The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.16/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution No.16/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Taking into account that Afghanistan is currently faced by serious constraints due to 17 years of war;

Noting that about 70% to 80% of its economic and social infrastructures has been destroyed;

Aware that over 1.5 million Afghans were killed, about 1.5 million disabled and more than 5 million displaced and took refuge in neighbouring countries;

Recognizing that about 10 million mines were planted in different parts of the country;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

  1.  Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.

2. Urges the Member States to provide assistance to Afghanistan to solve its problems.

3.    Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. 

RESOLUTION NO.17/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.17/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution No.17/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Aware that the Government of the Republic of Uganda is currently experiencing serious strain on its meagre resources as a result of the influx of refugees from neighbouring countries who flock into the country;

Recognizing that Uganda is offering asylum to large numbers of refugees whose number will increase if the state of unrest continues to escalate;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Invites Member States, Islamic institutions and international organizations to grant urgent financial and economic assistance to Uganda so that it may cope with the refugee problems and other related consequences as well as implement its economic, social and cultural programmes.

2.    Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. 

RESOLUTION NO.18/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.18/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution No.18/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Confirming full solidarity of the Member States of the OIC with the Government and people of Azerbaijan at this grave and very critical time of the country's history;

Referring to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions regarding this conflict;

Deploring the Armenian hostilities in the Upper-Karabakh district of Azerbaijan followed by the occupation of about 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory which forced almost one million Azeri people to flee their homes in the face of the brutal attacks and gross violations of human rights by this aggression;

Recognizing the need to demonstrate in more concrete terms the solidarity of the OIC Member States with the Government and people of Azerbaijan;

Welcoming and appreciating the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies, United Nations institutions and international organizations;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Appeals to the Member States and Islamic institutions to make available to the Government of Azerbaijan the much needed economic and humanitarian assistance with a view to alleviating the suffering of the Azeri people.

2.    Calls upon the international organizations to continue to grant humanitarian, financial assistance to Azerbaijan.

3.    Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.19/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.19/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution No.19/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Expressing its understanding of the situation which has arisen in the Kyrgyz Republic after attainment of independence and sovereignty;

Taking into consideration the economic difficulties of the transitional period to the free market economy;

Expressing its sympathy with the brotherly people of Kyrgyz Republic regarding the consequences of the natural disasters which struck this country, thus affecting the socio-economic situation;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.   Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.

2.   Appeals to all Muslims and Islamic financial institutions to be generous and to contribute to the process of overcoming the economic difficulties experienced by Kyrgyz Republic either on bilateral basis or through multilateral and regional organisations so as to enable Kyrgyz Republic to fulfil its economic programme.

3.    Appeals also to the Islamic Development Bank to increase its financial and technical assistance to Kyrgyz Republic.

4.   Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. 

RESOLUTION NO.20/25-E

ON ASSISTANCE TO THE KASHMIRI PEOPLE

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.20/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also all previous resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Conference on assistance to the Kashmiri people particularly Resolution 20/24-E of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Expressing deep appreciation for the assistance extended to the Kashmiris by some Member States and relevant OIC bodies;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Appeals to Member States and Islamic institutions, such as the Islamic Solidarity Fund and Philanthropists, to grant generous humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people.

2     Also appeals to Member States and the Islamic Institutions to grant scholarships to the Kashmiri students in different universities and institutions in the OIC countries.

3.    Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.21/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.21/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution No.21/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Taking into consideration the economic difficulties faced by the Republic of Yemen which arose from the burdens of reunification and the big losses caused by the aborted secession attempt which took place in June 1994 as well as the devastating flood which swept Republic of Yemen in 1996.

Appreciating the efforts made and success achieved by the Government of the Republic of Yemen in implementing the Comprehensive Programme of Administrative and Financial Reform;

Taking into consideration the heavy burdens borne by the Yemeni Government to provide shelter for groups of refugees from neighbouring African countries;

Recalling that Yemen is one of the least developed countries;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General;

  1. Expresses its appreciation for the efforts of Yemeni Government in overcoming its economic difficulties and the implementation of the Comprehensive Programme of Administrative and Financial Reform and the success achieved in that regard.

2. Also Expresses its appreciation for the assistance extended by some of the Member States and by the relevant organs of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

3. Renews its call to the Member States and all regional and international organizations to extend all kinds of economic assistance to the Yemeni Government to support its efforts aimed at implementing the Comprehensive Programme of Administrative and Financial Reform and at wiping out the ravages suffered by Yemen as a result of the floods as well as alleviating the heavy burden of sheltering large number of refugees from neighbouring African countries.

4.Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.22/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF PALESTINE

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.22/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference as well as resolutions of the 22nd, 23rd and 24th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers,

Noting with great interest the role played by the Palestine National Authority in the Palestinian Self-rule regions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with a view to improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people and building up the national economy;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1. Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.

2. Commends the efforts made by the Palestine National Authority in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions in order to reconstruct what occupation had destroyed, as well as the efforts exerted to build up and consolidate the Palestinian national economy.

3. Expresses great appreciation for the assistance provided by some Member States to the Palestinian people in order to build up the national economy in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions in the West Bank and the Gaza-Strip.

4. Urges the speedy granting of the required and approved assistance by the concerned Member States and OIC bodies, with a view to helping the Palestine National Authority and the Palestinian people in the building up of the national economy and the consolidation of their national institutions.

5. Reaffirms the previous resolutions advocating the provision of all forms of support and assistance as well as economic, technical, material and moral assistance in support of the Palestinian people and the Palestine National Authority and Urges that preferential treatment be accorded to Palestinian products as regards importation and exemption of taxes and customs duties.

6. Urges businessmen and investors of Member States to contribute to the implementation of economic, industrial, agricultural and housing projects in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions, with a view to building up the national economy and enabling the Palestine National Authority and its national institutions to implement their development programmes, during the coming transitional period, in the various economic, social and health fields.

7. Appeals to Member States, in view of the obstacles raised by Israel in the face of the Palestinian labour force, to provide work opportunities to this Palestinian labour force, with a view to enhancing the socio-economic status of the Palestinian people and putting an end to unemployment.

8. Urges the Member States to conclude bilateral agreements with the Palestine Liberation Organization and its National Authority in the economic, commercial and social field, with a view to enhancing the socio-economic status of the Palestinian people on their national soil.

9.    Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.23/25-E

ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.23/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling Resolution No.23/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Bearing in mind the recent admission of the Republic of Mozambique to the Organization of the Islamic Conference during the Seventh Summit of Heads of States and Governments held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco in December, 1994;

Noting with satisfaction that the process of pacification and democratization in place in Mozambique creates a climate of peace and harmony conducive to a solid platform of a true reconciliation among Mozambicans, a "sine-qua-non" condition for the implementation of economic and social programmes;

Appreciating the efforts being made by the Government of Mozambique in the implementation of the national reconstruction programme;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Calls upon all Member States to continue their support to the implementation of the programme of reconstruction of Mozambique.

2.    Appeals to the Islamic Development Bank and all Islamic Institutions to provide the necessary financial assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes of Mozambique, particularly those needed to ensure the social reintegration of returnees and internal displaced persons and demobilized combatants as for the demining programme in course in that counrtry.

3.    Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.24/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO TAJIKISTAN

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.24/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Taking into account the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter as well as members’ commitment to consolidate international peace and security;

Deeply concerned at critical situation which Tajikistan has faced in the light of 5 years of bloody civil war, resulted in the death, injury and displacement of thousands of people as well as destruction of its economic and social infrastructures;

Noting the return of about 200 thousands Tajik refugees to their homeland which necessitates a great financial and technical support;

Recalling the report of the World Food Programme which estimates that 25 per cent of Tajikistan’s population is in dire need of food aid;

Noting with concern the marked spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and diarrhoea, victims of which are especially infants, children and women;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Expresses deep appreciation to the assistance extended by some Member States.

2.    Appeals to all members and Islamic financial institutions to make their generous contributions to the process of overcoming the economic difficulties experienced by Tajikistan either on bilateral basis or through multilateral and regional organisations so as to enable Tajikistan to fulfil its rehabilitation programmes.

3.    Urges the Islamic Development Bank to increase its financial and technical assistance to Tajikistan.

4.    Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a areport thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.25/25-E

ON ALLEVIATING THE EFFECTS OF FLOODS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS IN SUDAN

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.25/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling Resolution 30/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Noting the devastating natural disaster sufferred by Sudan as a result of floods and torrential rains in many parts of the country,

Realizing the tragic effects involved, including the sweeping away of farms, the destruction of thousands of homes and the wiping out of infrastructures, which, in turn, led to the displacement of tens of thousands of citizens, the shortage of food and agricultural products, the pollution of environment and the ensuing dangers to public health,

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1. Commends the Member States which have already extended prompt relief, namely: the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

2. Urges Member States to respond to this humanitarian appeal by extending the necessary assistance.

3. Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and make a report to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.26/25-E

ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.26/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Affirming the principles and objectives which underscore cooperation and solidarity of the Ummah with its members;

Recalling that the Republic of Djibouti is sheltering on its territory an important number of refugees and displaced persons representing more than one third of its population, and weighing heavily on its health and educational infrastructures;

Deeply concerned at the recent floods causing an important loss in livestock, as well as serious damage to roads and health establishments thus causing cholera and malaria epidemics;

Aware that the Republic of Djibouti has resolved, through dialogue, a three-year internal conflict which had seriously affected its economy;

Conscious that peace should be strengthened through the preservation of social gains;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1. Makes an urgent appeal to the Ummah and the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to provide substantial financial and material support to the Republic of Djibouti for the consolidation of peace, the reconstruction of the country and the implementation of its structural adjustment programme.

2. Calls on the Islamic Ummah and the General Secretariat of the OIC to assist the Republic of Djibouti in its struggle against the disastrous consequences of the recent flood at both the social and economic levels.

3. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the issue and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.27/25-E

ON ACTIVITIES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION (COMCEC)

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.27/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Also recalling Resolution No.2/6-E(IS) of the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal on 9-11 December 1991 on the activities of the COMCEC mandating it to formulate new Strategies for the enhancement of the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among OIC Member States and to take appropriate action for its implementation;

Recalling resolution No.8/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco, from 11 to 13 Rajab 1415H (13-15 December 1994) which endorsed the Strategy and the Plan of Action;

Recalling Resolution No.24/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Recalling the resolution of the Ministerial level meetings in different areas of cooperation held under the auspices of the COMCEC.

Also recalling the Resolutions adopted at the thirteen previous sessions of the COMCEC initiating effective action in economic cooperation among Member States, particularly in the area of trade;

Further recalling the deliberations of the World Food Summit held in Rome from 13 to 17 November, 1996 and considering the crucial importance for the survival of humankind including the well-being of the people of the Islamic Ummah, of the principles and commitments embodied in Rome declaration on World Food Security and the Plan of Action of the World Food Summit.

Noting with appreciation the efforts of the General Secretariat, subsidiary organs, affiliated and specialized institutions of OIC, working in the field of economy and trade, to implement the Resolutions of the COMCEC and underlining the pivotal role played by the Ankara Centre in the preparation of the New Plan of Action;

Recognizing the importance for the Member States of the new economic configurations emerging at the global level particularly from the creation of regional economic groupings and signing of the Uruguay Round Agreements and creation of the World Trade Organization and its subsequent Agreements particularly "Information Technology Agreement" and "Telecom Pact";

Appreciating that starting with its Eleventh Session, COMCEC serves as a platform where the Ministers of Economy could exchange views on current world economic issues and, that the topic "implications on external trade of Member States of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade Negotiations", "Privatization Experiences in Member Countries" and “Implications of Regional Economic Groupings particularly the European Union on the Economies of Member States” were the themes for the 11th, 12th and 13th sessions of the COMCEC, respectively.

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Expresses satisfaction that the Islamic Development Bank has successfully organised a Coordination Meeting for Member States to consult among themselves and better prepare for the WTO Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore from 9 to 13 December 1996 and to adopt collectively a common stand regarding the issues raised in the Agenda of that meeting, as resolved by the 12th Session of the COMCEC.

2.     Appreciates the technical assistance programmes being designed by the Islamic Development Bank to assist Member States which are either members of the WTO or in the process of accession to the Organization, and the role of the Bank in calling for consultative meetings of Member States and the Seminars and Workshops it organizes for this purpose.

3.    Notes with appreciation that the Strategy for Economic and Commercial Cooperation adopted by the COMCEC allows for cooperation among sub-groups of Member States and is based on the principles giving emphasis to private sector, economic liberalization, integration with the world economy, sanctity of the economic, political, legal and constitutional structures of the Member States and their international obligations.

4.    Also notes with appreciation that the New Plan of Action is a general and flexible policy document open for improvement during its implementation in accordance with the provisions stipulated in its chapter on Follow-up and Implementation.

5.     Appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in organizing Private Sector Meetings as directed by the COMCEC for an effective implementation of the Plan of Action.

6.    Also appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for organizing the Fourth Private Sector Meeting in Karachi from 27-29 October 1997.

7.    Welcomes the offer of the Republic of Lebanon to host the 7th Islamic Trade Fair and that of the UAE to host the 8th Islamic Trade Fair in the years 1998 and 2000 respectively.

8.     Emphasizes the need to urgently implement the New Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States the OIC, in compliance with the principles and operational modalities of the Strategy and the procedures set forth in its chapter on Follow-up and Implementation.

9.    Requests the Member States to take appropriate measures including necessary cooperation, coordination and consultation among themselves to make efforts with the required possible economic and technical support from the developed countries, international community and relevant international organizations and financial institutions to increase their food production capacity with a view to arriving at national food security as well as enhancing the purchasing power of their people.

10.  Invites the Member States to host sectoral meetings in the area of cooperation listed in the Plan of Action.

11.  Welcomes the offer of the Arab Republic of Egypt to host two sectoral experts group meetings in the area of "Transport and Communications" and "Food, Agriculture and Rural Development" of the Plan of Action.

12.  Notes with appreciation the hosting of the sectoral expert group meeting in the area of "Money, Finance and Capital Flows" by the government of the Republic of Turkey, on 1-3 September 1997 in Istanbul.

13.  Notes with appreciation the hosting of a sectoral expert group meeting on foreign trade, within the framework of the implementation of the Plan of Action by the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on 24-25 October 1997 in Karachi.

14.  Thanks the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting the Third OIC Ministerial Meeting on Posts and Telecommunications from 8-11 July 1996 and calls upon the Follow-up Committee to monitor implementation of the relevant resolutions and the Tehran Declaration.

15.  Invites IDB to continue its active support in view of ensuring effective and urgent implementation of the New Plan of Action.

16.  Welcomes the organization of an International Seminar on “Human Resources Development for Sustained Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation in the Member States of the OIC” by the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT) in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh in September 1998 in Dhaka.

17.  Also Welcomes the hosting of Seminar-Workshop by the Republic of Senegal in cooperation with IDB to familiarize the African member states with the Plan of Action, and recommends that similar seminars be held in other regions and sub-regions of OIC.

18.  Recognizes that the Exchange of Views organized during the annual sessions of the COMCEC would be utilized to coordinate the positions of the Member States vis-a-vis major world economic issues.

19.  Notes with appreciation the offer of the Republic of Gabon to organise in February 1998 a sub-regional seminar for the OIC States of Central and East Africa on "the role of IDB in the promotion of the private sector" in cooperation with IDB and the other concerned institutions of the OIC.

20.  Welcomes the offer of the Republic of Burkina Faso to host in 1998 a regional workshop on Industry for East, West and Central African OIC member states in cooperation with the IDB and other related OIC institutions.

21.  Notes with appreciation the offer of the government of the Republic of Turkey to host an Expert Group Meeting in the area of Technology and Technical Cooperation from May 6-8, 1998 in Istanbul.

22.  Welcomes the offer of the government of the Republic of Indonesia to host a Ministerial Meeting on Tourism to be preceded by an Expert Group Meeting on Tourism within the framework of the COMCEC and Plan of Action.

23.  Notes with appreciation the offer of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host an experts' group meeting in 1998 on health and sanitary issues to be followed by a ministerial meeting on the same topics.

24.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of the resolutions adopted by COMCEC and to submit a report thereon to th Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.28/25-E

ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.28/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling Resolution No.28/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No.25/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers,

Also recalling that tourism has been identified as a priority area for cooperation in the OIC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States adopted by the 7th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Casablanca in December 1995;

Convinced that tourism forms a main pivot in economic development, cultural exchange and rapprochement between nations;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having noted with appreciation the offer of the Republic of Indonesia to host a Ministerial Meeting and an Expert Group Meeting on Tourism, and urging Member States to take part in these meetings.

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Invites Member States to cooperate in the following areas:-

-      provision and exchange of publicity and advertising materials on tourism in different languages,

-      organizing special tourism and gastronomy weeks and popular art exhibitions in the Member States,

-      production and exchange of documentary films on main archeological landmarks in the Member States,

-      organizing group travel among Member States, to strengthen bonds among their people,

-     encouraging tourist investments in Member States and directing investors, particularly the private sector, to realize tourist projects in these States,

-     facilitating contacts among experienced tourist offices in Member States.

-      facilitating establishment of data network and electronic exchange of information on tourism and its related services in OIC Member States.

2.    Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.29/25-E

ON STATUS OF THE SIGNING AND RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS AND STATUTES ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.29/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling Resolution No.18/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No.26/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourt Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers,

Having reviewed the developments in respect of signature and/or ratification of the (i) Agreement on Promotion, Protection and Guarantee of Investments among Member States, (ii) General Agreement on Economic, Technical and Commercial Cooperation among Member States, (iii) Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the Trade Preferential System among OIC Member States, (iv) Statute of the Islamic Civil Aviation Council, (v) Islamic States Telecommunications Union, (vi) Agreement on Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit;

Having taken cognizance of the resolutions issued by the Thirteenth Session of COMCEC on the matter;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note also of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Expresses satisfaction at the efforts of the General Secretariat, of the IDB and COMCEC to speed up the implementation of the Agreements and Statutes aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among Member States.

2.    Also expresses satisfaction over the initiatives taken by COMCEC to effect the signing of the Agreements/Statutes that fall within the framework of cooperation among Member States and recommends that this practice be pursued.

3.    Notes with satisfaction that 16 Member States have already signed the Framework Agreement and that Seven have ratified it and urges those who have not yet done so, to do it as soon as possible so as to enable the required negotiations to start.

4.    Calls upon Member States which have not yet signed and/or ratified the above mentioned Agreements/Statutes to do so, at their earliest and also urges Member States that have ratified to take follow up actions and inform the General Secretariat about the progress of implementation.

5.    Notes with satisfaction that the Agreements for the establishment of the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit have come into effect as of 1 August 1994.

6.    Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the IDB for its efforts to establish the Corporation.

7.    Invites Member States which have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Agreement of the Corporation and pay their respective subscriptions to its capital to make it possible to draw the expected benefits at the widest scale possible within the OIC system.

8.    Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.30/25-E

ON REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBSIDIARY ORGANS ACTIVE IN THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE FIELDS.

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.19/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference; and Resolution No.30/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Also recalling Resolution No.27/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on the activities of the Subsidiary Organs of the OIC, namely; the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRTCIC), Ankara; the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), Casablanca; the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhaka; respectively;

Having taken note with satisfaction of the activity reports submitted by the representatives of the above-mentioned subsidiary organs;

Appreciating the increasing number of joint activities among the OIC organs and agencies;

Expressing its appreciation at the role played by the subsidiary organs in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States;

Also expressing appreciation for the role played by the Subsidiary Organs in the elaboration of the New Strategy and the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among OIC Member States;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.     Commends the role which the Ankara, Casablanca and Dhaka Centres are playing each in their respective fields.

2.    Urges the Member States to actively and effectively participate in the work of these organs and expeditiously respond to the questionnaires circulated by them, and closely follow up their documents and studies so as to achieve maximum benefit from these organs in the area of economic cooperation among the Member States.

3.     Encourages these organs to intensify contacts with international and regional institutions particularly those working in the framework of the United Nations and others, such as Bretton Woods institutions and to benefit from the studies and reports produced by these institutions.

4.    Urges the Member States, which have not done so thus far, to settle their regular mandatory contributions to the budgets of these bodies, and to act for the settlement of their arrears, if any, at the earliest in view of the current financial difficulties being faced by these organs.

5.    Notes that the Member States are to benefit from the special services offered by the subsidiary organs, above and beyond the tasks assigned to them in their work programmes, on a contractual basis.

6.    Requests the Secretary General to circulate among Member States the reports of the OIC/UN Cooperation Meetings so far as these organizations are concerned.

7.    Requests the Secretary General to submit a recommendation thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.31/25-E

ON SUPPORT FOR THE ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB)

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Having taken note of the Resolution No.6/6-(IS) of the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling Resolution No.20/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference; Resolution 31/8-E (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No.28/24-E of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Having noted with appreciation of the activity report of the Islamic Development Bank on the subject;

Having noted the recommendations of the Thirteenth Session of the COMCEC;

Noting with satisfaction that the Islamic Development Bank continues to expand its field of operation and activity concerning project financing, trade import and export financing, technical assistance, technical cooperation, special assistance and other fields of cooperation such as food security;

Noting with appreciation that the IDB has played an active role in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Plan of Action adopted by the Third Islamic Summit as well as of the various decisions of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC);

Also noting with satisfaction that within the framework of its commitments aimed at meeting its Member States' needs, the IDB has had to elaborate strategies of new programmes some of which were initiated under the auspices of COMCEC for the promotion of inter-Islamic trade;

Further Noting with satisfaction that the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) commenced its operations in July 1995, and expressing thanks and and appreciation to IDB for its efforts in successfully finalizing the establishment of the Corporation;

Having taken cognizance of the Resolutions of the Thirteenth Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), held in Istanbul, from 12-15 November 1996;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note also of the report of the Secretary General,

1.    Expresses its deep satisfaction for the devotion and efficiency with which the IDB President and his assistants are ensuring the good functioning of this institution which continues making an invaluable contribution to the development and progress of Muslim people.

2.    Calls on the Islamic Development Bank to keep up its beneficial action and increase the necessary resources for augmenting its services to the Member States, and to the Islamic Ummah at large.

3.     Congratulates the Islamic Development Bank on having set up the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit.

4.    Calls on the Member States to participate in various schemes recently launched by the Islamic Development Bank and to benefit from the Longer Term Trade Financing Scheme, Islamic Banks' Portfolio, IDB Unit Investment Fund, the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit along with IDB's other existing schemes, programmes and operations.

5.    Appeals to the Member States who have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Articles of Agreement of the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit and to pay their respective shares to its capital so that its benefits would be extended to as wide an OIC area as possible.

6.    Requests the General Secretariat, the IDB, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade to jointly organise seminars on regional basis on the various schemes approved by the COMCEC namely the Longer Term Trade Financing System, the Islamic Export Credit and Investment Guarantee Corporation, the Framework Agreement on Trade Preferential System among OIC Member States and the Islamic Clearing Union with a view of ensuring efficient and speedy implementation of these schemes for the benefit of business community of the Islamic Ummah.

7.    Invites the Member States which have not yet done so to subscribe to the second capital increase of the IDB and to settle their outstanding contributions and other financial commitments.

8.    Calls upon the Member States to lend their support to the Bank so as to enable it to fulfil its obligations and commitments towards fostering economic development and social progress of the Member States.

9.     Appreciates the efforts of IDB in assisting Member States in their relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and urges all OIC Member States to participate in the consultation/coordination meeting to be organized by the Bank during the period 29-30 April in preparation for the second WTO Ministerial Meeting to be held in May 1998.

10.  Requests the Secretary General to submit a recommendation thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.32/25-E

ON AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS OF THE OIC OPERATING IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMY AND COMMERCE

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.32/8-E (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference,Resolution No.21/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No.29/24-E of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Taking cognizance of the activities being undertaken by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI); Islamic Shipowners Association (ISA) and the International Association of Islamic Banks (IAIB);

Expressing its appreciation for the role played by the affiliated institutions in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States;

Also expressing appreciation for the role played by the affiliated institutions in the elaboration of the new strategy of the COMCEC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States;

Confirming the important role that Private Sector has to play in the development of Member States and promotion of Intra-Islamic Cooperation;

Appreciating the role played by these three institutions in their respective fields of action;

Having taken cognizance of the recommendations of the Thirteenth Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC);

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General;

1.    Notes with appreciation the important role which the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Islamic Shipowners Association and the International Association of Islamic Banks are playing in their respective fields.

2.    Expresses thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Export Promotion Bureau, Board of Investment and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry for hosting the Fourth Private Sector Meeting, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was held from 27-29 October 1997 in Karachi, Pakistan.

3.    Takes note with appreciation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Fourth Private Sector Meeting.

4.     Congratulates the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) for its important initiative aimed at maintaining contacts with businessmen and promoting socioeconomic development in Member States.

5.    Appeals to the government of Member States to encourage their Federations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to develop a framework of cooperation with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and contribute to its programs to enhance trade and investment among Member States.

6.     Appreciates the offer of the Republic of Lebanon and UAE to host the Fifth and Seventh Private Sector Meetings in 1998 and the year 2000 respectively.

7.    Expresses thanks to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for extending consistant support to the Shipowners Association, giving donations and hosting its Headquarters.

8.    Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the 7th and 8th Session of the Executive Council and General Assembly of the Islamic Shipowners Association respectively and for endorsing the establishment of the Islamic Shipping Comapny and the Cooperative Information System.

9.    Also commends the initiative of the Islamic Shipowners Association for establishing the Islamic Shipping Company and a Cooperative Information System.

10.  Urges the Member States which have not done so yet, to sign the Statute of the Islamic Shipowners Association.

11.  Appeals to Member States to continue to extend their support and assistance to the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Islamic Shipowners Association, and the International Association of Islamic Banks.

12   Invites Member States and the Private Sector, the shipping companies and private individuals in the Islamic countries to contribute to the capital of the Islamic Shipping Company and to encourage the treatment of the company’s ships on equal footing with national ships at the Member States’ seaports.

13.. Requests the Secretary General to submit a recommendation threreon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.33/25-E

ON ISLAMIC COMMON MARKET

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.33/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolutions 1/24-E, 2/24-E and 6/24-E adopted by the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Taking note that the process of globalization and economic liberalization could offer new opportunities and challenges for all developing countries including OIC member states;

Realizing the existence of vast natural, human and capital resources in the Islamic World which could contribute considerably to the sustained economic growth and sustainable development of the Islamic Countries and to the ultimate objective of establishment of an Islamic Common Market;

Recognizing that recent developments in the global and domestic economic environment and emerging complementaries among developing countries could contribute towards their economic cooperation, collaboration and integration, including among the Islamic Countries ;

Recognizing also that the inter-regional, regional and sub-regional cooperation among Islamic Countries is an important element of a development strategy, particularly in expanding trade and investment flow and an essential contribution towards the sustained economic growth and sustainable development of Islamic Countries ;

Welcoming the efforts of a number of OIC Member States which have made notable progress in building their potentialities and strengthening their competitiveness on the international markets through active participation in the Global Trade System and attracion of more investments.

Expressing concern that many Islamic Countries have been marginalized in the international economic system, among others, by lack and / weakness of institutional arrangements which are necessary for expansion of their foreign trade and participation in the international financial markets ;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.     Emphasizes the importance of implementation of the Strategy and Plan of Action of COMCEC; Agreement on Promotion, Protection and Guarantee of Investments among Member States; General Agreement on Economic, Technical and Commercial Cooperation among Member States; Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the Trade Preferential System among Member States; and Agreement on Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, for strengthening economic and commercial cooperation among Member States for realization of the ultimate objective of establishment of an Islamic Common market.

2.    Reiterates the need for specific arrangements among OIC Member States to take necessary steps to attain their desirable share in the global economic and trading system, including through analyzing the implications of establishment of an Islamic Common Market in this respect.

3.    Expresses desire for Member States to extend their cooperation and coordination in the areas of market access, competition policy, transfer of technology and know how, finance, investment and eventually development of an integrated network of information as well as physical infrastructure for achieving the objective of an Islamic Common Market.

4.    Invites Member States to formulate concrete proposals for cooperation and coordination in setting up centers of excellence in areas which they are able to unfold potentials for expansion to trade and investment among themselves to develop cooperation in various necessary areas which could facilitate realization of an Islamic Common Market among Member States.

5.    Urges the Member States to encourage any initiative by their private sector for expansion of economic, financial, trade and investment cooperation with other Islamic Countries.

6.    Stresses the importance of trade fairs and establishment of a network regional free trade zone as basic elements of facilitating the expansion of trade and investment among them in an expeditious manner, with potential contribution towards the objective of establishing an Islamic Common Market.

7.    Requests related bodies and institutions of the OIC to prepare studies in their respective areas of competence taking into consideration the Plan of Action within the framework of COMCEC which would serve as Working Paper to facilitate deliberations of the Expert Group that will be established by the Secrtary General as per Resolution of the Eighth Islamic Summit to study the implications of establishing an Islamic Common Market as an ultimate objective.

8.    Requests the Secretary General to follow up the issue and submit report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.34/25-E

ON PREPARING THE ISLAMIC UMMAH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No.34/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Tehran;

Taking into consideration the relevant paragraph of the Resolution No.1 of the 13th Session of the COMCEC;

Also taking into consideration the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member States approved by the 10th Session of the COMCEC and endorsed by the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Noting that the IDB document on “preparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century in the fields of economic, commercial and financial cooperation” is a long term strategic framework document that provides a long-term vision, which lends strength and direction to the implementation of the OIC Plan of Action;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,

1.Appreciates the initiative of IDB to prepare the document on “peparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century in the fields of economic, commercial and financial cooperation”.

2.Expresses its appreciation for the content of the document and its call on the Ummah to face challenges posed by the 21st Century.

3.Calls upon Member States to cooperate in future studies to explore possibilities of cooperative actions to face challenges of globalization.

4.Urges Member States and OIC institutions to implement diligently the OIC Plan of Action to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation.

5.Calls upon the IDB in consultation with other OIC Organs and relevant Islamic institutions to draw the needed implementation modalities to translate recommendations of the IDB document into practical programmes with qualitative and quantitative objectives in the areas of human resource development; expansion of trade and investment among Member States; securing basic needs such as health, education and food; in a coordinated manner.Participation of public and private sectors and utilization of facilities of the competent international organizations and institutions could have contribution towads these objectives.

6.Requests the OIC Standing Committees and calls upon the OIC Institutions to explore the challenges of the 21st century each contributing to its respective field of competence, and to delineate possible responses by the Ummah for these challenges.

7. Recommends IDB to convene, sectoral meetings for exporters and importers of  the  Member States, annual  coodination  sessions among regional economic groupings in Islamic world, and also coordination meetings between free trade areas of Member States, with the objective of facilitating and increasing the level of trade among Member States.

8.Requests IDB to provide necessary facilities for expansion of trade of consultative, technical and engineering services, with the view to expanding such trade of services among Member States.

9.Decides to provide necessary guidance for the realization of the objectives envisaged in this resolutions.

10.Requests the Secretary General to submit a recommendation to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTIONS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RESOLUTION NO. 35 /25-E

ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD INCLUDING ISRAELI PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, IN THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN, IN OCCUPIED SOUTHERN LEBANON AND THE WESTERN BEKKA AND IN OTHER OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES BY ISRAEL

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah), held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Having noted the resolution No.32/24-E and 35/8-E(IS) adopted respectively by the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

A. ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Recalling previous Resolutions on this subject especially Resolutions 2/19-E, 17/21-E, 22/22-E, 29/23-E and 32/24-E of the 19^th, 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers respectively;

Taking into consideration the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Deeply concerned at the continuing deterioration of the global environment, including the worsening trends in environmental pollution and the degradation of natural resources;

Stressing again the right of all human beings to enjoy a healthy and non-polluted environment, as a basic human right;

Re-emphasizing the right of States to protect their environment from harmful activities, and to cooperate among themselves to that end;

Noting with concern that the condition of the environment has reached a stage that requires taking effective measures to stop its deterioration;

Noting that while there has been progress in the implementation of Agenda 21, at various levels, particularly at the national level, the lack of fulfillment of international commitments agreed upon at Rio has been very disappointing;

Stressing the commitments of the developed countries envisaged in Agenda 21 and Rio Declaration adopted by UNCED;

Recognizing that environmental degradation both natural and manmade is a major global concern which requires the strengthening of international cooperation and extending effective contributions for the protection of the environment;

Noting with satisfaction the recent developments towards the finalization of the International Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought, which was adopted in Paris in September 1994 and inviting the Member States, which have not ratified all the relevant conventions, including the International Convention on Combating Desertification, to do so, as soon as possible;

Stressing the need for closely and constantly monitoring the global environmental situation and relevant activities and also supporting the establishment of mass-destruction-weapons-free-zones in the Muslim world;

Expressing also its deep concern over the devastating effects of hazardous, toxic and radioactive wastes on humankind and the environment and supporting the establishment of mass-destruction-weapons-free-zones in the whole world.

Strongly condemning the attempts by some developed countries to export their hazardous and radioactive wastes for dumping in developing countries, and appealing to Member States to sign the Basel Convention on Dangerous wastes and the Bamako Convention and relevant international agreements;

Guided by the principles of Islam which enjoin the Muslim peoples to safeguard the bounties that Allah has granted them on Earth;

Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on this subject,

1.     Encourages Member States to continue to incorporate environmental considerations in their developmental policies.

2.    Urges Member States to cooperate and coordinate within the existing Desertification Regional Centers for preparation and implementation of NAP and RAP in accordance with article 11 of the CCD.

3.    Invites Member States to exchange information and experience in various environmental fields such as desertification, climate change and loss of biological diversity.

4.    Urges developed countries to provide new and additional financial resources specially for protection of global environment in general, and loss of biological diversity.

5.    Also Urges the Member States which have not ratified all the UN International Agreements on the Environment including the International Convention on Desertification and Drought to do so as soon as possible so that the Convention can come into force.

6.    Calls on Member States to mobilize available financial and institutional resources needed for implementing national programs of environmental protection.

7.     Emphasizes the commitments of developed countries in transferring environmentally sound technologies and know-how to developing counties in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34 of Agenda 21.

8.    Urges the Member States to attach greater importance to the question of the protection of the Environment and Natural Resources and to its relevance to sustainable development.

9.    Condemns Israel’s continued rejection to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and carrying out uncontrolled nuclear programs.

10.  Requests the international community, particularly relevant United Nations Organs, to conduct active scientific research on the rise in sea levels, and its socio-economic impacts, so as to protect the coastal zones and the wild life in the territories of the Member States.

11.  Urges the developed countries to discharge their obligations under prevailing international agreements on the transfer to developing countries of financial resources and environmentally sound technologies.

12.  Reaffirms the determination of the Member States to work for the strengthening of international cooperation in seeking solutions to global environmental problems and requests the donor countries and international financial institutions to extend further support to regional networks and national focal points in States stricken by desertification.

13.  Stresses that multilateral cooperation for the protection of the environment should include the provision of additional financial resources and access to environmentally sound technologies for the developing countries.

14.  Calls for the dissemination of pioneering experiments for the application of environmental development in the Islamic States and the use of the latter’s available expertise in this field, whether through bilateral cooperation or multilateral programs for the exchange of expertise.

15.  Requests Member States to promote coordination and cooperation among environment monitoring networks and remote-control sensing Centers and coastal control posts and all other environment protection organs in Islamic States.

16.  Urges all Member States to continue consultation and coordination among them at all international meetings including consultations relating to environment protection, especially in the field of biological diversity, climate change, desertification, hazardous and radioactive waste.

17.  Rejects the imposition of obligations on developing countries to contain the phenomenon of climate changes in addition to the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol on the UN convention on Climate Changes and calls on Member States to oppose this orientation at the Fourth Conference of Signatory States of the UN Convention on Climate Changes to be held in Argentina in November 1998.

18.  Expresses its satisfaction at the fruitful cooperation between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Program.

19.  Calls for the intensification of this cooperation with emphasis on the problem of the remnants of World War II and other wars in the Islamic countries, which impedes development of their societies, and calls on the international community to address the problem immediately and take the necessary measures to remove land mines and war remnants.

20.  Appeals to the parties to World War II to expeditiously provide Member States with information, data and maps on mines planted in their territories during the war and commit themselves to extend immediate aid and assistance required for the removal of these mines which still cause huge damage to human lives and obstruct development and construction in vital areas, while taking into consideration the decisions of the UN Conference on the Question of Mines which was held in Geneva in 1996.

21.  Calls on Member States to intensify coordination and consultation among themselves in the framework of the UN and others, particularly specialized agencies concerned, on tackling this subject in an effective and meaningful manner.

22.  Calls on Member States and the donor institutions, particularly the Islamic Development Bank, to support the forthcoming seminar on “Environment and Islam” which is as joint initiative if the UNEP, OIC General Secretariat and ISESCO.

23.  Expresses solidarity with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya concerning its position on the question of the minefields left on in its territory by World War II, their grave effect on the environment and the accidents and grievous damage they cause to thousands of its citizens.Also appeals to Member States to stand in solidarity with the Jamahiriya in its efforts to overcome this problem and its right to demand compensation for the damage and that the countries responsible for the mine danger, finance mine-hunting operations and produce minefield maps to the Libyan authorities concerned.

B-   ISRAELI practices and their effects ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN, THE OCCUPIED SOUTHERN LEBANON AND WESTERN BEKKA AND OTHER ISRAELI OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES.

Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;

Recalling Previous OIC and other International Resolutions on this subject;

Recalling also the UNEP GC decision (UNEP/GC.19/107) on environmental situation in occupied Palestine and Arab territories, and expressing deep concern over the continued degradation of the environmental conditions in the occupied Palestine;

Taking into consideration the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Also recalling resolutions 14/11-E and 15/18-E of the UN Environment Program with respect to the environmental conditions in the Palestinian Arab Territories, Syrian Golan, Lebanese and other Arab territories occupied by Israel;

Referring to the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly, Security Council and ECOSOC;

Reaffirming the rights of mankind to a dignified life enjoying a healthy environment, free of pollution as a basic human and sacred right;

Expressing deep concern over the escalating brutal and expansionist practices of the Israeli occupation authorities which include seizure of land and water-resources, the demolition of houses, the construction of new settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab Territories, especially in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and the Syrian Golan, the uprooting of trees, the destruction of crops, the cutting off of irrigation waters, the deforestation of wide expanses of land and the use of toxic gases with the attendant serious effects on the Palestinian and other Arab inhabitants and the economic and social situation in those lands;

Expressing deep concern upon the throwing by Israel of Highly toxic radioactive and chemical wastes in the Mediterranean sea and particularly in the Lebanese regional waters;

Having considered the report of the Secretary General on this issue;

1.    Condemns and censures Israel for its aggressive policies, the confiscation of Palestinian lands, the setting of forests on fire, the cutting off of irrigation water and the seizure of water resources and polluting the neighbouring countries’ coasts thereby causing considerable degradation of ecological conditions in occupied Palestine and aggravating the economic and social situation of the citizens.

2.    Reaffirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and the citizens of the occupied Syrian Golan and other occupied Arab territories, and considers illegal any violation of this right.

3.    Urges UNEP to update its report on the environmental situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and submit it to the GC for immediate reaction.

4.    Requests the Member States to continue to extend help and assistance to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and the Arab citizens in the Lebanese occupied territories in drawing up the plans deemed necessary for environmental conservation within these territories and stresses the need to adopt concrete measures for consolidating such plans and taking steps to expose the policies pursued by Israeli occupation authorities which have led to ecological degradation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the occupied Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories.

5.    Strongly Condemns Israel’s persistence in changing the legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and its practices aimed at changing its environmental conditions as well as its geographical, demographic and historical features and at imposing Israeli laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan and South Lebanon and its Western Bekka.

6.    Calls for strengthening of the cooperation among the Member States in the field of earthquake monitoring and establish a mechanism from the Member States on the Read Sea so as to monitor earthquakes in the region and exchange the necessary information on treating this phenomenon.

7.    Condemns Israel’s continuous rejection to join the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty and to pursue nuclear programs which are bound to cause serious damage to the neighboring Islamic States as these programs are not subject to monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency and calls upon the international parties and bodies concerned to adopt the measures necessary for putting an end to this damage, while stressing the importance of cooperation among the Member States concerned in the field of monitoring radiation fallout in the area.

8.    Opposes the introduction of amendments to annex 7 of the Basle Convention on the prohibition of exporting dangerous wastes from OECD countries to non-OECD member countries until the states signatory to the Convention have approved the provisions of the annex.

9.    Strongly emphasizes the need for in-depth studies of crucial issues on the environment affecting Member States so that they can keep abreast of their future development and implications.

10.  Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this Resolution and submit a report thereon to the 26th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.36 /25-E

ON PROVIDING THE AID TO THE REGIONS WHICH HAVE SUFFERED FROM THE ECOLOGICALCATASTROPHES IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD, PARTICULARLY IN THE ARAL SEA BASIN AND THE REGION OF SEMIPALATINSK NUCLEAR SITE

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (Session for a better future for the the people’s of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Proceeding from the fact that any ecological catastrophes irrespective of the nature of their origin touch the interests of all countries of the world community;

Taking into consideration the extremely difficult situation in the Aral Sea basin where the world community during the last decades practically lost the second largest freshwater lake in the world as well as in Semipalatinsk region which has been the largest nuclear tests site in the world;

Understanding that the dangerous consequences of continuous drying of the Aral Sea influence the change of climate in northern hemisphere especially in the Asian continent;

Realizing the responsibility of the Islamic Ummah for the future of Muslim nations which inhabit the Aral Sea region and Semipalatinsk nuclear test site zone;

Deeply concerned that the catastrophe, which envelopes all spheres of life in the regions of the Aral Sea and Semipalatink and has no any national limits, acquires a global character;

Recognizing that ecological imbalance is a major threat for the genetic pool of hundreds of thousands of people living in the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk regions;

Underlining the need for joint effort by the Islamic Ummah to assuage the effects of unprecedented problems caused by nuclear tests and their fatal impact on the population of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site zone and of the adjacent areas;

Welcoming the efforts being made by the OIC and charity organizations of some Islamic countries for financial support and humanitarian aid for the Aral Sea region;

Supporting the participation of international and regional organizations (United Nations, European Union, World Bank) in the programme of rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region;

Noting that Semipalatinsk nuclear site is the only place in the Muslim world where the most dangerous nuclear tests including high intensity tests on the surface have been conducted during the last forty years;

Recognizing that the consequences of the nuclear explosions will influence for a long time the environment of the region and the health of many generations of the people living there;

1.    Calls on the U.N.for declaring the Aral Sea region and Semipalatinsk as a zone of global ecological catastrophe.

2.    Supports the efforts aimed at the rehabilitation of the Aral Sea and the ground of Semipalatinsk nuclear site which are undertaken by the Government of Kazakhstan as well as regional, international and charity organizations.

3.    Deems it necessary to call a special meeting of the Ministers of Environments of Member States for discussing the environmental problems of the Muslim world, particularly of the Aral Sea, Semipalatinsk and other zones of the ecological catastrophes.

4.    Appeals to Member States to provide political, economic and financial support aimed at limitation of the impact of destructive consequences of the said catastrophes and at preventing further spreading of these ecological problems, and requests the Islamic Development Bank and charity foundations of the Muslim countries to explore ways and means to evolve programme providing support to the regions of the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk coordinated with existing international, regional and national programmes.

5.    Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO 37/25-E

ON THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (Session for a better future for the peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling the Resolution 51/39 dated 10 December 1996 of the United Nations General Assembly on the role of science and technology in the field of international security and disarmament;

Considering that new scientific and technological development have extensive and important impacts on the everyday life of all nations and would strengthen the socio-economic development of the Islamic Countries;

Recognizing that the control regimes in the field of science and technology would increase the gap between developing and the developed countries and also recognizing that transfer of science and technology for peaceful purposes to the developing and Islamic Countries would effectively promote North - South relations;

Recalling the Final Declaration of the 11th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia, October 1995 in which interalia, the heads of States expressed that “the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of technology through Non-Transparent export control regimes with exclusive membership obstruct the socio-economic development of the developing countries”;

Bearing in mind the exclusive and discriminatory character of the export control regimes which are in contravention with the legal obligation of the States Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Biological Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention;

Emphasizing that multilaterally negotiated guidelines to regulate the transfer of the advanced technology, equipment and materials with military applications would contribute strengthening international peace and security;

1.    Reaffirms that the exchange of science and technology for peaceful purposes should be made in the interest of mankind and should be aimed to strengthening the socio-economic development of the Islamic Countries.

2.    Invites all States, particularly the developed countries, to commence multilateral negotiations with the participation of all interested countries on the universal and non-discriminatory guidelines on transfer of advanced technology, materials and equipment with military applications.

3.    Requests all States parties to the international disarmament and non-proliferation treaties to review their existing national trade regulations and render them consistent with their obligations under those treaties by removing all restrictions beyond those established within the treaties.

4.     Commends the efforts of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESC?O) and COMSTECH to prepare the Strategy for the Development of Science and Technology in Islamic States, which was approved by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran on 9 - 11 December 1997.Invites ISESCO to coordinate with the OIC General Secretariat to hold a meeting of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Member States, to consider mechanisms for implementing the Strategy.

5.     Encourages the relevant international organizations and agencies to facilitate the transfer of science and technology for peaceful purposes to the developing countries.

6.    Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this Resolution and submit a report thereon to the 26th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO.38/25-E

ON COOPERATION AMONG MEMBER STATES AGAINST EPIDEMIC DISEASES WHICH AFFECT HUMAN, ANIMAL RESOURCES AND NATURAL LIFE

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (Session for a better future for the peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling resolutions 30/23-E, 33/24-E and 36/8-E(IS) adopted respectively by the 23rd and 24th Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Expressing its deep concern over the worldwide spread of infectious diseases affecting human beings, animals and natural life in recent years;

Further expressing its concern over the spread of AIDS as a result of non-adherence to religious values and the slow progress of medical research to prevent and cure it;

Considering the gravity of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (ESB) epidemic and its effect on animal and human health as well as on the world economy and international trade;

Expressing its appreciation for the preventive and curative health measures taken by Member States during the pilgrimage season in particular;

Further expressing its deep appreciation for the excellent and efficient health services provided by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pilgrims;

Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on this subject,

1.    Calls for closer coordination between Member States and other countries on the one hand and the World Health Organization on the other hand in order to fight against this danger through the use of new vaccines and immunization schemes against contagious diseases.

2.    Calls for greater coordination and cooperation among Member States in the area of health through the enforcement of international health regulations, such as vaccination of pilgrims going to the Holy Land, improvement of health conditions in addition to cooperation on health sensitization before pilgrims’ departure through the media in their countries.

3.    Invites Member States to collectively organize the fight against the expansion of the AIDS pandemic and to seriously uphold medical research efforts in this field at national, regional and international levels;

4.    Also invites Member States to devote special attention to highlighting the religious moral values in their educational establishments, their media and their Da’wa fora, as those values are the most effective means to prevent the spread of that pandemic.

5.    Urges Member States, their relevant national and regional institutions, and international cooperation institutions, in particular the world health Organization (WHO), to set up immediately a mechanism of early warning and control as well as rapid exchange of information on the marketing and import of meat and by-products infected with ESB (or “mad cow” disease);

6.    Invites Member States to take strict measures against reprehensible practices on the part of certain food importers and industrialists and to grant urgency and priority to supporting scientific and medical research related to developing agricultural and animal produce so as to achieve food self sufficiency;

7.    Supports the call for holding a meeting, in the near future, of Member State’s Ministers of Health on the subject of epidemic diseases that affect humans through human beings, animals, plants and the environment and welcomes the kind offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host this meeting in Tehran.

8.    Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this resolution in coordination with the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation and to report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers..

RESOLUTION NO.39/25-E

ON COOPERATION IN COMBATING DRUG ABUSE, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND THEIR ILLEGAL PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND TRAFFICKING

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a better future for the peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conferences and the other previous resolutions adopted by the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers on the Control of Narcotics and Drug Abuse;

Expressing its concern at the manufacture and illegal trafficking as well as the widespread abuse of drugs which endanger the health of millions, particularly among young people;

Noting with concern the new dimensions of the ever growing narcotics problem which is threatening the social and economic fabric of the afflicted countries;

Taking into consideration the results achieved by the United Nations and its specialized agencies in the field of drug abuse, including the declaration and comprehensive multidisciplinary Outline of Future Activities in drug abuse adopted by the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances;

Noting with appreciation the Universal Declaration on the Global Programme of Action adopted by the 17th Special Session of the United Nations’ General Assembly held in New York, in February 1990, and the Declaration of the London Conference on Control of Cocaine and restriction of drugs in April 1990;

Reaffirming its conviction of the need to supervise the manufacture, trafficking, import and export of drugs and psychotropic substances, in accordance with the 1961 single convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1988 Convention on Narcotic Drugs against illegal trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances;

Recognizing the importance of taking measures to control drug materials including chemicals and solvents which are used in the manufacture of drugs and psychotropic substances, the availability of which has increased their illicit processing;