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REPORT AND RESOLUTIONS ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
ADOPTED BY THE TWENTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
(SESSION OF ISLAM AND GLOBALISATION)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
24-27 RABIUL AWAL 1421h (27-30 JUNE, 2000)
INDEX
Report of the Committee for Economic and Social Affairs.
I. ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
On Economic Problems Facing the Islamic Countries.
On Supporting the Reforms of the International Financial Architecture.
On Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System.
On Implications of the Establishment of Regional and International Economic Groupings on the Islamic World Including the Introduction of Single European Currency, the EURO.
On Economic Problems of the Least Developed and Land-Locked Member States.
On Eradication of Poverty in the Least Developed and Low-Income OIC Member States.
On External Debt of African and Other Islamic Member States of the OIC.
On Need for Enhancement of Economic Relations among Member States in the Light of Current Changes in the World Economy.
On Economic Problems of the Palestinian People in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, of the Syrian Citizens in the Occupied Syrian Golan Heights, and of the Lebanese Citizens in Occupied Southern Lebanon and the Western Bekka.
On Assistance to Member States Stricken by Drought and Natural Calamities.
On Economic and Social Losses for Great Jamahiriya as a Result of the Security Council Resolutions No. 748/92 and 883/93.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Lebanon.
On Assistance to Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On Economic Assistance to Republic of Somalia.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Guinea in the Face of Refugee Influx from Liberia and Sierra Leone.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Albania.
On Economic Assistance to Afghanistan.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Uganda.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
On Economic Assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic.
On Assistance to the Kashmiri People.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Yemen.
On Economic Assistance to the State of Palestine.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Mozambique.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Tajikistan.
On Alleviating the Effects of Floods and Torrential Rains in Sudan.
On Economic Assistance to the Republic of Djibouti.
On Humanitarian Assistance to the Chechniyan People.
On Activities under the Auspices of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC).
On Cooperation in the Field of Tourism.
On Status of the Signing and Ratification of Agreements and Statutes on Economic Cooperation.
On Review of the Activities of the OIC Subsidiary Organs Active in the Economic and Trade Fields.
On Support for the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).
On Affiliated Institutions of the OIC Operating in the Field of Economy and Commerce.
On Establishment of an Islamic Common Market.
On Role of the Islamic Ummah in the 21st Century
On Election of the Board Members of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, Ankara and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, Casablanca.
II. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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, and in Lebanese Territories Occupied by Israel.
On the Situation in Regions of the Islamic World Affected by Environmental Disasters, in Particular in the Basin of the Aral Sea and the Region of Semipalatinsk.
On the Role of Science and Technology in the Socio-economic Development of the Member States.
On Cooperation Among Member States in Controlling Epidemic Diseases Affecting Man, Fauna and the Flora.
Drug and Psychotropic Substance Abuses and Their Illegal Production, Processing and Trafficking.
On Environment, Sustainable Development and Ways and Means of Resolving Problems relating to Environment and Health
On the Activities of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH)
On the Implementation of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology in the Islamic States.
On Activities of the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhaka.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE
TWENTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
(SESSION OF ISLAM AND GLOBALISATION)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
24-27 RABIUL AWAL 1421H (27-30 JUNE, 2000)
The Economic and Social Affairs Committee of the Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) met on 24-27 Rabiul Awal 1421H (27-30 June 2000) to consider items No.75 to No. 93 of the Agenda of the Session.
The Committee based its discussion on the draft resolutions agreed by the 23rd Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs, held in Jeddah, from 16-20 Shawal 1420H (22-26 January 2000) as the working document. The meeting was chaired by Her Excellency Tunku Datuk Nazihah bt Tunku Mohd Rus. The General Secretariat of the OIC was represented in the Committee by His Excellency Ambassador Thierno Nabika Diallo, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs and His Excellency Khaled Saleem, Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology.
The following subsidiary organs, specialized and affiliated institutions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference also participated in the work of the Committee:
-Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah.
-Statistical Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRTCIC), Ankara;
-Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), Casablanca.
-Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhaka.
Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Karachi.
The Bureau of the Committee comprised the following:
Chairman ... - Malaysia
Vice-Chairmen - State of Palestine
Saudi Arabia
Nigeria
Rapporteur ... - Burkina Faso
The Committee deliberated on the various important developments in the global economic scene and the necessity of revitalizing the work of this Committee and stressed the need for Member States to be actively involved in all decision-making processes including globalisation and liberalisation, multilateral trading and financial systems to ensure that their interests would be protected. In formulating its proposals, the Committee incorporated ideas expressed by the Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, in his speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 27th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
The Committee stressed the urgency for the international community to work for a global approach towards resolving the financial crisis. It also recognised the need to improve the capacities and modalities of the international financial institutions, with regard to the prevention, management and resolution of international financial crisis in a timely and effective manner. The Committee further called on the international community to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that all countries equitably share the benefits of globalisation.
The Committee entrusted the SESRTCIC, Ankara to follow-up and study the issue of developing an orderly and strengthened international financial system particularly from the point of view of its implications for the Member States and to submit periodic reports to the annual session of the COMCEC and thereafter to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM).
The Committee calls upon the WTO to strengthen, in the various multilateral trade agreements, the development dimension through, inter alia, operationalising the provisions on special and differential treatment such as extending the transitional period in the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement. The Committee also calls for the rejection of the inclusion of non-trade issues, such as labour and environmental standards, into the work programme of the WTO, given their detrimental effects on the evolving of a just, free and fair international trading environment. The Committee felt that the structure of the decision-making of WTO should be reviewed to ensure greater transparency.
The Committee agreed on the need to closely monitor the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements and to attribute high priority to the ongoing work in the WTO and requested the General Secretariat and related OIC institutions especially the IDB to design and propose technical assistance programmes to assist those Member States facing difficulties in responding to the new challenges. In this regard, it called upon the IDB to intensify its efforts to reinforce the building of capabilities of the Member States to prepare them for the next multilateral trade negotiations in the context of the WTO.
The Committee encouraged Member States and competent OIC organs and institutions to support the poverty eradication programmes of OIC least developed countries and low income countries, with a view to strengthening their indigenous technical capabilities in increasing production and creating new opportunities.
The Committee stressed the importance of effective national financial, monetary, commercial and budgetary policies in the mobilization of national resources to combat poverty. In the context of the IMF/World Bank Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative (HIPC) the Committee noted with concern that only nine countries so far have reached decision points under this initiative. In this regard, it called for its accelerated implementation to enable more eligible countries to benefit from the initiative.
The Committee appealed to Member States that are donors to influence the international donor community to address the external debt burden of OIC developing and least developed Member States.
The Committee invited Member States to reinforce sub-regional and regional economic groupings and to re-launch existing economic integration projects among Islamic countries with a view towards the establishment of an Islamic Common Market or any other suitable form of economic integration.
The Committee emphasized the need to urgently implement the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member States within the framework of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). This is to be carried out in accordance with the principles and operational modalities of the strategy and the procedures set forth in its chapter on follow-up and implementation.
.The Committee considered cooperation in tourism amongst Member States and welcomes the initiation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the First Conference of the OIC Ministers of Tourism in October 2000.
.The Committee welcomed the offer of the State of Qatar to host an Expert Meeting on the effects of the establishment of an Islamic Common Market of Member States on 13-14 October, 2000.
.The Committee requested the ICFM to give due consideration to the special needs of Island States.
.In the field of Science and Technology, the Committee examined important questions relating in particular, to environmental problems facing Islamic countries; the role of science and technology in the socio-economic development of Islamic countries; co-operation among Member States for the control of endemic diseases affecting humans, the fauna and flora; their co-operation in combating drug abuse, illegal production, processing and trafficking of psychotropic substances; the correlation between the environment, health and sustainable development; COMSTECH programmes and activities; the implementation of the strategy for the development of Science and Technology and the activities of the Dhaka Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT).
The Committee underlined the need to take effective measures to combat the widespread damage caused by pollution and toxic wastes which lead to climatic upheavals and to a degradation of biological and socio-economic conditions. In this connection, it pointed out that environmental issues should be linked to developmental efforts and that Member States which had not yet done so, should ratify relevant international conventions. The Committee also strongly condemned Israel’s practices and their impact on the environment in the Palestinian occupied territories, in the occupied Golan Heights, in Southern Lebanon in the West Bekaa and other territories occupied by Israel. The Committee expressed on that matter special satisfaction at the co-operation between the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the OIC as part of the overall co-operation with the UN system.
The Committee stressed the important role of Science and Technology in the socio-economic development of Islamic countries. In this connection, it reaffirmed that Science and Technology transfer for peaceful purposes should take place, for mankind’s own good, to enhance the socio-economic development of Islamic States.
For the same reason, it felt that negotiations should be undertaken with the participation of all the States interested in preparing universal and non-discriminatory guidelines on the transfer of state-of-the-art technology and the material and equipment of military use. On the other hand, the Committee took note of the recent developments in Science and Technology, particularly the possibility of using space technology for development purposes. It recommended follow-up to the ongoing UN efforts regarding this progress.
As regards endemic disease control, the Committee felt that co-operation among Member States should be strengthened; it thus noted the forthcoming meeting of Health Ministers which is to be held in Tehran at the kind invitation of the Iranian authorities. The Committee recommended that the mandate of such a meeting be extended to inter-Islamic co-operation in the field of health in general, including pharmaceuticals.
The Committee expressed concern over the ever-increasing problem of drugs and psychotropic substances and their negative impact on the social and economic structures of the countries affected by this phenomenon. The UN Convention on Illicit Drug Trafficking should therefore be strictly implemented. At the same time, efforts should be made by Member States to further raise public awareness of the phenomenon and to better use of information and educational organs. The Committee noted with satisfaction in that there is good co-operation between the General Secretariat and the UN Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) in this respect.
The Committee underlined the interest of a comprehensive study to be made on the correlation between the environment, health and sustainable development of Member States and welcomed the invitation of the Tunisian Government to hold the meeting in December 2000 in Tunisia.
The Committee was informed by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan about COMSTECH programmes and activities and, accordingly, adopted a recommendation requesting Member States and concerned Islamic institutions to extend their financial support to the said programmes and activities, through generous voluntary contributions and thanked the Member States for their voluntary contribution.
The Committee was informed by ISESCO on the progress made in the search for ways and means to implement the strategy for promoting Science and Technology in the Islamic countries. It noted with special satisfaction the very commendable efforts made by ISESCO in collaboration with UNESCO in view of the World Conference on Science held in Hungary, in 1999. It also thanked ISESCO for consultations undertaken with Member States and the General Secretariat in making the arrangements for the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Science, Higher Education and Scientific Research to be held in October 2000 in Riyadh for which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended a gracious invitation.
The Committee reiterated the importance of increased co-operation in Research and Development amongst Islamic countries. In this regard, it emphasised the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills in the fields of information, communication and technology (ICT) so as to keep abreast of changes brought about by advancement in Science and Technology.
The Committee urged Member States and relevant specialised bodies of the OIC to formulate programmes and projects that will harness knowledge from each other, form smart partnerships to improve research and development that will enhance science and technology development in Member States.
The Committee considered the activities of the Dhaka based Islamic Institute of Technology. It noted the review undertaken within the framework of the meeting of the joint General Assembly of the subsidiary organs which was held in Jeddah during the 23rd Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs in January 2000.
The Committee requested the Subsidiary Organs and Affiliated Institutions to continue to provide up-to-date reports to the Committee in its future meetings.
The Committee adopted a set of Resolutions (as annexed) for submission to the Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
The Committee expressed its deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Honourable Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, for their keen interest in the activities of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. It also thanked the People and Government of Malaysia for hosting the Conference and for the generous hospitality extended to all delegates.
(Ambassador Tunku Datuk Nazihah bt Tunku Mohd Rus)
Chairman of the Committee
Kuala Lumpur: 27 Rabiul Awal, 1421H
(30 June 2000)
ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS FACING THE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES.
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabi ul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 1/8-E(IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Tehran;
Also recalling Resolution No. 1/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Further recalling Resolution No. 6/24-E of the 24th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, in which Member States were invited to reinforce Sub-Regional and Regional Markets and relaunch the existing economic integration projects among themselves;
Having considered with particular attention the results of the Uruguay Round on multilateral negotiations which led to the establishment of the World Trade Organisation.
Noting that globalization and increasing liberalization have made the external environment for development crucial, particularly since OIC Member States have become more vulnerable to the intense competition and unpredictable fluctuations in international trade, instability in the financial and monetary flows as well as to the changes in technology;
Noting with concern that the world economy faces periodical severe fluctuations and crises in some regions the effects of which spill over globally due to the solid links between economies. This has had an impact on international currencies and money market and therefore the economy at large.
Deeply concerned that the international financial crisis has acquired extremely worrying dimensions, posing a threat to world economic development and stressing the urgency for the international community to work for a global approach towards financial crisis.
Aware of the need to improve the capacities and modalities of the International financial institutions, with regard to the prevention, management and resolution of international financial crises in a timely and effective manner.
Aware of the fact that, as a result of the current trends of globalization and liberalization, a large number of OIC Member States are bearing a disproportionate share of the adjustment burden;
Recognizing that the effective implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements would necessitate a certain measure of adaptation in the economic and administrative structures of the Member States to safeguard their interests and to take maximum advantage of the opportunities to be created thereby.
Further aware of the need to further strengthen cooperation and coordination among OIC Member States to ensure expansion in their Inter-Islamic trade taking into account the relevant resolutions of the 54th UNGA and the position of the Islamic states in this respect;
Having taken cognizance with appreciation of the studies prepared by SESRTCIC on world economic developments and OIC countries and ICDT on intra-Islamic trade;
Welcomes the efforts made by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry to organise a Conference on Arab Free Trade Zone with the objective of intensifying of economic cooperation and greater integration between Arab and other Islamic countries;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the matter,
1. Reiterates urgent need to take practical steps to ensure economic integration among the OIC Member States with the ultimate objective of establishing an Islamic Common Market or any other form of economic integration, on a step-by-step basis, among OIC Member States, and commends the efforts exerted by the Arab Economic and Social Council to create a major Arab free trade zone and other similar initiatives namely, the ECO, SEACO, ECOWAS, CEMAC and CEMAO.
2.Underlines the need to devise ways and means to minimize the adverse effects of the international economic order on the economies of the Islamic world.
3. Calls on the international community to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared by all countries on an equal basis so as to ensure balanced advantages and obligations of developing including OIC member countries.
4.Calls upon the developed countries for further liberalization and increased access for the products and services where developing countries have a comparative advantage, and access to transfer of technology on concessional terms and have access to investment codes and technology.
5.Urges Member States to pursue efforts aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and economic policy coordination among them so as to maximize the complementarities in their economies and avoid further marginalization.
6.Urges also Member States to coordinate their efforts aimed at making the necessary contacts with the concerned international parties and organizations so as to safeguard the economic interests of Member States and not to prejudice their exports of various commodities and materials.
7.Calls on developed countries to create a more practical, equitable and transparent environment enabling developing countries to implement their structural adjustment programmes to enable them to achieve sustainable development and urges them to support the Common Fund established by UNCTAD with a view to stabilizing raw material prices.
8.Notes with appreciation that the exchange of views on current world economic issues are being regularly conducted during the annual sessions of the COMCEC which constitute valuable occasions for the Member States to share their experiences and coordinate their positions on these issues.
9.Notes with concern the extraterritorial application of local legislation which adversely affect foreign investments in other countries, including the Islamic states. Rejects all coercive measures, which are null and void from the perspective of international law; and calls upon the international community to put an end to such biases which impede the establishing of cooperation in the economic and commercial fields between countries which intend to do so.
10.Agrees on the need to closely monitor the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement and requests the General Secretariat and related OIC Institutions to drafts report and make proposals to implement technical assistance programmes to assist those Member States which might have difficulties in responding to the new challenges.
11.Requests the Secretary General to submit a report there on to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON SUPPORTING THE REFORMS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recognizing that the causes of the recent East Asian financial crisis was not only rooted in the macroeconomic vulnerabilities in several of the affected economies but was also caused by weaknesses in the current arrangements that govern the international financial system;
Accepting that the crisis had brought about severe economic and social consequences to the affected countries and that to prevent future vulnerabilities, steps have been taken to improve their macroeconomic management, enhance transparency and disclosure, as well as, increase corporate governance and draw up policies to strengthen their financial systems;
Recalling that a high degree of agreement has been achieved in these fora on ways to reform the international financial architecture, particularly in the critical areas of strengthening financial systems, enhancing transparency and disclosure and improving the approaches to crisis prevention and resolution, including by involving the private sector and improved coordination between the international financial institutions;
Further accepting that weaknesses in the arrangements that make up the international monetary system have allowed excessive risk taking, imprudent investor behavior and speculative activities;
1. Appreciates the contributions and efforts made by the various fora such as the G-7, APEC, ASEAN, the G-15, the G-20 as well as the international financial and regulatory bodies such as the IMF, World Bank, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to strengthen the international financial architecture;
2. Underscores the importance of developing an orderly and strengthened international financial system, the reforms of the international financial architecture should aim at addressing the fundamental weaknesses of the free market system and the inherent instability of the international financial system through achieving the following:
avoid disruptive destabilizing capital flows to maximize benefits from globalizes capital markets, thereby minimizing risk;
contain the adverse impact of currency trading especially on small economies;
mitigate occurence of future crisis;
limit the contagion effect of any crisis; and
achieve symmetry in good behaviour of governments and the private sector.
3. Emphasizes that the momentum for reform need to be maintained, as there are signs that a more optimistic outlook for the world economy have dampen somewhat the original enthusiasm for reform of the global financial architecture;
4. Agrees that there remains vital work to be completed, especially in the areas of exchange rate regimes, liberalization of the capital account, use of capital controls, regulation of hedge funds and currency trading, and the conduct of credit rating agencies;
5. Urges that in those areas where recommendations have received broad support, developing, emerging and developed countries expedite the implementation of these proposals so as to enhance global financial stability, and more importantly promote sustainable growth and welfare;
6. Calls for developing and emerging market economies to be effectively represented in the consultations now underway, as a more inclusive process is the only way to give moral authority to collective decision-making on the reforms of the international financial architecture; and
7.Calls for a greater participation of private sector in the prevention and resolution of financial crisis and the need for standards of transparency and disclosure of economic and financial information to be applied equally to the public and private sectors.
8.Requests the SESRTCIC, Ankara, to follow-up and study the matter, particularly from the point of view of its implications for the member states and submit periodic reports to the annual session of the COMCEC and thereafter to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM).
ON STRENGTHENING THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 6/8-E(IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 6/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Reaffirming Member States’ commitment to progressive trade liberalisation and cooperation in strengthening the multilateral trading system;
Recalling the related decisions of the COMCEC which have the subject on its agenda as a permanent item;
Appreciating the efforts of IDB and ICDT in assisting and appraising the member states on matters related to WTO.
Recognising that the effective functioning of the multilateral trading system is pivotal in contributing towards enhancing growth and development;
Taking note that the Third WTO Ministerial Conference held in Seattle from 30 November to 3 December 1999, and the fact that the WTO has thus failed to adopt such measures as to resolve problems of concern to the developing countries for implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements;
Desiring that the multilateral trading system provide equitable benefits for all members through trade liberalisation and fair rules;
1.Calls on OIC member states who have acceded to the WTO to support and facilitate negotiations for the accession of other member states which have not yet joined the WTO.
2. Urges the WTO and its Member States to:
i)facilitate the accession of all States to membership to ensure its globalization in decision-making, emphasize the importance of clarity and transparency of membership procedure, and avoid requiring states wishing to adhere to meet unfair requirements or conditions beyond the commitments of member states with equal status on the development scale.
ii) accord priority and urgency in addressing implementation problems;
iii)ensure that the agenda for further negotiations remains focused, balanced and manageable, taking into account the limited resources and the level of development of many developing countries, in particular the LDCs;
iv)strengthen the development dimension in multilateral trade agreements, including operationalizing the special and differential treatment provisions such as extending the transitional period in implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement;
v)reject the inclusion of non-trade issues, such as labour and environmental standards, into the work programme of the WTO, given its detrimental effects to the evolution of a just, free and fair trading environment as reiterated by most WTO members.
vi)ensure the availability of sufficient resources for technical cooperation activities to assist developing countries implement WTO agreements and decisions
vii)review the structure of the decision making process of the WTO to ensure greater transparency of the WTO process and ensuring effective participation of members in this process;
viii)ensure that technical assistance by WTO shall also contribute to capacity building in developing countries, in particular the LDCs.
3.Commends the IDB for its sincere efforts to raise awareness among OIC member states of the wide-ranging impact of the Uruguay Round agreements on economies. In this respect, it calls on the IDB to intensify its efforts to reinforce the building of the capabilities of member states including its negotiating capabilities and preparing them fully for the negotiations of the coming multilateral trade exchange system in the context of the WTO.
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4.Urges the UNCTAD to take studies about the necessary measures to bring balance to cost and benefits for the developing countries to adopt the new trade and economic regimes taking into account their different levels of development and ability to compete.
5.Requests the ICDT as well as other competent organs of the OIC to further consider the matter and submit periodic reports to the COM`CEC and the related OIC fora.
6.Requests the OIC General Secretariat to convey the resolution to the WTO Director General and the Director General of UNCTAD and to report the developments arising therefrom, to the OIC Member States and the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON IMPLICATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC GROUPINGS ON THE ISLAMIC WORLD, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF A SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY, THE EURO
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 2/8-E(IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference
Recalling also Resolution No. 2/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Noting with appreciation studies and reports submitted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries and Islamic Centre for Development of Trade and Islamic Development Bank on this subject to the 15th Session of the COMCEC;
Having examined the Implications of the establishment of regional and international economic groupings and their impact on economic relations between the Member States of these economic groupings and the Islamic States including the launching of the Euro;
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General in this respect,
1.Notes with appreciation that “Implications of Regional Economic Groupings, particularly the European Union for the economies of the Member States” was the theme for the Exchange of Views Session which was organized during the 13th Session of COMCEC held from 1-4 November 1997.
2.Urges Member States to intensify trade exchanges between them and to work seriously on removing the obstacles which impede progress in this area.
3.Calls upon Member States to emphasize cooperation more in terms of project oriented integration arrangements.
4.Emphasizes the necessity to give priority to cooperation in the area of physical infrastructure, such as transport and communications, as well as in research, training and technology in these regional arrangements.
5.Requests the developed countries giving preferences to OIC member states under various schemes to examine the erosion that is likely to occur in these preferences as a result of the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements and to consider restoring these losses by other trade concessions or forms of compensation.
6.Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF THE LEAST DEVELOPED AND LAND-LOCKED MEMBER STATES
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 3/8-E(IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 3/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Expressing its profound concern over the serious economic problems faced by the Least-Developed Member States and noting with disappointment the slow progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990, in particular the sharp decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA);
Expressing concern over the lack of access by the Least Developed Member States to private financial flows, and noting with regret the diminishing shares of these countries in official capital flows.
Expressing concern over the sharp decline in the prices of the raw materials produced and exported by the least developed countries; as well as for the marginalisation of the LDCs in the world economy.
Having taken note with satisfaction that, despite the sharp drop in oil revenues in recent years, the Islamic donor countries continued to provide significant external aid and that the amount of aid distributed to the least developed countries exceeded 0.15 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product;
Notes with appreciation the efforts of UNCTAD in favour of the Least Developed and Land-locked countries and its useful annual Reports on the Least Developed Countries and the Trade and Development Report.
Expressing satisfaction with the IDB's efforts for the extension of assistance to the Least Developed Countries and for the opening of a special account for them as approved by the IDB's Board of Governors at its Seventeenth Annual Session held in Tehran in November 1992;
Noting with appreciation the study prepared and presented by SESRTCIC on the Problems of Least Developed and Land-locked Member States;
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,
1.Emphasizes the importance of achieving reductions in the outstanding debt of the Least Developed Countries to sustainable levels through debt-relief measures, particularly the flexible applications of the eligibility criteria of the HIPC initiative, and making all Least Developed Countries eligible under the initiative, in order to help relieve their financial burdens, enhance their credit-worthiness and improve their external financial prospects.
2.Welcomes the decision of the UN General Assembly at its 53rd Session to convene the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries at a high level in the year 2001.
3.Calls upon all Governments, inter-governmental and multilateral institutions, in particular UNCTAD which is the focal agency for the preparation of the conference, to take appropriate steps to ensure that adequate preparations are made for the Conference and to participate effectively in the above-mentioned preparatory meetings and the conference itself.
4.Requests all concerned organs, organizations and bodies of the UN System including regional commissions and other international and multilateral institutions, to make, within their respective competence, substantive contributions and proposals for further action as submissions to the preparatory process of the conference.
5.Appeals to the international community, and particularly to the developed countries to fully and efficiently implement the Programme of Action in this regard and the provisions of other UN resolutions, in particular those contained in UNCTAD IX and recommendations contained in the report of the High Level Inter-governmental Meeting on the Mid-term Global Review of the Implementation of Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s held in New York from September 25 to October 6, 1995.
6.Calls upon the international community, to help the LDCs to progressively integrate themselves into the world economy and strengthen LDC’s capacity to participate in the multilateral trading system, including facilitating accession to WTO by those LDC’s which are not already members.
7.Urges developed countries to increase their contributions and initiate new means within the framework of the International Development Strategy and to follow the example of countries who converted the debts contracted by the least developed countries into grants in order to facilitate the implementation of the structural adjustment measures undertaken by these countries.
8.Expresses concern at the declining trend in the quantity of ODA to the LDCs and stresses the importance of increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) granted by the developed countries in favour of the developing countries in general and the Least Developed Countries in particular and appeals to the Member States to continue their Official Development Assistance.
9.Notes with satisfaction the efforts of some Member States to extend assistance in the technical, financial, food and other forms to the least developed Member States and hopes that such assistance will continue.
10. Appreciating the efforts of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in initiating a proposal of activating private sector in Islamic Least Developed Countries and Land-locked countries by establishing a Network of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in these countries.
11.Requests OIC Secretary General to set up a Task Force comprising representatives of the OIC General Secretariat, IDB, ICDT, ICCI and some selected OIC country Chambers. The Task Force may be assigned three specific tasks:
to draw up appropriate Programmes that can be launched during the year 2001 as the Year of Promotion and Development of Small and Medium Enterprises;
to prepare a Report highlighting the strategy for activation, encouragement and development of SMEs with special reference to the needs of Least-Developed, Island States and Land-locked Countries while taking into consideration the economies of small states which remain vulnerable to acute external factors, including environment calamities ;
to report the progress of work of the Task Force to the 24th session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs.
12.Calls upon the land-locked countries, their transit neigbours and donor counties to implement measures to strengthen further their cooperative and collaborative efforts in dealing with the transit problems in accordance with the Global Framework for Transit Transport Cooperation between Land-locked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries.
13. Recognizes the necessity to respond effectively to the needs of Land-locked and transit countries so as to allow them to develop their transport infrastructure and develop road network, so as to facilitate their trade.
14.Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ERADICATION OF POVERTY IN THE LEAST DEVELOPED AND LOW-INCOME OIC MEMBER STATES
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 4/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 4/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Expressing its concern over the prevalence of poverty and its tragic dimensions which should be checked in time;
Reiterating the need to give special attention to the eradication of poverty, notably in the Least Developed and Low-income Islamic countries;
Acting in conformity with Islamic rules and precepts as well as the OIC Charter and moved by the spirit of Islamic solidarity;
Noting that Micro-Credit programmes by providing access to small capital, contribute towards eradication of poverty through generating productive self-employment, ensuring social and human development, and promoting participatory processes in the societies;
Noting the support to micro-credit extended by various Summits and other high level meetings and noting further that the international community is observing the period 1997-2006 as the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty.
Recognizing that in the process of globalization, the marginalization of many developing countries and particularly the least developed among them have created constraints to the efforts to eradicate poverty;
Noting with appreciation the study prepared and submitted by SESRTCIC on “Eradication of Poverty in the Least Developed and Low-income OIC Member States”;
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General on this matter;
1.Reaffirms that the eradication of poverty in all Member States before the end of the next decade should constitute a common objective of OIC Member States.
2. Confirms the link between the acute nature of the poverty phenomenon and the distortion of the socio-economic structures, marginalization in the global economy, and deterioration of terms of trade, due to the inappropriate international conditions, particularly those relating to the requisites of economic growth and development.
3.Urges the developed Industrial States and International institutions to take specific measures for the fulfilment of the commitments made at the World Social Summit, held in Copenhagen, as well as other international fora so as to enable the Least Developed Member States to attain this objective.
4.Encourages incorporation of micro-credit schemes in the strategy of poverty eradication and implementation of related recommendations as reflected in the Plan of Action adopted in the Micro-Credit Summit held from 2-4 February 1997 which launched a global movement to reach 100 million of the world’s poorest families for self-employment and other financial and business services by the year 2001.
5. Reaffirms that a favourable international economic environment taking into account the requirements of developing countries, within the framework of the concessions to be granted to them in terms of financial and technical assistance and investment resources; and also, of their access to international markets, raw materials price stability and appropriate structural programmes, is necessary for the success of the struggle being waged by LDCs and low income countries to help them eradicate poverty.
6.Appeals to developed countries that have not yet done so to achieve as soon as possible the agreed target of 0.7% of the GNP for overall official development assistance and, to achieve the 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of GNP for the least developed countries.
7. Urges the LDCs and low income countries to play in a more coordinated manner a more active role in international for a dealing with the eradication of poverty.
8. Requests Member States to intensify implementation of technical cooperation programmes among themselves with a view to improving the health educational, human and housing conditions as well as other basic needs of their respective population.
9.Encourages Member States, and competent OIC organs and institutions particularly the IDB, to support the on-going development programmes of OIC Least Developed Countries and the low income ones, with a view to strengthening their local technical capabilities creating production and job opportunities.
10. Stresses the importance of effective national, financial, monetary, commercial and budgetary policies in the mobilization of national resources making it possible to combat poverty.
11. Reaffirms the need to give special priority, in particular, in the Least Developed and poorer Member States.
12. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON EXTERNAL DEBT OF AFRICAN AND OTHER ISLAMIC MEMBER STATES OF THE OIC
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 5/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 5/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Expressing its deep anxiety over the external debts of the developing Member States which have been increasing at an alarming rate for the last few years;
Noting with concern the growing debt-servicing problems of externally indebted developing countries as constituting an element adversely affecting their development efforts;
Noting with satisfaction that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has written off the official debt of a certain number of least developed/landlocked and/or Sahelian Member States;
Appreciating the initiative of His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait, who as Chairman of the Fifth Session of the Organization of the Islamic Summit Conference, declared in his speech to the UN General Assembly on 27/9/1990 that in order to alleviate the burden of indebtedness of the developing States, the State of Kuwait took the initiative of writing off the interests due on development loans extended to developing States;
Also expressing its appreciation for the efforts made by His Majesty the King Hassan II, may Allah rest his soul in peace, Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit and the Secretary General in the framework of the implementation of the resolutions of the Seventh Islamic Summit on the debt of OIC Member States;
Noting with appreciation the study prepared and submitted by SESRTCIC on “The External Debt Situation of Sub-Saharan African OIC Member States”;
Having also taken note of the report of the Secretary General,
1.Appeals to international creditors as well as to international financial institutions to continue adopting every necessary measure to cut down the debt of OIC Member States, in particular through staggered settlement of debts, deferred
amortization, reduced and favourable interest rates or swapping debts for financing various development projects.
2.Takes note of the initiatives adopted by the G-8, during its Cologne Summit meeting, in order to alleviate the debt burden of the most impoverished countries.
3.Reaffirms the urgent need for effective, equitable, development-oriented and durable solutions to the external debt and debt-servicing problems of developing countries, and to help them exit from the rescheduling process.
4.Expresses its appreciation for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) debt relief initiative and urges that all the LDCs be made eligible for benefit under this initiative.
5.Notes with concern that only nine countries so far have reached decision points under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative and in this regard, calls for its accelerated implementation in order to enable more eligible countries to benefit from the initiative.
6.Welcomes the extension of the entry deadline of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative to the year 2000 to enable more eligible countries to reach decision points and, in this connection, urges liberalisation of access procedure and also calls for accelerated implementation of the Initiative.
7.Urges that approach in the debt settlement should cover all types of debt, including multilateral debt, and all indebted developing countries, and incorporate measures aimed at a once-and-for all reduction arrangement to reduce their debt burden to a scale that would allow them to resume their economic growth and development.
8.Expresses its gratitude to Member States which have already responded favourably to the above request and appeals to Member States to continue the transfer of capital through grants and concessionary loans to Member States, especially to the least developed, the land-locked and/or Sahelian countries.
9.Renews the call made to the international community, especially the developed countries, to offer substantial reduction or cancellation of African debts and lowering of the burden of servicing charges while ensuring that this process is combined with the flow of fresh and considerable finances at soft-terms, to African countries.
10.Appeals to those Member States that have not yet done so and to industrialized
countries and international organizations to implement the resolution of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on the external debt of OIC Member States.
11.Supports the Cairo Declaration adopted by the First Summit Conference of Africa-Europe, held in Cairo, from 3-4 April, 2000, in calling on donors to expedite translating their promises into real commitments to alleviate the debt burden urgently and on deep and wide ranging scale for the group of dest-burdened poor countries.
12.Calls on bilateral and multilateral debtors to examine the procedures and mechanisms currently being proposed to alleviate the debt burden in accordance with means of debt-burdened poor countries, and indebted, medium-income countries in order to able to service their debts in the context of the special objectives related to their development and progress as well as the necessary resources for eradicating poverty.
13. Appeals also to Member States which are donors to use their influence with the International Donor Community to take initiatives to overcome the external debt burden of OIC developing and least developed Member States, with regard to implementing this resolution.
14. Appreciates the efforts of those Member States which have been implementing stringent macro-economic and external debt management policies to alleviate the adverse effects of the developments in the world economic and financial situation.
15 Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON NEED FOR ENHANCEMENT OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS AMONG MEMBER STATES IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CHANGES IN THE WORLD ECONOMY
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 6/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 6/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Reaffirming the relevance of both the new Strategy and the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member States, endorsed at the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference, and underlining in this respect, the dynamic and constructive role played by the President of the Republic of Turkey in chairing the COMCEC's proceedings;
Stressing the importance of collaboration among OIC Member States in implementing the strategy and the Plan of Action;
Realizing the quick evolution of the world economy towards increased globalization and integration, as well as the challenges embodied in the constitution of powerful economic blocs and by the growing liberalization of world trade;
Bearing in mind the start of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the important impacts of the Uruguay Round Agreements and recent global pacts on the developing World in general and on the OIC Member States in particular, and recognizing in this respect the need for more cooperation and coordination among OIC Member States to ensure that their share in the world trade will be increased respectively;
Emphasising the importance of ensuring univesality of Free Trade and convinced that as a result of the WTO, trade relations between member states should take into account the framework of the rights and obligations provided for by the new trade rules contained in the Final Act of the Uruguay Round, and the relevant arrangements therein.
Taking note with satisfaction of the reports submitted by the SESRTCIC, ICDT, IDB, and ICCI.
Having considered the report of the Secretary General,
1.Takes note with appreciation of all the decisions taken by the COMCEC relating to the Strategy and the Plan of Action for the strengthening of inter-Islamic economic and commercial cooperation.
2.Welcomes with satisfaction, the under-mentioned proposals made by His Majesty late King Hassan II (May Allah bless his soul) to the international community on the occasion of the closing session of the Ministerial Conference of the Uruguay Round in Marrakesh:
The implementation of a "genuine Marshall Plan" in favour of Africa, with a view to reducing the tremendous poverty and lessen the recurring tensions from which its populations are suffering;
The setting up of a new international negotiations mechanism which will better safeguard the national interests of developing countries in general and particularly those of OIC Member States;
3.Welcomes with appreciation the speech by the Hon. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 27th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, 24-27 Rabiul Awal 1421H (27-30 June 2000) with the theme Islam and Globalisation in which the Prime Minister of Malaysia underscored the need for Member States to meet the challenges of globalisation. He also emphasized the importance of mastering ICT and related technologies for the development of the Muslim Ummah.
4. Urges the Muslim Ummah to deploy concerted efforts to acquire knowledge to face the challenges of globalisation;
5. Also urges Member States to develop telecommunication technologies and its linkages and to provide facilities to increase cooperation amongst Islamic countries.
6.Further urges Member States to utilize Islamic Banking facilities and services in Islamic countries.
7.Urges member states to consider steps to be taken on a progressive basis, with a view to harmonising their economic policies in order to benefit from the new trade rules provided for within the WTO framework and thus encouraging a quick development of trade between member states. Due regards should be paid to relevant resolutions of the 8th Islamic Summit held in Teheran in December 1997 and other resolutions adopted by the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
8.Invites Member States to revitalize their actions in order to increase their share in the world economy notably by a sustained improvement of their international competitiveness at the level of the goods and services exports, by adopting a series of policies meant to improve their economic infrastructures, master the services sector, increase the value added and the quality of products, diversify the productive base and provide the required conditions likely to attract foreign investments.
9.Emphasizes the growing importance of the services sector in the world economy and calls on Member States to increase technical cooperation in this field among themselves.
10.Calls upon Member States to further increase their efforts and their budgetary allocations for Research and Development, and also expand their cooperation and coordination in this field through inter-alia, joint ventures with a view to support their production of goods and services as well as their competitiveness in international markets.
11.Invites Member States to endeavour to reinforce sub-regional and regional economic groupings and relaunch the existing economic integration projects among Islamic countries, with a view to institutionalizing cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, finance and technology among these countries which could methodically prepare the establishment of an Islamic Common Market or any other suitable form of economic integration among themselves.
12.Affirms that in order to achieve the above objectives the private sector in Islamic Countries should play a prominent role through giving impetus to inter-Islamic economic relations and in this context invites the Governments of Member States to support the promotional economic actions undertaken by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in particular, concerning the establishment of direct contacts between private investors and businessmen in the Islamic countries through Private Sector Meetings by urging and encouraging businessmen and representatives of the Private Sector in Islamic countries to effectively participate in private sector meetings. In this connection it notes with appreciation the setting up of a Monitoring Mechanism for the evaluation and implementation of the recommendations of the private sector meetings over a phased out period.
13.Calls for the expeditious process of accession to the World Trade Organisation of applying developing countries, including the OIC members, and emphasizes that in this process no political consideration should be invoked which may impede the accession of these countries.
14.Emphasizes on the public private sector cooperation and calls upon the Islamic chamber to continue with its efforts in the area of cooperation with the private sector, so as to help them adapt to the new concepts in the world economy and challenges of globalization by organizing additional workshops, with the support and contribution of the private sector. In this context, it expresses its appreciation for the support being extended by the government of Arab Republic of Egypt and Islamic Republic of Iran to the Islamic Chamber and calls on other Member States to follow.
15.Invites Member States to strengthen their consultation and coordination mechanisms, particularly within the WTO, as well as in their relations with regional economic blocs, so as to better protect the individual and collective interests of the Islamic States.
16.Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE IN THE PALESTINIAN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES AND THE SYRIAN CITIZENS IN THE OCCUPIED GOLAN HEIGHTS AND THE LEBANESE CITIZENS IN SOUTH LEBANON AND ITS WESTERN BEQAA FORMERLY UNDER OCCUPATION
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 7/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 7/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Believing in the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter aimed at strengthening Islamic solidarity among the Member States, and conforming with mass international will that rejects arbitrary Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territory which lead to deterioration of the economic and social conditions of Arab citizens under the yoke of Israeli occupation, on the one hand, and that supports the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region based on the (Land-for-Peace principle) resolutions of the international legitimacy 242, 338 and 425 as well as the authority of the Madrid Peace Conference, on the other;
Underlining the unfailing efforts exerted by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to promote the economic structure; and in view of the escalation of the illegal and unlawful expansionist settlement policies of the Israeli government, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the occupied Syrian Golan; and also in view of the serious implications of this escalation on the existing difficult economic and humanitarian conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory and the Syrian citizens in the occupied Golan;
Expressing extreme concern over the grave economic impacts, resulting from the expansionist settlement policy of the Israeli government, on the difficult living conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory and those of the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan as well as the Arab people in the occupied Arab territory;
Appreciating with profound interest the role which the Palestine Liberation Organization and its National Authority (PNA) are playing in all territories under the PNA including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif for the improvement of the Palestinian people's living conditions and the overhauling of their national economy;
Expressing deep concern over the danger of Israel's continued occupation of the Syrian Golan, part of South Lebanon which are suffering huge economic and material losses;
Emphasizing the resolutions of the recent Arab Summit in Cairo concerning this matter;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General,
1.Hails the efforts made by the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Palestinian National Authority to rebuild Palestinian facilities, infrastructure and properties already destroyed and those being destroyed by the Israeli occupation authorities. It commends the strenuous efforts exerted by the Palestinian Authority to rebuild and strengthen Palestinian National economy.
2.Invites all concerned bodies to expedite the extension of the envisaged necessary assistance to help the Palestinian people to establish their national economy, consolidation of their national institutions and to enable them to establish their independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
3.Reaffirms the earlier OIC resolutions in favour of the extension of all forms of economic, technical, material and moral support and assistance to the Palestinian people, preferential treatment for Palestinian export products and granting them exemptions from taxes and tariffs.
4.Calls for the necessity of implementing the resolutions of the UN General Assembly on the economic assistance extended to the Palestinian people as well as the resolutions of other international organizations and relevant specialized agencies. It also calls for unified efforts during the Fifty-fourth Session of the UN General Assembly in this respect.
5.Urges the private sector and investors of the OIC Member States to undertake the execution of the economic, industrial, agricultural and housing programmes in the territories of the Palestinian National Authority with a view to supporting and strengthening the Palestinian national economy.
6.Condemns Israel's continuing occupation of the Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the escalation of its arbitrary practices against the Palestinian people in all of the occupied towns and villages, and building an expansionist infrastructure by establishing more settlements and calls for halting these practices.
7.Condemns Israel for its continued occupation of the Syrian Golan and parts of South Lebanon, including the Shebaa farms and the arbitrary Israeli practices which have led to the degradation of the social and economic situation of the Syrian and Lebanese populations suffering under the yoke of Israeli occupation.
8.Expresses extreme concern about the serious economic implications resulting from a new series of expansionist settlement policies by the Israeli government on the existing difficult living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian territories as well as those of the Syrian citizens in the Occupied Syrian Golan and the Arab people in the other Occupied Arab territories.
9.Urges the OIC Member States to carry all necessary actions at the international level to exert pressure on Israel to desist from resorting to imposition of the brutal blockades on the occupied Palestinian territory, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif which result in extremely painful economic effects on the Palestinian people and raise the level of unemployment among the Palestinians. It also hampers international efforts aimed at realizing development in the occupied Palestinian territory and the territory of the Palestinian National Authority.
10.Calls on Member States and the international community to extend necessary assistance to the Lebanese citizens in South Lebanon and the Western Beqaa who have been constantly and every day the targets of Israeli aggression throughout the occupation period, thus entailing huge material losses and social hardships leading to a quasi permanent paralysis of the economic activities in the area.
11.Calls also on the Member States to coordinate their efforts regarding the implementation of the resolutions on the subject.
12. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ASSISTANCE TO MEMBER STATES STRICKEN BY DROUGHT AND NATURAL CALAMITIES
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 8/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 8/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Noting with concern the grave situation caused by natural disasters, drought and desertification, and the ensuing damaging effects on economic and social conditions especially in the sectors of agriculture and food, economic and social infrastructures as well as public services and utilities;
Noting with satisfaction the efforts made by some Member States and the Islamic Development Bank which have extended and continue to extend technical and financial assistance as well as food aid to Member States stricken by drought and natural disasters;
Fully aware that afflicted Member States, belonging as they do to the category of the Least-Developed, cannot by themselves, bear the growing burden of anti-drought and anti-desertification campaign and the implementation of major related projects;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General,
1. Expresses its gratitude to Member States, which have provided and are still providing assistance and food aid to the Member States affected by drought and natural disasters.
2.Expresses also its gratitude to IDB for its continuing assistance to Member States afflicted by drought and natural disasters and encourages the Bank to continue its assistance in this domain.
3. Appeals to the International Community also to extend assistance to Member States struck by drought and natural disasters.
4. Calls upon the Member States and OIC Institutions to extend urgent assistance to OIC countries of Inter-governmental Authority for Development and the Campaign Against Drought (IGAAD) and Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) to enable them to overcome the difficult situation which has been threatening them for too long.
5. Notes with appreciation the meeting of Donor Countries and national and Regional Financial Institutions convened by Kuwait at IDB Headquarters in June, 1998 to consider the appropriate mechanisms for financing the new programmes.
6. Welcomes the contribution of 30 million US$ made by the State of Kuwait in the form of soft development loans as well as the 20 million US$ contributed by the Islamic Development Bank for the new programme.
7. Also notes with appreciation that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embarked upon the implementation of its new programme for the control of drought and desertification in the African Sahel countries.
8.Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LOSSES FOR GREAT JAMAHIRIYA AS A RESULT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NOS. 748/92 AND 883/93.
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 9/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 9/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Having taken note of the negative effects on the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya of the sanctions imposed on it by the Security Council under Resolutions No. 748/1992 and 883/1993, in the economic, cultural and social fields;
Recalling the relevant resolutions adopted by the various fora of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the Organisation of African Unity, the League of Arab States and the Non-Aligned Movement,
Having considered the report of the Secretary General,
1 Reaffirms the importance of paying due attention to this issue with a view to alleviating the suffering of the Libyan Arab people.
2 Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON
The Twenty-seventh session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24-27 Rabiul Awal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 10/8-E (IS) adopted by the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Tehran, from 9-11 Sha’aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997);
Also recalling Resolution No. 11/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Further recalling Istraeli aggressions against Lebanon, and the resulting losses of life and property, and their consequences on political and economic conditions in Lebanon;
Appreciating the efforts exerted by the Government of Lebanon to achieve stability and security, establish its authority, reconstruct its country, and provide for the needs of citizens in the territories previously under Israeli occupation;
Taking into account the difficulties faced by the Lebanese citizens in the territories previously occupied by Israel, and in the neighbouring areas;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the subject;
1.Expresses its appreciation of the assistance extended by some Member States and by the relevant organs of the OIC.
2.Condemns Israeli acts of aggression against public facilities and infrastructures in Lebanon, aimed at obstructing the efforts of reconstruction made by the government of Lebanon. It also condemns the continued Israeli unwillingness to withdraw from parts of the territory of Lebanon, including Shab’a farms, to the line of the internationally recognized borders of Lebanon.
3.Reaffirms its previous Resolutions on the provision of various forms of financial, material, and humanitarian aid to Lebanon to meet its economic, technical and training needs, and reiterates the appeal to OIC Member States and to international and regional bodies to contribute urgently and effectively to the reconstruction of what was destroyed by Israeli occupation, and to respond positively to the call for the convening of a conference of donor states for that purpose.
4.Requests the Secretary General to report on the matter to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO MUSLIMS IN BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 11/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 12/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Guided by the principles and objectives of the OIC Charter which lay stress on the common objectives and destiny of the peoples of the Ummah, as well as their commitment to consolidate international peace and security;
Recalling the previous resolutions adopted by the OIC expressing its Members’ full solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina who are still facing a dire situation resulting from the brutal inhuman attacks by the Serbs;
Taking also into account the resolutions adopted by the Extraordinary Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on the situation in Bosnia- and Herzegovina, held in Istanbul and Jeddah and followed by the Special Ministerial Meeting held in Islamabad as well as the 21st and 22nd Meetings of the OIC Foreign Ministers which were held in Karachi and Casablanca respectively and the Seventh OIC Summit, and the Work Programme of the 23rd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Conakry and the 24th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Jakarta on supporting the Dayton Agreement;
Expressing appreciation to the enlarged meeting of the OIC Contact Group held in Sarajevo in April 1996 and stressing the principles contained in the Final Document adopted by the Meeting;
Welcoming the resolutions of the enlarged meeting of the Ministers of the OIC Contact Group which was held in Geneva in July 1996, especially those relating to the establishment of the Revolving Fund to be allocated to medium and small projects in Bosnia;
Also expressing its appreciation for the work of the Assistance Mobilisation Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina, formed during the OIC Kuala Lumpur meeting, towards providing humanitarian and economic assistance for concrete rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Having examined the report of the Secretary General,
1.Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by Member States and OIC relevant bodies. It also stresses the importance of the continuation of the activities undertaken by the OIC Assistance Mobilization Group and noted with appreciation the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s special programme to assist the private sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2.Commends the contributions of the OIC Member States at the Donors Conference for the Rehabilitation of Bosnia which was held in Brussels in April 1996.
3.Appeals to Member States, Islamic institutions and other donors to make generous donations as well as provide financial aid to enable the early implementation of the IDB programme aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the Government and people of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the reconstruction of the country.
4.Expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by the OIC Member States and for the commendable efforts of those Islamic and other international humanitarian bodies in providing relief and assistance to the victims of the aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5.Urges upon the International Community to take efficient measures to ensure the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
6.Demands that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the political independence of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina be safeguarded and protected along its internationally recognized borders, and support the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is open for the participation of the Bosnian Serbs and which represents a solid basis for a just and lasting solution by being a catalyst for restoring confidence among its peoples.
7.Requests the OIC Member States, at the same time members of the Peace Implementation Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Coordination Committee to seek directing the biggest part of international assistance for reconstruction of Bosnia to the regions inhabited by Muslims of Bosnia.
8.Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 12/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 13/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Deeply concerned at the critical situation in Somalia and expressing the desire for early restoration of peace and order in that sister Member country;
Concerned at the adverse economic effects of the serious drought being experienced by the Republic of Somalia;
Having also taken note of the report of the Secretary General,
1.Expresses appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.
2.Urges OIC Member States, to provide material and other assistance on an emergency basis to Somalia to end the human suffering in this Muslim country.
3.Commends those Member States that have already provided aid and assistance to the people of Somalia.
4.Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF GUINEA IN THE FACE OF REFUGEES INFLUX FROM LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 13/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 14/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Deeply concerned over the negative effects of the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone on the economy, security and environment in the Republic of Guinea as a result of refugee influx from these two countries into Guinea;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General,
1.Makes an urgent appeal to the international community and Member States to provide the Republic of Guinea with a substantial financial and material assistance to enable it to overcome this difficult situation resulting from the presence on its national territory, of hundreds of thousands of refugees due to the armed conflict in Liberia to Sierra Leone and the increasing influx into Guinea of refugees whose majority are Muslims coming from Liberia and Sierra Leone.
2.Underlines the necessity for such assistance in order to enable the efficient organization of the eventual return of refugees to their respective countries.
3. Appeals to the Islamic Development Bank to extend financial assistance in the form of grant or soft term loans to the Republic of Guinea to enable the latter build the required social infrastructure for these refugees while reducing the degradation of the environment resulting from the presence of so many refugees.
4. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 14/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 15/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Recalling further Resolutions 57/19-P and 9/20-E adopted by the Nineteenth and Twentieth Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, respectively;
Recalling the results of the Parliamentary and Presidential elections in Sierra Leone;
Expressing appreciation for the sustained concern and interest of the leaders of the West African Sub-region, for peace to prevail in the Republic of Sierra Leone;
Expressing appreciation for the assistance rendered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Arab Republic of Egypt and other friendly nations for the donations of food items, clothing and medicines for the refugees and displaced inhabitants of Sierra Leone;
Considering that the armed conflict in Sierra Leone has caused considerable damage to life and property and for five consecutive years has disrupted all economic activities particularly in the Mining, Agriculture and Industrial sectors, resulting in substantial loss of revenue to Government and the private sector,
Having considered the report of the Secretary General,
1.Appeals to the Member States and the international community to urgently extend substantial financial and material assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone so as to enable its people to undertake the much needed process of rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of returnees and displaced inhabitants of about 1.5 million.
2.Requests the Secretary-General to use his good offices to accelerate the approved process for projects already identified for Sierra Leone.
3. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 15/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 16/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
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. Expresses its strong support to the people of Albania beset by major economic difficulties at the present phase of their transition towards a market economy.
3. Urges OIC Member States, Islamic Institutions and International Organizations to grant generous economic assistance to Albania so that the Government of Albania may successfully implement its development programme.
4 Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO AFGHANISTAN
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 16/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 17/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Taking into account that Afghanistan is currently faced by serious constraints due to 18 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 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 17/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 18/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 18/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 19/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 19/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 20/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ASSISTANCE TO THE KASHMIRI PEOPLE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
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 21/26-E of the Twenty-sixth 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 report of the Secretary General,
1.Appeals to Member States and Islamic institutions, such as the Islamic Solidarity Fund, Islamic Development Bank and Philanthropists, to grant generous humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people.
2Also 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 21/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution No. 22/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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.
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 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF PALESTINE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
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, 24th, 25th and 26th 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 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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 27th to 30th June 2000,
Recalling Resolution No 23/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No 23/25-E adopted by the Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Recalling Resolution No 24/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Bearing in mind the recent admission of the Republic of Mozambique to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference during Seventh Summit of Heads of States and Governments held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco in December, 1994;
Expressing its deep concern over the unprecedented floods in Southern Africa and Mozambique in particular, that caused loss of lives, extensive destruction infrastructures, deterioration of socio-economic situation and dislodgement and scattering of landmines;
Taking note with satisfaction of the results of the International Donors Conference held in Rome – Italy, from 3rd to 4th May, 2000, which aimed at mobilizing financial resources for the reconstruction of socio-economic infrastructures and rehabilitation of the affected people in Mozambique;
Noting with satisfaction that the process of pacification and democratisation in place in Mozambique creates a climate of peace and harmony conductive 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 report of the Secretary General,
1-Expressing thanks to the member states which have extended assistance to Mozambique to alleviate the suffering of its people resulting from the floods that affected the country, and in particular the GCC States.
2–Appeals to Islamic Development Bank, all Islamic Institutions and the international community in general to render their material and financial support in order to ensure the reconstruction of socio-economic infrastructures and rehabilitation of the affected people in Mozambique.
3-Emphasizes the need to promote and encourage the role of the private sector particularly within the context of development of Small and Medium Enterprises.
4 – Urges the developed countries to write off the external debt of Mozambique in the light of its current critical socio-economic situation.
5 – Urges the international community to increase its assistance to Mine-clearance Programmes, taking into account the far reaching effects of the floods.
6 – Urges the international community to render assistance for setting up national, sub-regional, regional and international disaster prevention, preparedness and management mechanisms, including early warning systems.
7 – Commending the efforts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to address the devastating effects of the floods and thanks international community for the support, solidarity and humanitarian assistance rendered to Mozambique;
8 – Calls upon all Member States to continue their support to the implementation of the programme of reconstruction of Mozambique;
9 – Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO TAJIKISTAN
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 24/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Also recalling Resolution No. 25/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
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 diarrhea, victims of which are especially infants, children and women;
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 report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ALLEVIATING THE EFFECTS OF FLOODS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS IN SUDAN
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 25/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution 26/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Noting the devastating natural disaster suffered 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 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, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait and State of the United Arab Emirates.
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-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 26/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 27/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
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 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-eighth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO THE CHECHNIYAN PEOPLE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Guided by the noble principles of Islam and the objectives of the OIC Charter which emphasize on the common objectives and destiny of the people of the Ummah as well as their commitment to consolidate international peace and security;
Recalling the concerns and the support expressed at the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference held in Casablanca (Kingdom of Morocco) in December 1994 regarding the situation in Chechniya which has deteriorated again in 1999;
Referring to the call to all Member States made by His Excellency S. Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit, for a rapid humanitarian assistance to the people and refugees of Checheniya and its readiness to assist in coordination of this effort;
Expressing deep concern over the plight of Muslim refugees and displaced people of Chechniya and humanitarian and material losses resulting from the Chechniya Crisis in 1999;
Welcoming voluntary humanaitarian assistances provided by some Member States, as well as some affiliated institutions of the OIC for people and refugees of Chechniya;
1.Calls on all Member States, Islamic Philanthrophist Institutions and appeals to the international community to urgently provide generous humanitarian assistance to the people and refugees of Chechniya;
2.Recommends to all Member States to encourage their relevant institutions, NGO’s and individuals to provide humanitarian assistance for people and refugees of Chechniya;
3.Calls for the continuation of the efforts undertaken so far by the OIC and requests the Secretary General to submit a thorough report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ACTIVITIES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION (COMCEC)
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
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. 28/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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 fifteen 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;
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;
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 topics "implications on external trade of Member States of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade Negotiations", "Privatization Experiences in Member States", “Implications of Regional Economic Groupings particularly the European Union on the Economies of Member States”, “Intra-OIC Trade and Investment and Economic Stabilisation and Structural Reforms in Member States” and “Human Resource Development for Sustained Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation in the Member States of the OIC” were the themes for the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th Sessions of the COMCEC, respectively.
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General,
1. Stresses the need for COMCEC to continue to pay utmost attention to coordination and cooperation among Member States with regard to the membership of new countries that wish to join the World Trade Organization, and to the clarification of positions on the new issues and agreements under consideration within the framework of the WTO, with a view to strengthening the negotiating position of these countries at the forthcoming multilateral trade negotiations especially with respect to the built in agenda and to the new ones.
2. Expresses satisfaction that the Islamic Development Bank has successfully carried out the mandate given by COMCEC to organise Coordination Meetings for Member States to consult among themselves and better prepare for the WTO Ministerial Meetings held in Singapore from 9 to 13 December 1996, in Geneva from 18-20 May 1998 and in Seattle from 30 November to 03 December 1999 respectively with a view to assisting them to adopt a common stand regarding the issues raised in the Agenda of those meetings.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Also notes with appreciation that the revised 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.
6. 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.
7. Also appreciates the efforts of the Republic of Cameroon for organizing the Sixth Private Sector Meeting (04 - 06 October 1999).
8. Welcomes the offer of the State of Qatar to host the 7th Private Sector Meeting 15-17 October 2000; the offer of the Republic of Guinea to host the 8th and 11th Private Sector Meetings in 2001 and 2004 and the offer of the Republic of Senegal to host the 9th Private Sector Meeting in 2002, and calls on Member States to encourage their private sectors to actively participate in these meetings.
9. Further welcomes the offer of the State of Qatar to host the 8th Islamic Trade Fair on 15-20 October 2000, the offer of the Republic of Senegal to host the 9th Islamic Trade Fair in 2002 and the offer of the Republic of Guinea to host the 10th Islamic Trade Fair in 2004 and calls upon Member States to actively participate in these Islamic Trade Fairs and welcomes initiatives of member states to hold these Trade Fairs in future, to the extent possible, concurrently with some high level meetings.
10. Emphasizes the need to urgently implement the revised 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.
11. 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.
12. Invites the Member States to host sectoral Expert Group Meetings in those priority areas of cooperation in the Plan of Action where no Expert Group Meeting has taken place so far.
13. Welcomes the offer of the Arab Republic of Egypt to host two sectoral Expert Group Meetings in the area of "Transport and Communications" and "Food, Agriculture and Rural Development" of the Plan of Action.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Notes with appreciation the hosting of the sectoral Expert Group Meeting in the area of Technological and Technical Cooperation by the government of the Republic of Turkey from May 6-8, 1998.
17. 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.
18. Invites IDB to continue its active support in view of ensuring effective and urgent implementation of the revised Plan of Action.
19. 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.
20. Notes with appreciation the holding 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 SESRTCIC, ICDT, ICCI. IDB and the Government of Bangladesh in Dhaka from 11-13 April 1999, report of which constituted a major input to the exchange of views on the subject that took place during the 15th Session of the COMCEC.
21. Recognizing the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in the OIC member states, urges the member states to actively participate in the exchange of views on “Strengthening Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Facing Globalization and Liberalization” to be organised during the 16th Session of the COMCEC, to be held in Istanbul in October 2000.
22. Notes with appreciation the holding of an international conference on “Strengthening Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Facing Globalization and Liberalization” by SESRTCIC in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Development Bank in Abu Dhabi, from 21 to 22 May 2000. ICDT, ICCI and IIT also participated actively by presenting papers. The outcome of the conference will constitute a major input to the exchange of views’ session on the subject during the 16th Session of the COMCEC.
23. 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.
24. Notes with appreciation the offer of the government of the Republic of Sudan to host sectoral Expert Group Meeting on “Energy and Mining” and “Human Resources Development.”
25. Notes with appreciation the offer of the Republic of Gabon to organise 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.
26. Welcomes the offer of Burkina Faso to host a regional workshop on Industry for East, West and Central African OIC member states in cooperation with the IDB and other related OIC institutions.
27. Welcomes the offer of the State of Palestine to host a sectoral Expert Group Meeting on “Labour and Social Issues” and a Workshop on “Environment and Population.”
28. Notes with appreciation the offer of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host an Expert Group Meeting in the area of Health and Sanitary Issues to be followed by a Ministerial meeting on the same topic.
29. Notes with appreciation that the 16th Session of the COMCEC will be held from 23-26 October, 2000 in Istanbul and calls upon the member states to effectively and actively participate in the session.
30. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of the resolutions adopted by COMCEC and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
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. 29/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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 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. Encourages member states to find ways and means to facilitate further cooperation between World Tourism Organization (WTO) and OIC, and hold a meeting of OIC at the sidelines of WTO annual session in order to coordinate their position with regard to different topics, particularly the compilation of code of conduct for tourism.
3. Welcomes the offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the 1st Islamic Ministerial Conference on Tourism in October 2000.
4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON STATUS OF THE SIGNING AND RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS AND STATUTES ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
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. 30/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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; (vii) Statute of the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and (viii) Agreement on the Creation of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of Private Sector;
Having taken cognizance of the resolutions issued by the Fifteenth Session of COMCEC on the matter;
Having taken note also of the report of the Secretary General,
1. Expresses satisfaction at the efforts of the General Secretariat, the IDB and the ICCI to speed up the implementation of the Agreements and Statutes aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among Member States.
2. Welcomes 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 22 Member States have already signed the Framework Agreement and that Six 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. Requests the General Secretariat and its specialised subsidiary organs to exert their efforts to convince member states of the need to sign and ratify the agreements and to regularly follow up on the matter.
5. Calls upon Member States which have not yet signed and/or ratified the above mentioned Agreements/Statutes to do so, at their earliest.
6. Urges the Member States that have ratified the above Agreements to take follow-up actions and inform the General Secretariat about the progress of implementation.
7. 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 and 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. Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the IDB for its efforts to establish the Corporation.
9. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OIC SUBSIDIARY ORGANS ACTIVE IN THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE FIELDS.
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 19/7-E(IS) of the 7th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and also Resolution No. 30/8-E(IS) of the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling Resolution No. 31/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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 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 submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON SUPPORT FOR THE ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB)
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Having taken note of the Resolution No. 31/8(IS) of the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference.
Recalling Resolution No. 20/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference; Resolution No.31/8-E (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No. 32/26-E of the Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
Having taken note with appreciation of the report on “Activities and Operations” of the Islamic Development Bank.
Having taken note the recommendations of the Fifteenth Session of the COMCEC held in Istanbul from November 4-7, 1999.
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 OIC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States approved by the Third Islamic Summit Conference as well as of the various decisions of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), particularly the Export Financing Scheme (Formerly known as Longer Term Trade Financing Scheme) and the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit.
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 appreciation to IDB for its efforts in successfully finalizing the establishment of the Corporation.
Having taken note also of the report of the Secretary General.
1. Appreciates the creation of the Islamic Corporation for the Promotion of Private Sector, by the IDB Board of Governors and urges member states which have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Articles of the Agreements of the ICD.
2. 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 populations.
3. 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.
4. Commends the IDB on the steps taken for the implement the 8th Summit Resolution on Preparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century.
5. Calls on the Member States to participate in various schemes recently launched by the Islamic Development Bank and to benefit from the Export Financing Scheme, formerly (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.
6. Urges member states which have not yet signed or ratified the Articles of Agreement establishing the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Expert Credit (ICIEC) to urgently do so and to pay its share of subscribed capital in order to generalize its benefits on the widest possible scale in the framework of OIC.
7. Requests the General Secretariat, the IDB, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade to jointly organize seminars on regional basis on the various schemes approved by the COMCEC namely the Export Trade Financing Scheme, 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.
8 .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.
9 .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.
10. Appreciates the efforts of IDB in assisting Member States in their relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and urges Member States to participate in the consultation/coordination meetings to be organized by the Bank during the WTO Ministerial Meetings. In this regard, calls upon the IDB to cooperate with COMCEC, UNCTAD and WTO to organise seminars and specialized workshops with a view to assisting Member States in their preparation for multilateral trade negotiations and their active participation therein.
11. Calls upon IDB to accord preferential treatment to companies
and contractors from Member States in the implementation of projects financed by the Bank.
12 .Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS OF THE OIC OPERATING IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMY AND COMMERCE
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 21/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, Resolution No. 32/8-E (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, and Resolution No. 33/26-E of the Twenty-fifth 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 OIC Strategy and 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 Fifteenth Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC);
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. Takes note with appreciation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Sxith Private Sector Meeting.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Thanks the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for allowing the opening of the first regional office of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah.
6. Expresses thanks to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for extending consistent support to the Islamic Shipowners’ Association, giving donations and hosting its Headquarters.
7. Also expresses thanks to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for allowing the setting up of the Headquarters of the Bakkah Shipping Company (BASCO) in Jeddah.
8. Takes Note with appreciation the recommendations of the 21st Session of the Executive Committee and the 13th Meeting of the General Assembly of the Islamic Shipowners’ Association held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and also commends the decision of the Islamic Shipowners Association to commission the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL) to start immediately the setting up of the Islamic Protection and Indemnity Club in the Island of Kish in the Islamic Republic of Iran and invites the Member States to encourage their shipping companies to join the Club.
9. Commends the initiative of the Islamic Shipowners’ Association for establishing the Islamic Shipping Company and a Cooperative Information System and invites Member States and the Private Sector, the shipping companies, Islamic financial institutions as well as 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.
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. Requests the Secretary General to submit a recommendation thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A ISLAMIC COMMON MARKET
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 33/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;
Recalling also Resolution 34/26-E adopted by the Twenty-sixth 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;
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 attraction 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 report of the Secretary General,
1. Emphasizes the importance of implementation of the Strategy and Plan of Action to strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States, 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 and submit country reports thereon to the OIC General Secretariat to be taken into account in the report of the Secretary General as well as in the deliberations of the Expert Group that will be established by the Secretary General.
5. Commends Qatar for the offer it made to OIC members countries to host the meeting of experts on the establishment of the Islamic Common Market in Doha from 13th to 14th Oct 2000 and request the General Secretariat to issue invitations to IDB member countries.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 Secretary General as per Resolution of the Eighth Islamic Summit to study the implications of establishing an Islamic Common Market as an ultimate objective.
9. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the issue and submit report thereon to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ROLE OF THE ISLAMIC UMMAH IN THE 21st CENTURY
The Twenty-Seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421 (27 – 30 June 2000),
Recalling Resolution No. 34/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Recalling Resolution No. 35/26-E of the 26th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Taking into consideration the relevant paragraphs of the Resolution No. (1) of the 15th Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (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 Islamic Summit Conference.
Noting that the IDB document on “Preparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century in the fields of Economic and Financial Cooperation” is a long term strategic framework document that provides a long-term vision, which gives impetus to the implementation of the OIC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States.
Welcoming the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to prepare for organizing of an international conference in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address the Correlation between Technology Transfer and Globalisation with particular reference to the economic, technological and scientific fields in order to enable Member States of the OIC to keep up with the accelerating pace of economic globalisation and to take advantage of its opportunities;
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary General and the statement of the President of the Islamic Development Bank on the subject,
1. Appreciates the initiative and its significance role in preparing the Islamic Ummah to meet the requirements of international economic developments.
2. Urges Member States and subsidiary organs of the OIC to exert their best efforts in cooperating to make a success of the Conference and formulate the appropriate recommendations to bolster the role of the Islamic Ummah in this twenty-first century.
3. Appreciates the initiative of IDB to prepare the document on “Preparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century in the fields of Economic Commercial and Financial Cooperation” and its call upon the Ummah to take the challenges posed by the 21st Century.
4. Expresses its appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Islamic Development Bank with respect to the programme for reinforcement of trade among member states and urges all member states to cooperate with the Islamic Development Bank for the implementation of this programme, and calls on each member state to indicate all its relevant bodies as well as its private economic institutions, such as the chambers of commerce, inter alia, to take the necessary measures in order to support this programme for the achievement of the common interests of all member states.
5. Calls upon member states to cooperate in the area of “Future Studies” and to explore potentialities of cooperative action to deal with the phenomenon of globalization.
6. Urges the Islamic Ummah to acquire knowledge and skills including in the fields of information, communication and technology (ICT) to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
7. Urges member states and OIC institutions to implement diligently the OIC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States.
8. Appreciates the consultations carried out by IDB with other sister institutions and the meetings held thereof to explore the implementation modalities for translating the IDB document into practical programmes.
9. Appreciates the hosting of the second consultative meeting by the Islamic Republic of Iran to look into the modalities of the implementation of the Resolution of the 8th Summit on “Preparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century”.
10. Appreciates the role of IDB in organizing the meeting of Regional Economic Grouping in the Islamic world at IDB headquarters during 16-19/04/1419H (8-11/08/1998) as recommended by the 8th Islamic Summit.
11. Commends IDB and other cooperating institutions on the work done during the meeting of Task Forces on Health, Literacy Training and Intra-trade, and the programme of action suggested by these Task Forces to implement the Summit Resolution.
12. Urges, IDB and other cooperating institutions to proceed with the implementation of these programmes to secure the required quantitative targets.
13. Appreciates the efforts of the Standing Committees in preparing the Ummah for the 21st Century 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.
14. Urges Member States to take the necessary measures required to cooperate among themselves and with OIC Institutions in securing the proposed quantitative targets in the fields of intra-trade, Heath, Literacy and Training.
15. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report on the subject to the Twenty-eighth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ELECTION OF THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE STATISTICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR ISLAMIC COUNTRIES, ANKARA AND THE ISLAMIC CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE, CASABLANCA.
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Taking note of the report of the Secretary General No. ICECS/23-2000/ORG/D.1;
Also recalling recommendation No. ICECS/23-2000/Rev.1 on the election of the Board of Directors of subsidiary organs;
Having taken note of the report submitted by the Director General of SESRTCIC and ICDT on the subject;
Endorses the election by the Islamic Comission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs, acting as General Assembly, of the following Member States as the Governing Board of:
-Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRTCIC), Ankara:
The Republic of Turkey;
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
The State of Kuwait;
The State of United Arab Emirates;
The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;
The Kingdom of Morocco;
The Sultanate of Oman;
The Republic of Yemen.
-Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), Casablanca
The Kingdom of Morocco;
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;
The State of Kuwait;
Malaysia
The Federal Republic of Nigeria;
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
The Republic of Turkey;
The Republic of Sudan.
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, AND IN LEBANESE TERRITORIES OCCUPIED BY ISRAEL
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiulawwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Having noted the resolution No. 36/26-E, and 35/8-E(IS) adopted respectively by the Twenty-sixth 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, 32/24-E, 32/25-E, 35/25-E and 36/26-E of the 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers respectively;
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 teachings 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 mobilise 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 wherever it deemed necessary.
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 in countries concerned.
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.
Israeli practices and their effects on the environment in the occupied palestinian territories, the syrian golan, and lebanese territories occupied by israel.
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, and the Syrian Golan and Lebanese 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 dumping 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 Organisation and the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian
Golan and the Arab citizens in the Lebanese territories occupied, 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.
6. Calls for the 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 neighbouring 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 recommendation and submit a report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE SITUATION IN REGIONS OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD AFFECTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS, IN PARTICULAR IN THE BASIN OF THE ARAL SEA AND THE REGION OF SEMIPALATINSK.
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiulawwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
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 Semipalatinsk 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;
Welcoming the efforts being made by the OIC and Governmental 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 recommendation and submit a report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEMBER STATES
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabi ul Awwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Recalling the Resolution 51/39 dated 10 December 1995 of the United Nations General Assembly on the role of science and technology in the field of international security and disarmament as well as resolution No.40/8-E (IS) and No.38/26-E respectively adopted by the Eighth Islamic Summit and the 26th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Considering that new scientific and technological developments, especially space technology and its applications have extensive and important impacts on the everyday life of all nations and would strengthen the socio-economic development of the Islamic Countries; and that in this respect the UN Third Conference on the Peaceful exploitation and utilization of the Extra-Atmospheric Space (UNISPACE-III) held from 17-30 July, 1999, has set the world general policy to enable the entire humanity to benefit from the possibilities offered by Space Science and Technology,
Considering the need to ensure an effective coordination between the activities carried out by OIC Organs and institutions in the field of Science and Technology in the best interest of the Joint Islamic Action on the subject.
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 Durban, South Africa, in September 1998 which inter-alia, 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;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the issue,
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 (ISESCO) 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. Thanks the Government of Saudi Arabia for its invitation to hold the meeting of the Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Member States, to consider mechanisms for implementing the Strategy in Riyadh in October 2000 and requests ISESCO to coordinate with the OIC General Secretariat and the Saudi Authorities.
5. Encourages the relevant international organizations and agencies to facilitate the transfer of science and technology for peaceful purposes to the developing countries.
6. Takes note with satisfaction for the large scale participation of the OIC Member States in the Third U.N. Conference on the Peaceful Exploitation and Utilization of the Extra-Atmospheric Space (UNISPACE-III) held from 19-30 July 1999 in Vienna to study the appropriate ways and means to promote an effective cooperation between the OIC Member States in the field of Space Science and Technologies for a sustainable development.
7. Requests the Secretary General to examine the best way to ensure an effective coordination between the activities carried out by the various OIC organs and institutions in the field of Science and Technology in order to dynamize and harmonize the Joint Islamic Action on the subject.
8. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this Recommendation and submit a report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON COOPERATION AMONG MEMBER STATES IN CONTROLLING EPIDEMIC DISEASES AFFECTING MAN, FAUNA AND THE FLORA
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiulawwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Recalling resolutions 30/23-E, 33/24-E, 38/25-E, 39/26-E and 26/8-E(IS) adopted respectively by the 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th 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;
Considering the necessity of promoting cooperation among the Islamic States in the field of health in general;
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, and request the Secretary General to set up an Experts Group composed of medical and pharmaceutical specialists of Member States to meet and discuss the matter;
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 .Decides that the mandate of the said Conference also cover the establishment of Inter-Islamic cooperation in the field of health in general, including pharmaceuticals.
9. Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this recommendation in coordination with the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and to report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON DRUG AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSES AND THEIR ILLEGAL PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND TRAFFICKING
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabi ul Awwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conferences and by the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th 256th and 26th 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;
Reaffirming the guiding principles of the prevailing conventions on narcotics traffic and psychotropic substances as well as the control system;
Realizing the urgent need for Member States and the relevant international organizations to exert concerted and coordinated efforts to eradicate the problem of
abuse, trafficking and smuggling of narcotics and psychotropic substances into Islamic countries;
Reviewing the effects of drug abuse and its illegal production, processing and trafficking on Member States;
Recalling that the teachings of the true Islamic religion categorically forbid the use and trafficking in drugs;
Having considered the Secretary General’s Report on the subject,
1.Requests the Member States to diligently follow up the guidelines contained in the recommendations made by the OIC Expert Group meeting held from 18 to 20 October 1988 in Istanbul, Turkey, on the effective measures to combat the problem of narcotic drugs in all its aspects and dimensions, including illicit production, processing and trafficking.
2.Urges the Member States to coordinate their efforts and harmonize their systems with respect to the licit production and trade of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the framework of the relevant international organizations.
3.Also urges the Member States to give greater attention to the propagation of religious consciousness and discussion within their respective educational institutions, mass media and Dawa fora on the gravity of the production, use and trafficking in drugs as well as their categorical prohibition from the religious and legal viewpoints.
4.Welcomes the measures taken by some Member States to draw attention to the damaging effect of narcotics and affirms the importance of preventive measures including the need for crop/income substitution and accessibility to international markets for substitution products.
5.Urges Member States to participate actively in international meetings and symposia in this regard, especially those organize by the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies and Organs and requests the Secretary General to coordinate with Member States in this area and to cooperate with the UNDCP (United Nations International Drug Control Programme) in Vienna and the commission on Narcotic Drugs of the Economic and Social Commission.
6.Requests the Member States to continue to intensify their cooperation and to exchange information and technical expertise to control narcotic drugs.
7.Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps for the implementation of this Recommendation and submit a report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WAYS AND MEANS OF RESOLVING PROBLEMS RELATING TO ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabi ul Awwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Referring to the resolution No. 35/24-E, and 38/8-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;
Acknowledging the close interdisciplinary relationship between the Environment and other developmental sectors including Health;
Considering the importance for Member States to preserve the basic necessities of sustainable development and to continuously assess and monitor their environmental problems and issues including Health;
Affirming that the Member States have to continue their economic growth in order to protect environment and achieve sustainable development and healthy societies;
Recalling the importance of effective cooperation between OIC and relevant international organization such as UNEP and World Health Organization in the field of “environment and health”;
Noting with appreciation the Member States awareness of Environmental issues and active role during and after the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and 19th UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGAS);
Stressing that sustainable development will be achieved only through international cooperation and in particular by implementation of technological and financial commitments of the developed countries envisaged in Agenda 21;
Conscious of the urgent need for the Member States to avail themselves of objectives, independent and unbiased information on their environmental situation and possible remedies that would best serve their interests;
Appreciative of the efforts made by the Secretariat of the OIC, its Subsidiary Organs and the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH);
Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-second Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;
Having examined the Report of the Secretary General on this subject,
1.Welcomes the offer made by Republic of Tunisia during the Twenty-first ICFM to host the meeting of the Governmental Expert Group to do an exhaustive study of the interconnected issues of the environment, health and sustainable development from a perspective that would serve the interests of Member States better and would lead to the establishment of a closer cooperation between them and the relevant OIC and other international institutions.
2.Renews its request that the Secretary-General undertake the above mentioned study by constituting a Governmental Expert Committee comprising at least two Representatives from each geographic region of the OIC in addition to the relevant Representatives of the General Secretariat and COMSTECH.
In this context, welcomes the meeting to be held in Tunis in December 2000 at the invitation of the Tunisian Government to consider:
a) guidelines for the above study;
b) terms of reference of the said study and work out the administrative, logistic and financial details of its implementation.
3.Decides that the requested study should be carried out through COMSTECH in close consultation with the Member States and their relevant institutions and the General Secretariat and in cooperation with regional and international organizations.
4.Requests the Secretary General to submit the results of the aforesaid study by the Governmental Experts Committee to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers for consideration.
5.Also requests the Secretary-General to identify the ways and means to ensure an effective cooperation between OIC and WHO and active participation of the Organization in WHO’s meetings and conferences, follow the implementation of these recommendation and to report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
6.Requests the Secretary General to ensure the follow-up of the implementation of the recommendation and to report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION (COMSTECH)
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabi ul Awwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Recalling resolution No.13/3-P (IS) of the Third Islamic Summit Conference held at Makkaha Al-Mukarramah/Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 19-22 Rabi-ul-Awal, 1401H, corresponding to 25-28 January 1981, establishing a Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and all subsequent resolutions of the Islamic Summit Conferences pertaining to COMSTECH;
Further recalling the resolution No.46/26-E of the Twenty-Sixth Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Ougadougou (Burkina Fasso) from 15 to 18 Rabi ul Awwal, 1420 (28 June to 1 July, 1999);
Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the subject
1.Notes with appreciation the ongoing programmes and activities of the COMSTECH for increasing the capability of OIC Member States in the fields of Science and Technology.
2.Appeals to Member States and institutions concerned to provide financial support for COMSTECH’s programmes and activities by prompt and generous voluntary contributions.
3.Encourages and supports the cooperation between the COMSTECH and the Islamic Development Bank for the promotion of Science and Technology in Member States. Expresses appreciation to countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia and Pakistan for the generous voluntary contributions.
4.Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this recommendation and submit a report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE ISLAMIC STATES
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabiul Awal 1421H (27-30 June 2000),
Taking note of Resolution No.33/8-C (IS), adopted by the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference (Tehran, December 1997) related to the ratification of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology in the Islamic States;
Recalling the resolution adopted by the Twenty-third Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs on implementing the strategy as well as resolution No.43/26-E of the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, and the relevant resolutions of the ICFM;
Having considered the recommendations of the coordination meeting of the Ministers of Science, Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Member States held by ISESCO alongside the World Conference on Science, held on 28.6.99 in Budapest, Hungary;
Having heard the report of ISESCO’s representative on preparatory work for the convening of the first Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research due to be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 15-18 October, 2000;
1.Emphasizes the importance of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology in the Islamic States, and of its implementing mechanisms to the advancement and progress of our Islamic Ummah, and invites the first Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research to adopt these mechanisms.
2.Reiterates the importance of increased cooperation in research and development among Islamic countries. In this regard, emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills in the fields of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) so as to keep abreast of changes brought about by advancement in science and technology.
3.Appreciates ISESCO’s implementation of the Resolution for the Ministerial Coordination Meeting, which it organized in Budapest (Hungary), on communicating the proposal for mechanisms to implement the strategy to the member states for consideration and supports the resolution of the meeting to constitute a Committee composed of Malaysia, Senegal, Jordan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Morocco, ISESCO, the OIC General Secretariat and COMSTECH, to examine the observations of the member states on the proposal and refer it to the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
4.Commends the efforts of the Committee members in drafting the final document of the implementing mechanism of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology in the Islamic States during their meeting at ISESCO’s headquarters in Rabat, from 10-12 March 2000, and requests ISESCO’s Director General to submit the mechanisms proposal to the 9th Session of the Islamic Summit, Doha, November 2000.
5.Commends ISESCO’s Director General and the Minister of Higher Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their eminent efforts and successful contacts to prepare the most favourable conditions for the convening of the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education.
6.Urges member states and relevant OIC Specialized Bodies to formulate programmes and projects that will harness knowledge from each other, form smart partnerships to improve research and development that will enhance science and technology development in the Islamic countries.
7.Supports the existing cooperation between ISESCO and UNESCO in organizing the Touring Arab-Islamic Exhibition on Science and Technology which is to be inaugurated at the end of 2000 in an Islamic Capital or in the city of Granada.
8.Appreciates the resolutions of the International Conference on Muslim Women in Science organized by ISESCO in collaboration with the International Women’s Union in Fes, Kingdom of Morocco, from 22-24 March, 2000 in the context of the programmes of the Strategy for Developing Science and Technology. The Conference expresses its deepest gratitude and thanks to His Majesty King Mohamed VI of Morocco for having gracefully patronized the Conference and addressed a message to the participants.
9.Confirms again the need to continue their awareness of, and interest in, science and technology among the younger generation and the general public: In this respect, the Conference calls for the need to create an educational system that stimulates creativity from an early age. The Conference also calls on the media to ensure greater coverage and publicity of scientific news and activities in research and development through their reporting and broadcasting so as to give better exposure and recognition to scientists and R&D players.
10.Expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for having graciously given his instructions for the hosting by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the First Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Islamic States in Riyadh, from 15-18 October, 2000.
11.Requests the Secretary General to take appropriate steps to implement this resolution and submit a report thereon to the 28th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ACTIVITIES OF THE ISLAMIC INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (IIT), DHAKA.
The Twenty-seventh Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Islam and Globalization) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 to 27 Rabi ul Awwal 1421H (27-30 June 2000)
Recalling recommendations No. ICECS/23-2000/REP.1 adopted by the 23rd Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;
Also recalling recommendation No. 9/23-ST Rev.1 adopted by the Twenty-third Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;
Having taken note of the activity report submitted by the Director General of the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT);
1.Commends the role which the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhaka is playing for human resources development in the field of Engineering and Technology and Technical and Vocational Education.
2.Encourages the member states to take full advantage of the academic facilities developed so far at IIT by sending the students and trainees to the Institute for development of the human resource in the field of Engineering and Technology and Technical and Vocational Education.
3.Urges the Institute to submit proposals to broaden and upgrade the academic programmes being conducted for the benefit of the Ummah.
4.Requests the member states, who have not yet done so, to take all necessary steps for the recognition of the diplomas awarded by the Islamic Institute of Technology, subject to the relevant rules and procedures of the respective member states, and facilitate the access of its graduates to the labour market.
5.Endorses the election by the Islamic Commission of the following member states as the members of the Governing Board of the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT) for a period of three years:
Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Malaysia, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt.
6.Urges the member states which have not done so thus far, to clear their regular mandatory contributions including arrears, to the budget of the IIT.
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