formation of national army and police force.

69. 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 for promoting peace in Afghanistan.

70. It called upon all States to end immediately the supply of arms and ammunition to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan. It also called for respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and Islamic character of Afghanistan and non-interference in its internal affairs.

71. It reaffirmed the decisions of the Sixth and Seventh Islamic Summit Conferences that the OIC should have an active role in the solution of the Afghanistan problem. It emphasized the need for continued close coordination of efforts between OIC and UN for promoting a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan by setting a credible intra-Afghan mechanism. It further expressed its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the United Nations to draw the attention of the international community to the acute political and economic problems of Afghanistan, and for promoting peace and mobilizing assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction and in this regard, encourages the continuing cooperation between the efforts of the OIC and the UN Special Mission.

Somalia

72. 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 sufferings 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 calls for continuation of such efforts and requests the Secretary General to send a Contact Group to urge various Somali parties to resume their dialogue with a view to achieving national reconciliation.

73. It called for the convening of an international conference on peace and national reconciliation in Somalia in accordance with the relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly, with the participation of all the Somali parties and all the concerned international and regional organizations.

74. It expressed its appreciation for the initiative of H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh of the Republic of Yemen by calling for the holding of a Somali National Reconciliation Conference in Sanaa and welcomed the acceptance of the principal Somali factions of this invitation. It called on all Somali factions to positively respond to the invitation extended by the Republic of Yemen and affirmed the necessity for their effective participation in the national reconciliation conference in Sanaa in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood so as to achieve peace and preserve the unity, territorial integrity and independence of Somalia. It urged all Member States to extend financial and material assistance to Yemen so as to enable it to overcome the problem of the refugees and to provide them with the means that would ensure their safe return to their countries.

75. 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) and also called upon all Somali factions to enter into negotiations for a constructive dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the problem.

Iraqi aggression against Kuwait

76. The Conference called upon Iraq to pursue efforts towards the fulfillment of its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions, for the establishment of security, peace and stability in the region.

77. It called on Iraq to cooperate fully and seriously with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Tripartite Committee in Geneva which was established under its sponsorship and supervision, with a view to implementing its engagements pursuant to Para 2C and Para 3C of resolution No. 686 (1991) and Para (30) of resolution No. 687 (1991) pertaining to the urgent release of prisoners and detainees from among Kuwaiti military troops and civilians and any other nationals so as to put a quick end to this issue as well as implementing Para 15 (d) pertaining to the return of Kuwaiti possessions.

78. It affirmed that Iraq, in accepting resolution 686 (1991) and resolution 687 (1991) is deemed bound to implement Para 2-B of resolution 686 and Para 16 of resolution 687 which relate to the responsibility of Iraq under the relevant Security Council resolutions for reparations in respect of any direct loss or damage, including any attendant environmental damages, depletion of natural resources or any losses sustained by foreign governments, their nationals or their companies.

79. It endorsed once again 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 and welcomed, in this respect, the agreement reached by the Secretary General of the UN with Iraq in implementing Security Council Resolution No. 986 (1995) and considered it a step for alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people.

Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan

80. The Conference strongly condemned the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan. It considered the actions perpetrated against civilian Azeri population in occupied Azeri territory as crimes against humanity. It strongly demanded the strict implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884, calling for the immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied Azeri territories, inter alia, Lachin and Shusha regions and strongly urges Armenia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

81. It called on the Security Council to recognize the existence of aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan; 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 Republic of Azerbaijan and decided to take coordinated action to this end at the United Nations.

82. It called on all States to refrain from providing any supplies of military arms and equipment to Armenia, which can encourage the aggressor to escalate the conflict and to continue the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. The territory of the OIC Member States should not be used for transit of such supplies. It also called upon the OIC Member States, as well as other members of the international community, to use such effective political and economic measures as required in order to put an end to Armenian aggression and to occupation of the Azerbaijani territories.

83. 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 members of the Minsk Group to engage constructively in the ongoing OSCE peace process and refrain from any action that will make it more difficult to reach a peaceful solution.

84. It affirmed 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 Republic of Azerbaijan and requested the OIC Member States, the Islamic Development Bank and the other Islamic institutions to render urgent financial and humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

85. The Conference expressed its support for the statement of the Chairman-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) of 3 December 1996 which was annexed to the Declaration of the OSCE Summit held in Lisbon on 2-3 December 1996 relating to the three principles which should form part of the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, namely the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan, legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh defined in an agreement based on self-determination which confers on Nagorno-Karabakh the highest degree of self-rule within Azerbaijan and guaranteed security for Nagorno-Karabakh and its whole population, including mutual obligations to ensure compliance by all the Parties with the provisions of the settlement.

US Aggression against Libya

86. The Conference condemned once again the continuing United States aggression, 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 material 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.

87. 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 are liable to undermine its development plans.

88. It condemned the U.S. economic boycott measures against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and called for their abolition 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, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of France.

89. The Conference expressed appreciation for the readiness of the Libyan Jamahiriya to peacefully settle the dispute between Libya and the United States, the United Kingdom and France and to cooperate in order to establish a fruitful dialogue among all parties concerned.

90. It expressed concern over the escalation of the crisis and the threat to impose further sanctions or the use of force as a way of conduct among states, including violation of the UN Charter, and international laws and standards. It reaffirmed its solidarity with the Great Socialist Peoples' Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and recommended to all parties concerned to avoid all procedures that may lead to the escalation of tension which is detrimental to the Libyan people and neighbouring States.

91. It called upon the three Western States to respond positively to the requests, and proposals made by regional organizations and the flexibility displayed by the Great Jamahiriya to settle the crisis peacefully, and considers that failure to respond positively to these endeavours delayed considerably the realization of a solution to the crisis and redoubled the hardships experienced by the Libyan people. And that the continuation of these sanctions would prompt Islamic States to consider possible means to avert inflicting further damages on the Libyan people and to alleviate their suffering.

92. It reiterated its support for the proposal made in the resolution adopted by the League of Arab States (Doc. 5373-D/A, (101)-G 3) on 27 March, 1994 calling for the holding of a 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 urged 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.

93. The Conference condemned the continuation of sanctions against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and renewed its call on the Security Council to review its resolutions 731/92, 748/92 and 883/93 so as to lift the sanctions imposed on the Great Jamahiriya.

Cyprus

94. 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 which 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. It considered that the rearmament of the Greek Cypriot side deepened further the existing mistrust between the two sides and constituted a threat to peace and stability in the island.

95. 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.

96. 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.

97. 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. Itconsidered 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 for implementing the confidence building measures and to resume direct talks without any preconditions. 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

98. The Conference reaffirmed the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Islamic 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 relevant international resolutions and to solving the issue through negotiations in accordance with the willingness of the French and Comorian Presidents.

99. It urged anew the Government of France to accelerate the process of negotiations with the Government of the Comoros with a view to ensuring the prompt return of the Island of Mayotte to the Federal Islamic Republic of 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 Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros on the basis of the national unity and territorial integrity of that country.

Eastern and Central Europe

100. The Conference reaffirmed the need to maintain andpromote ties of friendship and cooperation between the Islamic world and the countries of Eastern and Central Europe on the basis of mutual interest and expressed the hope that strengthening of economic relations between Easternand 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.

101. 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, religion and culture.

102. It called on the Secretary General to visit the region from time to time to contact the Governments and members of the Muslim communities to ascertain their conditions and enlighten them about the OIC.It also requested that the IDB may in association with international/regional financial institutions draw up a study of the economic circumstances of the region, Western concerns and interests, and the implications for the Muslim countries.

Security and Solidarity

103. The Conference reiterated that the security of each Muslim country is the concern of all Islamic countries. It expressed firm resolve 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 reaffirmed the permanent and full sovereignty of the Islamic countries and peoples over their natural resources and economic activities. It expressedthe determination of the Member States to preserve and promote Islamic values in all spheres of life especially those of solidarity and mutual respect.

104. It reaffirmed further the determination of Member States to encourage the initiatives aimed at building confidence and security at the appropriate time at the bilateral or sub-regional levels in conformity with the provisions and principles contained in the Dakar Declaration. It reaffirmed the need for respect of the principles of international law concerning the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of States, non-use of force in international relations, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of States as essential prerequisites for the security of Islamic States.

105. It recognized that small states are particularly vulnerable to external threats and acts of interference in their internal affairs.

106. It approved the report of the Second Inter-governmental Expert Group Meeting entrusted to reflect on the security and solidarity of Member States as well as the proposals and recommendations contained therein. It recommends to Member States to implement them.

Disarmament

107. 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 emphasized the need to conduct negotiations as early as possible within the framework of the Conference on Disarmament according to the Plan of Action of the Final Document of the Tenth UN General Assembly Special Session on the full range of disarmament issues. It reaffirmed that all States have an inalienable right to develop their programmes for peaceful uses of nuclear energy for their economic and social developmentand that all States are entitled to have access to the technology and equipment needed for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

108. It called upon all States, particularly the States of the regions concerned, which have not yet done, to positively respond to proposals for the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in the Middle East and South Asia. It requested all Member States to keep up and further coordinate their cooperation at the United Nations and other relevant international fora to promote the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in the Middle East and South Asia. It reaffirmed the determination of Member States to take measures to prevent nuclear poliferation on a non-discriminatory and universal basis.

109. It welcomed the signing of a convention in Bangkok in December 1995 by the Heads of State and Government of the ten South East Asian countries for the establishment of a South East Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.

110. It urged all States especially nuclear weapon States to exert pressure on Israel to become party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and 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 obtain Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and tosubmit a full report on its stockpile of nuclear weapons and ammunition to the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the establishment of a zone free from weapons of mass destruction, and primarily nuclear weapons in the Middle East region, a fundamental factor for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

111. It called upon all States, including those Members of the Conference on Disarmament, particularly the nuclear weapon States, to work urgently towards a binding 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 of Non-Nuclear Weapon States in the global or regional context. It urged the Conference on Disarmament for the immediate commencement and early conclusion of negotiations on a non-discriminatory and universally applicable convention banning the production and stockpiling of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosives.

112. It 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. It call upon the international community and states concerned to adopt measures which would ease global and regional tensions and result in a just and lasting resolution of outstanding conflicts and disputes thus facilitating meaningful disarmament and arms control measures.

Elimination of anti-personnel mines

113. The Conference expressed its deep concern over the consequences of the use of anti-personnel mines on the security of civilian population and their economic development. It urged strongly Member States to intensify and pursue their support for mine clearing operations and to strengthen international cooperation in this field. It requested Member States to take part in the efforts aimed at adopting effective measures to put an end to the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel mines for their complete elimination.

114. It urged the international community, particularly the developed countries to provide substantial assistance for the removal of anti-personnel mines and to ensure access by all States to advance material, equipment and technology.

Islamic Solidarity with the people of Sahel

115. The Conference expressed its appreciation of the efforts made by the OIC General Secretariat, CILSS and the IDB for the elaboration and finalization of the OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme for the Sahel. It reaffirmed the necessity to devote greater attention to the speedy implementation of the Special OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme for the Sahelian populations. The Conference was informed by the representative of the State of Kuwait that the meeting of the Expert Group on the Programme will be held in Kuwait after Ramadan.

Critical Economic Situation in Africa.

116. 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 calls upon the international community to fulfil its commitments on the basis of the principle of shared responsibility and full partnership with Africa.

Consultation and Coordination among Member States

117. 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.

118. It emphasized the necessity of strengthening coordination among the member states to control all images and forms of the phenomenon of terrorism, including 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.

Reparations of damages due to colonialism.

119. 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 and continue to impeded their development and progress. It also reaffirmed the right of all the member states, without exception, which suffered under the yoke of colonialism, to take all necessary measures to obtain fair compensation for the human and material losses they have suffered as a result of colonialism or external invasion. 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, colonization and settlement on Libayan territories. It called on the countries responsible for these hazards; to take practical measures in response to the Great Jamahirya's requests.

120. It also reaffirmed the right of all member states, without exception which suffered under colonialism, to recover the cultural property lotted from it during the colonial period, including antiquities, works of art, manuscripts, and historical documents. it called on member states to coordinate among themselves to achieve this end in coordination with ISESCO. It also appealed to the international community to take the necessary measures so that the phenomenon of colonialism may not be repeated and that whatever is left of it is eradicated.

Niger

121. The Conference expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Niger and the Organization of Armed Resistance. It commended the efforts exerted by mediating countries for their important contribution to the conclusion of this Agreement. It requested member states, the General Secretariat of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the other Islamic Institutions to provide Niger with the necessary assistance to enable it to consolidate its national unity and achieve its regional developmental objectives within the framework of the implementation of the above-mentioned Agreement.

Mali

122. The Conference requested member states and Islamic institutions to provide necessary financial assistance for the emergency programmes and projects for ensuring the return of the refugees, their rehabilitation and the social, economic and cultural development of the Northern Regions of Mali and recommended that the Organization and its financial institutions actively support the implementation of the medium and long term development strategy and of the emergency programme in the regions of Kidal, Gao and Timbuctu.

Sudan:

123. 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 in Southern Sudan through consultation and dialogue between the various Sudanese parties in view of achieving its stability and intenrational development. It also expressed its profound appreciation of the Member States which support Sudan's efforts aiming at safeguarding its unity, national security and cultural heritage.

Right to use of science and technology for development

124. 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 rejected policies and measures aimed at obstructing the achievement of technological progress for peaceful purposes in Member States.

125. 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 (COMSTECH).

Refugees

126. The Conference expressed its deep appreciation to countries hosting refugees for their generous assistance to refugees irrespective of their critical economic situation as well as presence of large number of displaced persons. It reaffirmed its concern for the security, stability and infrastructure of those Islamic countries whose economic and social development is seriously affected by the presence of millions of refugees.

127. It called on member states, to coordinate their action at the international level with a view to determining the main causes behind the exodus of refugees to Islamic and other countries and strive, in cooperation with the UNHCR, to enable those refugees to return to their homes whenever circumstances permit. It requested the General Secretariat to prepare a survey regarding the number and the situation of the refugees in the Islamic World in coordination with the UNHCR and submit it to the first meeting of the Group of Experts to be held in 1997.

128. It urged member states and the Islamic Development Bank to increase their assistance to the Islamic countries hosting refugees given the economic and social difficulties caused by the presence of such refugees. It called on member states to cooperate with the UNHCR to end the downward trend of assistance to refugees and to secure additional resources to alleviate the suffering of those refugees in Islamic countries.

129. It urged non-Member States to create better conditions for the Muslim communities so that they are not forced to escape or are driven out as refugees because of religious, ethnic or racial reasons.It condemned all acts of repression against the refugees, including armed attacks on their camps and pressures on the countries sheltering them.

Dumping of Toxic Wastes

130. The Conference affirmed that the dumping of toxic and nuclear wastes in member countries is a crime against the whole of humanity. It called upon all countries producing toxic anddangerous wastes to take steps to ensure that wastes are recycled and made use of in their own territories. It urged all member states to ban any unlawful shipment of toxic and dangerous wastes across their borders without the existence of the requisite safeguards and the prior approval of the importing state. It called on all States to abide by the maritime agreements prohibiting the dumping of toxic and nuclear wastes in the territorial waters of the littoral Member States.

Assistance to the Republic of Sudan to shelter refugees and displaced persons.

131. The Conference urged international donors to extend assistance commensurate with the number of the refugees in the Sudan, and also to help in their voluntary repatriation. It exhorted all member states to extend assistance to the Sudanese Government to help it overcome the problem of refugees and displaced persons. It invited the Islamic Development Bank to extend financial assistance so as to support the efforts of the Government of the Sudan aimed at resettling returning Sudanese refugees in the areas liberated from the hold of the rebellious movement as well as to provide shelter to the displaced persons who migrated to the North due to the military operations conducted by the rebellious movement.

Solidarity with Iran and Libya with regard to the Damato Law.

132. The Conference emphasized the principles of the OIC and the UN Charter which require states not to interfere in the internal affairs of other states and to settle their disputes through peaceful means. It strongly opposed any arbitrary, extra-territorial and unilateral measure, be it political or legal, by one country against another country. It urged all States to consider the so-called D'Amato law which is against international law and norms as null and void. It also affirmed its soldiarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya with their positions against such acts.

Kosovo

133. The Conference strongly condemned the large-scale repression, discrimination and violation of human rights against the defenseless Albanian population committed by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). It called on the international community to take all necessary measures to immediately end all human rights violations against Albanians in Kosovo and revoke all discriminatory legislation entered into force since 1989. It further called for the establishment of democratic institutions in Kosovo, release of all political prisoners, protection of the human, political and national rights of the Albanian population and commencement of internationally brokered dialogue with the representatives of Albanians in Kosovo.

East Timor

134. The Conference was briefed by Indonesia on the question of East Timor and the efforts to find a solution to the question.In this regard the Conference expressed its full support for Indonesia in the efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution.

MUSLIM COMMUNITIES AND MINORITIES:

135. The Conference confirmed that preservation of the rights of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States is, essentially, the responsibility of the governments of these states, on the basis of abidance by the principles of International Law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Conference called upon Member States and the OIC Subsidiary, Specialized and Affiliated Institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) as well as non-governmental Islamic organisations, bodies and institutions, to provide the OIC General Secretariat, as early as possible, with available information, studies and statistics on the situation of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States so as to establish an advanced data-base which enables the General Secretariat to perform the tasks entrusted to it concerning these Muslim communities and minorities in a manner that satisfies the aims and objectives of the OIC.

136. The Conference urged Member States to pay special attention to those Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States who are exposed to persecution or oppression because of their religious beliefs and to know their needs which are to be communicated to the Member States so as to provide the necessary capabilities - material, human and in kind. Also to intensify the cultural and educational Islamic activities, as well as various human assistance, so as to accord more attention to improving the general situation of the Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States in general. It invited Member States to exert further efforts in order to provide information, within the OIC Member States, about the reality of the problems of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States.

137. It requested the OIC General Secretariat and the Islamic organisations and bodies that are members of the OIC Committee for the Coordination of Islamic Action, to hold an early meeting to consider drawing up an action plan on preserving the rights of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States, while giving special priority to the activities of societies that aim at Christianizing Muslim communities and minorities in the different parts of the world. It invited the OIC General Secretariat to make contacts with the governments of the states that have Muslim communities and minorities in order to be familiar with their problems and needs as well as the conception of these States concerning a cooperation formula with the OIC aimed at making the required contributions for improving the conditions of these Muslim communities and minorities and preserving their religions and cultural identity.

138. The Conference decided to establish a contact group from among the permanent delegations of the Member States at the UN in New York and Geneva so as to deal with cases of violation of the rights of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States as well as attempts to obliterate the identity of these communities and minorities. It may also be possible to hold, when necessary, a meeting of the group at Ministerial level.

139. The Conference invited the OIC General Secretariat to follow up the UN activities relevant to the minority issue so as to be informed about developments on the situation of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States, and to submit a report thereon to the next meeting of the Group of Experts. It welcomed the recommendation contained in the report of the Third Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Group of Experts Entrusted with the following up of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, on the need to coordinate with this Group aimed at carrying out a comprehensive survey of the conditions of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States, and at a later stage to make the necessary arrangements at the well known international fora for preserving the rights of Muslim communities and minorities and requested the Group of Experts on Muslim Communities and Minorities in non OIC-Member States to continue its work through 1997.

Muslims in Southern Philippines

140. The Conference welcomed the Final Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front initialed on 30 August 1996 in Jakarta and officially signed on 2 September 1996 in Manila. It appreciated the important steps already taken to fully implement the Agreement and calls on both the GRP and the MNLF to preserve the gains achieved as a result of the signing of the Peace Agreement. It paid tribute to the leadership of the Moro National Liberation Front under the Chairmanship of Professor Nur Misuari, as the sole legitimate representative of Muslims in Southern Philippines ("Bangsamoro people"), for their courage, political vision and wisdom which paved the way for the ultimate achievement of a political, just, comprehensive, and final solution to the question of Muslims in Southern Philippines. It paid tribute to the role of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines under the wise leadership of President Fidel Ramos and its creative ideas which led to the establishment of the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development and, consequently, to the achievement of the peaceful, durable, comprehensive and just settlement of the problem of Southern Philippines.

141. The Conference paid tribute to the role of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, under the sagacious leadership of His Excellency President Soeharto, in facilitating the peace process culminating in the signing of the Final Peace Agreement on 2 September 1996. It also paid tribute to the role of the Government of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, under the wise leadership of His Excellency Colonel Muammar Qaddafi, in achieving the Tripoli Agreement of 1976 and in hosting the first exploratory talks in Tripoli from 3 to 4 October, 1992.

142. The Conference urged the Member States, the OIC subsidiary organs, specialised and affiliated institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank, to extend economic, financial, technical and material assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Southern Philippines through the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and/or the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD) under the leadership of the MNLF.

143. The Conference decided to maintain the status and enhance the participation of the MNLF in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in its capacity as the sole legitimate representative of the Bangsamoro people in Southern Philippines aimed at improving their conditions in accordance with the Peace Agreement. It requested the Ministerial Committee of the Six and the OIC Secretary General to continue extending assistance as appropriate for the full implementation of the Peace Agreement during the transitional period pending the establishment of the regular autonomous regions in Southern Philippines. It urged the Member States to help in mobilizing a broad international support to both parties of the Peace Agreement in achieving peace, development and prosperity in the Southern Philippines.

Western Thrace

144. The Conference noted with deep concern that human rights including the freedoms of worship and education of the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace, guaranteed under international treaties, continue to be denied and violated and urged that all their rights and freedoms, individual and collective, be fully respected.

LEGAL AFFAIRS:

145. The Conference urged the Member States to expeditiously finalize the ratification procedures of agreements concluded under the auspices of the OIC aimed at expanding cooperation among Member States with regard to the peaceful settlement of conflicts among Member States. It also urged Member States to expedite the ratification of the Statute of the International Islamic Court of Justice so as to acquire the quorum needed for the Court to start its proceedings. With respect to human rights, it decided that the Committee of Experts pursue its follow up meetings on the Cairo Declaration of human rights in Islam which emphasises the need and importance of coordination and cooperation among Member States in the field of human rights. As regards combating international terrorism, it reaffirmed the commitment of the Member States to the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Combating International Terrorism and called upon Member States of the Organization to follow-up, coordinate their stands and achieve cooperation in the light of the principles and provisions stipulated in the Code at all international conferences and fora concerned with the international terrorism, and to cooperate with the General Secretariat for the facilitation and achievement of this coordination and cooperation. It urged Member States to support the holding of an international Conference within the framework of the United Nations in a bid to define terrorism and distinguish it from people's liberation struggle.

INFORMATION AFFAIRS:

146. The Conference took note of the resolutions of the Third Islamic Conference of Information Ministers and the desicions of the COMIAC and expressed thanks to the government of the Republic of Senegal for having offered to host the Fourth Islamic Conference of Information Ministers.

147. The Conference approved the 1996-97 Action Programmesubmitted by the General Secretariat and drawn from the Information Plan, this programme having to be implemented in accordance with the recommendations of the Fourth Session of the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs.

148. The Conference urged member states to extend necessary support to the International Islamic News Agency and the Islamic States Broadcasting Organization so that they may achieve their objectives in the service of Islamic information.

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS:

149. The Conference urged member states to pursue efforts aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among them so as to maximize the complementarities in their economies and avoid further marginalization.

150. The Conference reiterated the need to take serious steps to ensure economic integration among OIC member states with the ultimate objectives of establishing an Islamic Common Market or any other form of economic integration, on a step by step and regional basis, among OIC Member Countries in order to help overcome difficulties arising from the formation of global economic groupings.

151. The Conference expressed deep concern at the tendencies among some developed countries to link labour and environment related issues with trade deals and emphasized that such trends are detrimental to the evalution of a just, free and fair trading environment.

152. The Conference noted with concern the extra-territorial application of domestic laws which adversely affect the foreign investments in other countries, including Islamic countries and rejected all coercive measures which may target Member States including those intending to expand further the area of cooperation in economic and commercial field.

153. The Conference emphasized the importance of ensuring universality of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and stressed the need for the expeditious processing of the membership application of intending States.

154. The Conference congratulated the FAO for successfully convening the World Food Summit in Rome from 13-17 November 1996. It called upon the Member States of the OIC to implement the committments made at the Summit on an urgent basis.

155. The Conference recognized the necessity of responding to the need of land-locked and transit countries so as toallow them to develop their transport infrastructures.

156. The Conference appealed to the international community and particularly to the developed countries to fully and efficiently implement the 1990 Plan of Action regarding least developed and land-locked countries and the provisions of other UN resolutions, in particular those contained in UNCTAD VIII and recommendations contained in the report of the High Level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Mid-term global Review of the Implimentation Programme of Action for the LDCs for the 1997.

157. The Conference appealed to developed countries to increase their aid programme in order to attain 0.7% of the GDP in official aid development, as fixed by the UN andurged the least developed countries and low-income countries to play in a more coordinative manner, a more active role in the international fora dealing with the eradication of poverty.

158. The Conference appealed to international creditors to continue adopting every necessary measure to cut down the debt of member states and expressed its gratitude to member states which have already responded formally in this regard and appeals to member states to continue the transfer of capital through grants and concessionary loans to member states, especially to the least developed, land-locked and/or Sahelian countries.

159. The Conference urged all member states and those institutions concerned to expedite the extension of the envisaged necessary assistance to help the Palestinian people establish their national economy and consolidate their national institutions inorder to establish their independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its Capital.

160. The Conference urged the international community to extend assistance to member states struck by drought and natural disasters.

161. The Conference appealed to member states and OIC institutions to extend assistance to OIC countries of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development and Drought Control (IGADD) and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) to enable them to overcome the difficult situation which is threatening them.

162. The Conference emphasized the need to urgently implement the new Plan of Action to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation and the auspicious of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), in compliance with the principles and operational modalities of the strategy and the procedures set forth in its chapter on follow-up and implementation.

163. The Conference expressed its deep appreciation for the devotion and efficiency with which the IDB is carrying out its responsibilities and for the invaluable contribution it is making towards the development and progress of the Muslim populations.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

164. The Conference affirmed the inalienable right of the Islamic Ummah to develop, acquire and make use of science and technology for progress in the enconomic, social and cultural fields and called upon industralized 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 within the framework of the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH).

165. The Conference expressed grave concern over the manufacture and illegal trafficking as well as the widespread abuse of drugs which endanger the health of millions of people especially young people and calls for greater cooperation in combating drug abuse and psychotropic substances and their illegal production, processing and trafficking.

166. The Conference called for cooperation to combat epidemic diseases which affect human, animal and natural life and invites OIC Member States to collectively organize a campaign against the expansion of the AIDS pandemic and to seriously uphold medical research efforts in this field at the national, regional and international levels.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS:

167. The Conference took note with appreciation of the reports submitted by the Secretary General on the Islamic universities, institutions and cultural centres. It approved the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs. It expressed its deep concern vis-a-vis the problems faced by these institutions in views of the decrease in financial and material assistance extended by Member States. It urged the Member States, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Islamic Development Bank and the other Islamic institutions to extend further financial and material support to these universities, institutions and centres especially that they contribute to the development of human resources which are indispensible in any development activities for the Islamic Ummah.

168. The Conference also took note with appreciation of the decision of the OIC Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs underlining the need to expedite convening a Conference of Ministers of Culture to implement the Cultural Strategy in coordination and collaboration between the OIC General Secretariat and the ISESCO. The Conferenc appealed to Member States to incorporate the Cultural Strategy in their cultural, educational and pedagogic projects.

169. The Conference took note with appreciation of the legal study prepared by the General Secretariat on the elaboration of a legal instrument to ensure respect for Islamic values and holy shrines.

170. The Conference expressed deep concern over the acts of the killings committed against Muslims in Palestine, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the world, and the aggression perpetrated against their holy shrines. It also strongly condemned the repeated acts of aggression committed by zionists aggression against the Ibrahimi Mosque and other holy shrines in Palestine. The Conference renewed its invitation to the Indian Government to rebuild the Babri Mosque on its original site.

171. The Conference expressed its deep appreciation for the work achieved by the Director General of the IslamicEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and highly commended the fruitful and exemplary cooperation relations which now link ISESCO to the major international, Islamic and regional organizations concerned with the same field. It also expressed its deep appreciation of the activities of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent.

172. The Conference also expressed its thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, General President of the Sports Federation for Islamic Solidarity for taking the initiative to offer to host the meeting of the Inter-governmental Experts Committee entrusted with the preparation for the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports.

173. The Conference also expressed its deep appreciation for the achievements realized by the Centre of Research in Islamic History, Arts and Culture, the International Commission for the Preservation of the Islamic Cultural Heritage and the Islamic Fiqh Academy.

174. The Conferece 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 appreciation for those Member States which extended generous donations to the ISF and its Waqf. It also requested all Member States to take interest in extending annual donations to the Fund's budget, each according to its means, in order to enable it to overcome the defecit in its annual budget. The Conference also called upon Member States to contribute to the capital of the ISF Waqf.

175. The Conference took note of the decision of H.E. Omar Bongo, President of the Republic of Gabon, to set up a Department of Islamic Languages and Culture at Omar Bongo University in Libreville.It expressed its thanks to the Gabonese President for this initiative which, togehter with the setting up of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Gabon, constitute a major contribution to the dessimination of Islam in this part of the world. It congratulated CICIBA (International Centre for Bantou Civilization) for having organized a seminar on human rights in Islam based on the Cairo Declaration.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS:

176. The Conference adopted the budgets of the General Secretariat and the Subsidiary Organs for the year 1996-97 and urged member states to pay their contributions to these budgets. It expressed its deep concern over the critical financial situation of the General Secretariat and the Subsidiary Organs resulting from the accumulation of arrears of contributions to these budgets.It called upon member states to settle their arrears in order to enable these institutions to fulfill their tasks.

Closing Session

177. His Excellency Ali Alatas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairman of the Twenty-Fourth Session of the ICFM, thanked the participating delegations for the spirit of constructive cooperation and for their precious contribution towards the success of the Conference.

Vote of Thanks

178. At the end of the deliberations, His Excellency Mr. Hamadou Moustapha, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroun expressed, on behalf of the participating delegations profound thanks and gratitude to His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government and people of Indonesia 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 the Chairman of the Conference for his farsightedness and competence in conducting the deliberations of the Conference.

179. The Conference decided to address a Special Motion of Thanks to His Excellency President M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, for the solicitude he has shown to the participants and for his effective presence at the opening session of the Conference. (Text of the Motion of Thanks is annexed).

DECLARATION ON BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 

We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Member States of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, meeting in Jakarta, from 28 Rajab to 3 Shaban, 1417H (9-13 December, 1996)within the framework of the Twenty-fourth session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers,

Having received an alarming message from the highest authorities of the Bosnian people that the spirit and the letter of the Dayton Peace Agreement have been put in jeopardy;

1. Decided to launch an appeal to the international community, particularly to the Five Nation Contact Group, to:

(a) Defend the universal principles embodied in the Dayton Peace Agreement;

(b) Reject equating aggressors and victims of aggression.

(c) Arrest immediately all indicted war criminals and bring them to the International War Crimes Tribunal;

(d) Put an end to the manipulation of the destiny of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

2. We reiterate our position that in Bosnia and Herzegovina there can be no peace and reconciliation without justice, no stability without democracy and no prosperity without peace.

3. We urge the international community, for the sake of humanity, justice, and democracy to ensure the complete and faithful implementation of the provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

4. We reiterate that the international community must never forget the massacre in Srebrenica, the strangulation of Sarajevo, the killing of two hundred thousand Bosnians, the brutal aggression and genocid against the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

DECLARATION ON THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Islamic States meeting in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia in the framework of the 24th ICFM from 28 Rajab to 3 Shaaban 1417H (9-13 December 1996), examined the policies of the Israeli government which are hostile to peace and strongly condemned these policies which are aimed at undermining the peace process, eliminating its very principles and terms of reference and renegingthe commitments, agreements and obligations concluded during the past five years of peace negotiations.

The Ministers also expressed their strong denunciation and anger at the threats made by the Israeli officials and which are aimed at taking the region back to a state of war and imposing a "fait accompli" on the Arabs and the Muslims. They drew the attention of the co-sponsors of the peace process and that of the international community to the great dangers involved should the Israeli government continue to take positions and adopt policies which are hostile to peace.

The Ministers commended the strategic option of peace which was asserted by the Arab leaders in the Summit meeting held in Cairo in June 1996, and affirmed their countries' adherence to the principles and terms of reference of the peace process. They also called upon Israel to honour its obligations and commitments under this process and to resume the negotiations at the point where those negotiations had stopped. They asserted their firm support to the just Arab positions and demands calling for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab and Palestinian lands, including Al-Quds, the Golan, Southern Lebanon and the Western Bekaa and the guarantee of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people including the right to return, to self-determination and to the establishment of their independent State on their homeland.

MOTION OF THANKS ADDRESSED TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. SOEHARTO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

The Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Fraternity and Cooperation), held in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, from 28 Rajab to 3 Sha'aban 1417 H (9-13 December 1996),

Inspired by the principles and objectives of the OIC Charter;

Having followed with great interest the inauguralspeech of His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, who kindly accepted to grace this Conference, with his High Patronage:

1. Pays a warm tribute to His Excellency M. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia for the support he extends to the activities of the OIC, for his excellent initiative in hosting this important Ministerial Conference and for his great role in the strengthening ofthe joint Islamic action, in enhancing the prestige of the Organization and consolidating its contribution to international peace and security.

2. Expresses its sincere thanks and profound gratitude to His Excellency President Soeharto, to the Government and people of Indonesia for their noble and sustained support to the Organization of the Islamic Conference and to its institutions. It commends the positive and effective role played by the Republic of Indonesia in promotion of dialogue and cooperation among nations, and congratulates H.E. President M. Soeharto, for the significant progress achieved in ensuring the prosperity of the people of Indonesia, under his high and enlightened guidance. The Conference hails the significant contribution of the Republic of Indonesia to the restoration of peace in the Southern Philippines.

Jakarta, 3 Shaaban 1417H

13 December, 1996.