THE SEVENTH ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE
(SESSION OF FRATERNITY AND REVIVAL)
CASABLANCA, KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
11-13 RAJAB 1415H (13-15 DECEMBER, 1994)

CASABLANCA DECLARATION
FINAL COMMUNIQUE
DECLARATION ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
SPECIAL DECLARATION ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR

CASABLANCA DECLARATION

We the Kings, Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, gathered in the City of Casablanca in the Kingdom of Morocco, on 11 and 13 Rajab 1415H. (13 and 15 December 1994) for the Seventh Islamic Summit (Session of fraternity and revival), which coincides with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of the Islamic Conference at the First Islamic Summit, held in 1969 in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Proceeding from our adherence to the letter and spirit of the Islamic faith and our firm conviction of the good that ensues to humanity from the call and teachings of Islam,

Stressing our sincere determination to abide by the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and to strengthen solidarity between the Member States, and aware of the importance of the current world developments and of the need for our Ummah to adjust to them, while preserving its civilizational and cultural specifications,

Resolving to contribute together with the international community to the establishment of a new world order, based on justice, equality, peace and the respect of international legality,

Adhering to the basic freedom and human rights of all peoples on earth, to the preservation of the dignity of Muslims, and to the need of firmly meeting the challenges  confronting the Islamic Ummah, as a result of the misrepresentations and misunderstandings, our true Islamic religion is being subjected to.

Relying on our total confidence in the wisdom of His Majesty, King Hassan II, his vast experience and the prominent position he occupies on the international scene, and on our conviction that His Majesty's chairmanship of our Organization will promote the fulfilment of the aspirations of our Islamic Ummah,

DECLARE our commitment to the following:

1.To make every effort to strengthen solidarity and join forces to defend all Islamic causes and protect the sanctity of Islam: to call for wisdom, good counsel and conciliatory dialogue.

And noting with satisfaction the ongoing peace process and the new developments in the Middle East Region, we believe that the progress acheived must be promptly followed by crucial steps forward on both the Syrian and Lebanese tracks with a view to establishing a just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the principle of land for peace, and the restitution of all  occupied Arab and Palestinian territories, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and South Lebanon  and the guaranteeing of the Palestinian people's sovereignty over their homeland and their right to return, to self-determination and the setting up of their independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. In this respect, we draw attention of the sponsors of the Peace Conference and international community to the danger of Israel's continued procrastination and dilatory attitude aimed at eluding the implementation of the resolutions of international legality.

2.To strive with due regard to international law, to develop and consolidate bilateral and multilateral relations, and to abide rigorously by the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and of settling conflicts between member states through peaceful means, while stressing the need to settle regional disputes and conflicts in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the resolutions of international legality and the principles of justice and equity.

We consider that any threat to the security of any member state is a threat to world peace and security, which requires action within the framework of our Organization, of the United Nations and the other regional and international organizations, aimed at eliminating such threats in order to safeguard the peace and stability of all member states in accordance with international legality.

In the field of economic, scientific and technological cooperation, we encourage the expansion of commercial exchanges and the creation of appropriate conditions for this development, including the possibility of reducing all kinds of obstacles to the development of trade within the Islamic World.

In the cultural and information fields, we declare our determination to preserve and enhance our common Islamic heritage, to intensify national efforts, to increase the awareness of Muslim Youth of the lofty values of Islam, and instil into them a sense of pride in the achievements of the glorious Islamic civilization, and to contribute to furthering  understanding and tolerance among peoples and religions.

To this end we shall strive to coordinate the efforts of the Islamic Dawa, develop educational curricula, and to disseminate the teachings of Islam throughout the world, with due regard for the sovereignty of nations and cooperation between them. We shall also attempt to propagate the values of Islam through the mass media, by developing information activities, and supporting the information institutions to counter the fierce campaign waged against Islam and to disseminate the true and honourable image of Islam and the essence of its eternal Sharia, in order to clear misunderstandings, and to expose ill-intentioned people who do wrong to Islam.

In this respect, we call for facing the reality of our modern times with an Islamic open- mindedness, based on the principles of the true Islamic religion, and far from all forms of extremism and fanaticism.

3.We reaffirm our denunciation of all forms of terrorism including state terrorism as they represent a total disregard of the teachings of the true Islamic religion, and a blatant  violation of our values, our traditions, and our heritage. We also declare our firm determination to join, in a spirit of sincere cooperation, in international efforts, to eliminate all forms and practices of terorism, with due regard to legality and the principles of international law without prejudice to the legitimate right of national resistance to rise up against occupation and secure national rights.

4.We pledge to strengthen joint Islamic action in all fields, especially, at the humanitarian level including support to those mechanisms which work towards alleviating the sufferings of refugees and displaced people, and which confront emergencies arising from natural disasters and others.

5.To work, at the individual and collective levels, towards protecting the rights of Muslim groups and minorities in non-Member States.

6.To reaffirm human rights in Islam.

In this context, we affirm the necessity of coordinating our efforts to protect our societies from the harmful effects of drug addiction and give great importance to the education and protection of children, to the role of women in Islamic society and their participation in activities related to economic and social development.

7.Aware of the need to upgrade our working methods in keeping with world developments and in order to meet the requirements of the next phase, we pledge to provide necessary support to the institutions, established within the framework of the Organization of the Islamic Conference so as to enable them to achieve the desired developments.

8. We commission the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to follow-up the implementation of the provisions of the present declaration and report thereon, to the Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit and to the Member States.

FINAL COMMUNIQUE
OF THE SEVENTH ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE
(SESSION OF FRATERNITY AND REVIVAL)
CASABLANCA, KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
11-13 RAJAB, 1415H (13-15 DECEMBER, 1994)

1.At the kind invitation of His Majesty Hassan II, King of Morocco, the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Fraternity and Revival) was held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco, from 11 to 13 Rajab,  1415H, corresponding to 13 - 15 December 1994.

2.The Seventh Islamic Summit Conference coincided with the Commemoration of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

3.The Conference was preceded by the Twenty-second Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Casablanca, on 8 - 10 Rajab, 1415H (10 - 13 December, 1994).

4.  A.The following Member States attended the Conference:

  1.Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

2.Republic of Azerbaijan

3.Islamic State of Afghanistan

4.Republic of Albania

5.State of United Arab Emirates

6.Republic of Indonesia

7.Republic of Uganda

   8. Islamic Republic of Iran

9.Islamic Republic of Pakistan

10.State of Bahrain

11.Brunei Darussalam

12.Burkina Faso

13.People's Republic of Bangladesh

14.Republic of Benin

15.Republic of Turkey

16.Republic of Turkmenistan

17.Republic of Tunisia

18.Republic of Tajikistan

19.Republic of Gabon

20.Republic of the Gambia

21.People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

22.Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros

23.Republic of Djibouti

24.Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

25.Republic of Senegal

26.Republic of Sudan

27.Syrian Arab Republic

28.Republic of Sierra Leone

29.Republic of Iraq

30.Sultanate of Oman

31.Republic of Guinea

32.Republic of Guinea-Bissau

33.State of Palestine

34.Republic of Kyrgyzstan

35.State of Qatar

36.Republic of Cameroun

37.State of Kuwait

38.Republic of Lebanon

39.Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

40.Republic of Maldives

41.Republic of Mali

42.Malaysia

43.Arab Republic of Egypt

44.Kingdom of Morocco

45.Islamic Republic of Mauritania

46.Republic of Mozambique

47.Republic of Niger

48.Federal Republic of Nigeria

49.Republic of Yemen

B.  The following Subsidiary Organs of the OIC attended the Conference:

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

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

-The Islamic Centre for Technical and Vocational Training and Research, Dhaka.

-The Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade, Casablanca.

-The Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development, Jeddah.

-The Islamic Fiqh Academy, Jeddah.

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

-Islamic Solidarity Fund, Jeddah.

-The Islamic University of Niger.

-The Islamic University of Uganda.

C.The following Specialized Institutions of the OIC:

-Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah.

-Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural  Organization, Rabat.

-International Islamic News Agency, Jeddah.

-Islamic States Broadcasting Organization, Jeddah.

D.Following Affiliated Institutions:

-Organization of the Islamic Capitals and Cities, Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

-Islamic Committee of the International Crescent, Benghazi.

-The Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Commodity Exchange, Karachi.

-The Islamic Shipowners Association, Jeddah.

-World Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools,  Jeddah.

-International Association of Islamic Banks, Cairo.

E.Following Islamic Foundations and Societies attended as Invitees:

-Muslim World League, Makkah Al Mukarramah.

-World Islamic Call Society, Tripoli.

-World Muslim Congress, Karachi.

-World Assembly of Muslim Youth, Riyadh.

-League of Islamic Universities, Riyadh.

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

-International Islamic Charitable Foundation, Kuwait.

-International Islamic Relief Organization, Jeddah.

F.Observers.

i)  States:

-Republic of Kazakhstan.

-Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ii) Muslim Communities and Minorities:

- Turkish Muslim Community of Kibris

- Moro National Liberation Front

iii) International and Regional Organizations:

-United Nations.

-Non-Aligned Movement.

-League of Arab States.

-Arab Maghreb Union.

G.Invitees:

-Republic of Croatia

-Republic of Slovenia

-Republic of Macedonia

-Kosovo

-The Sanjak

-The True Representatives of the Kashmiri People.

-Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).

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

-United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

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

-United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF).

-U.N. Development Programme (UNDP).

-Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

-U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

-International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

-World Health Organization (WHO).

-U.N. Committee for the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights and of the Palestinian people.

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

UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs.

5.           The Conference was opened by His Majesty Hassan II, King of Morroco who in his inaugural address welcomed the Sovereigns, Emirs, Heads of State and Government and stressed the importance of strengthening Islamic solidarity which should guide Summit deliberations on which over one billion Muslims had pinned their hopes, for the adoption of decisions aimed at strengthening the unity of Islamic Ummah in an atmosphere of brotherhood and concord.

His Majesty King Hassan II recalled that the message of Islam calls for peaceful coexistence among nations, universal cooperation and respect of human dignity without any distinction, among human beings. He indicated that no one and no authority has the right that is not vested by  religion, to take the path of extremism and resort to aggression in thought and practice nor are they empowered to issue rulings excommunicating Muslims and excluding them from the fold of religion. Similarly, they have no right to decree a fatwa stipulating Jihad against these Muslims.  He added that Islam is not only a religion but encompasses every thing. It constitutes as the Prophet said a set of rules for human relations based on good behaviour, moral values, tolerance, coexistence and peace. His Majesty stressed that Islam urges Muslims to believe in Allah's revealed Books and to disseminate among people the message of Islam and concord so that serenity may prevail and so that the world may be spared the evils of perils and dangers.

He indicated that the first universal appeal for coexistence among the monotheistic revealed religions is the one in the Holy Qur'an: Say: 'People of the Book, let us come to an equitable agreement among us that we will worship none but Allah, that we will associate none with Him, and that we will not set up one another lords beside Him'.

He stressed that this tolerance should rather be the principle upon which to base relations among Muslims.

His Majesty added tht in order for Muslims to convey the true image of their society, it is necessary to change several concepts, correct mistakes and agree on what is permissible and what is forbidden. He said that the behaviour of some groups which is contrary to Islamic tolerance has prompted fierce campaigns against Islam.

Thus, His Majesty King Hassan II suggested that a high authority should emanate from the Conference, to become a reference source in shedding light on Islamic provisions, away from any confusion or dubious interpretation. This authority must not affect the diversity of identities and characterstics, which enrich the unity of Islam.

His Majesty the King welcomed the Commemoration of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the founding of the OIC.

The Conference decided to consider the address of His Majesty King Hassan II as an official document of the Conference.

6.His Excellency Abdou Diouf, President of the Republic of Senegal and Chairman of the Sixth Islamic Summit made a statement in which he reviewed the achievements of the OIC during the past three years in the political, economic, cultural and social fields as well as in the domain of information. He expressed his gratitude and thanks for the excellent cooperation which he received from the leaders of Member States as well as the Secretary General, in the performance of his onerous responsibilities as  the Chairman of the OIC.  He indicated that assistance to the people of Sahel constitutes one of the pillars for the strengthening of Islamic solidarity.

7.On the occasion of the Commemoration of the Twenty- fifth Anniversary of the founding of the OIC, His Excellency Mohammad Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Mahamane Ousmane, President of the Republic of Niger and His Excellency Mahathir Mohammed, Prime Minister of Malaysia made statements on behalf of the Arab, African and Asian Groups, in which they thanked His Majesty King Hassan II, and the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting this important Conference and for the warm and generous hospitality extended to the delegations.  They also emphasized the importance of the OIC and the need to further enhance its role in the fashioning of a new international order.

8.In his statement, His Excellency Dr. Hamid Algabid, Secretary General paid tribute to His Majesty Hassan II,   King of Morocco for hosting this important gathering of leaders of the Islamic Ummah.  He indicated that OIC with 52 Member States has become an Organization to be reckoned with in the search for solution to the major problems of our times. He stated that the return of Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty, the restitution of the Syrian Golan, the respect of Lebanon's sovereignty, the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the people of Kashmir, the cessation of Serb aggression against Bosnia- Herzegovina and of the vacation of Azerbaijan's territory occupied by Armenia as well as the search for peace in Afghanistan and in Somalia, all must receive the equal, well considered and determined support of the Member States. He emphasized the need of solidarity with the people of Central Asia and of African Sahel affected by natural calamities. He also thanked the Chairmen of the Al-Quds Committee, COMIAC, COMCEC and COMSTECH.

9.His Majesty King Hassan II, was unanimously elected as the Chairman.

10.The Conference elected Their Excellencies Yasser Arafat, President of the State of Palestine, Lansana Conte', President of the Republic of Guinea, Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh as Vice-Chairmen. His Excellency Abdou Diouf, President of the Republic of Senegal was elected as the Rapporteur-General.

11.  Thereafter, the Conference approved the Report of the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting which was presented by the Chairman of the Meeting, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Fillali, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco.

12.The Conference adopted the draft Agenda submitted by the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting.

13.Conference welcomed the admission of the Republic of Mozambique as full member of the OIC.

14.The Conference unanimously approved the request of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina for observer status in the OIC.

15.The Conference noted with appreciation the Report of His Excellency Abdou Diouf, President of the Republic of Senegal and Chairman of the Sixth Islamic Summit.

16.The Conference noted with appreciation the Reports submitted by the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, the Standing Committee of Information and Cultural Affairs, the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation; and the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

17.The Conference noted with appreciation the Reports submitted by the Secretary General on items of the agenda.

18. The Conference heard with fraternal sentiments the moving statement of His Excellency Alija Izetbegovic, President of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina who expressed the gratitude and thanks of his Government and people for the active support of the OIC Member States to the just cause of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Special Declarations

19.The Conference approved and issued the Casablanca Declaration.

20.The Conference approved and issued a Declaration on Bosnia-Herzegovina and a Special Declaration on Jammu and Kashmir.

Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of OIC

21.The Conference decided to designate 1995 as the year for commemorating the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the founding of OIC in all Member States and requested the Secretary General to organize a special ceremony at the OIC Headquarters to mark the occasion, in coordination with the host country.

Image of Islam outside the Islamic World

22.The Conference expressed its determination to project the correct image of Islam, resorting in this regard to the spirit of "Ijtihad" in Islam based on general principles of Islamic Sharia. It condemned the evil intention of the quarters that seize every opportunity to discredit Islam or present it as contrary to progress and development or as a threat to the foundations of modern civilization.  It rejected the use of this distorted image of Islam to justify aggression and occupation against Muslim countries and peoples. It denounced the double standard approach adopted by anti-Islamic quarters whenever a just cause of interest to the Islamic Ummah is at stake. It affirmed the readiness of the Islamic Ummah stemming from the teachings of Islam to engage in a constructive dialogue with the revealed religions in a spirit of tolerance and respect for international legality.

Evaluation of OIC Achievements

23.  The Conference welcomed the contribution made by the Organization in the cause of Islamic solidarity and cooperation over the last 25 years. It recognized that the profound changes taking place in the World today such as the trend towards economic globalization and the formation of regional economic groupings constitute encouraging factors for safeguarding the interests of the Ummah by strengthening their cooperation and joint action. It also recognized the important role of the Organization in galvanizing cooperation among member states to meet these challenges. It realized the importance of taking stock of the Organization's past achievement and of reviewing its existing capabilities to meet the challenges in order to    enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the Organization. It decided to establish immediately an Eminent Persons Group comprising a select number of outstanding individuals from various disciplines drawn from member states to take stock of the achievements of the Organization over the past 25 years; to identify its strength and weaknesses; to review its objectives in the light of changing circumstances; and submit to the Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers recommendations on appropriate measures that should be taken to enhance the Organisation's effectiveness and relevance as the promoter of Islamic solidarity and cooperation and an overall perspective plan to expand and strengthen development cooperation among member countries for the progress of the Ummah.

Question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif:

24.The Conference reaffirmed that the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the prime cause of all   Muslims, and expressed its solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organisation in its just struggle for removing the effects of Israeli occupation and building the Palestinian national institutions on the land of Palestine. It called upon Member States to continue supporting the PLO and its positions in the forthcoming negotiations for the transfer of all powers and responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to the Palestinian National Authority, and to emphasize the return of the Holy City to Palestinian sovereignty. It affirmed that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region can only be achieved through complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories.

25.It expressed its support for the peace process in the Middle East, and welcomed the agreements concluded in its framework and noted that the success of the peace process hinges on the implementation of resolutions of international legitimacy, including resolutions 242, 338 and 425 of the Security Council, on the basis of Arab and international understanding of these resolutions, and the  "land for peace" formula and the need to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their national and political rights.

26. It stressed that Al-Quds Al-Sharif is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 and to it apply all the provisions applicable to the other occupied territories and reiterated the necessity of its return to Palestinian sovereignty as capital of the State of Palestine.

It invited all States in the world to refrain from having any dealings with the Israeli occupation authorities which might be interpreted in any way by those authorities as an implicit recognition of the "fait accompli" imposed by the proclamation of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel. It called for compliance with Security Council resolution 478 (1980) which invites Member States not to transfer their diplomatic missions to the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It called on Member States to face up to the serious developments ensuing from the continued Israeli expansionist policy in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to confront this policy to provide material resources for the preservation of Islamic Shrines, and to support the steadfastness of the city's inhabitants. It invited the international community, and in particular the two co-sponsors of the Peace Conference, to compel Israel not to effect any geographical or demographical changes in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transitional period, that might affect the outcome of the negotiations on the final status of the City.

27.It expressed its strong condemnation of the decision taken by the Israeli Supreme Court to consider the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the territory of the State of Israel.

28.It called upon Member States to honour their commitment to cover the budgets of the Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf.

29.It called for the dismantling of the settlements already established since they are unlawful, and to halt further Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian and Arab territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Syrian Golan, as required under the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.

30.It stressed the need to secure international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Territories; and to halt all Israel's terrorist and repressive practices against the Palestinian people.  It invited Member States to work for compelling Israel to release the detainees, bring back the deportees, put an end to the method of collective punishment, and desist from any works that may endanger life and the environment in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.

31.It called for the support of the international programme of economic, social and cultural development in the occupied Palestinian areas, and for the support of the Palestinian National Authority so that it can establish its control and start the process of reconstruction and development of the Occupied Territories.

32.It strongly condemned the aggressive Israeli scheme to partition the Ibrahimi Enclosure in the city of Al-Khalil, and called on Member States to continue their coordination and intensive efforts to prevent the implementation of this scheme and preserve the Ibrahimi Enclosure as a mosque solely for Muslims as it has been through the ages.

33.It called on the international community and the Security Council to compel Israel to comply with U.N. Resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 487 (1981), to accede to the treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to implement the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling for the   subjection of all Israeli Atomic facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System, to proclaim Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to submit a full report on its stockpile of nuclear weapons and materials to the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

34.The Conference commended the steadfastness of the Arab-Syrian citizens in the Golan against Israeli occupation, strongly condemned Israel for not complying with Security Council resolution 497 (1981), and affirmed that Israel's decision to impose its jurisdiction, its law and its administration on the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void. It also declared that the Knesset resolution of 11 November 1991 confirming the annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void and without legal effect and constitutes a flagrant violation of Security Council resolution 497 (1981).  It expressed strong condemnation of Israel for continuing to alter the legal status and demographic set up of the occupied Syrian Golan. It affirmed that Israel's continuing occupation of the Syrian Golan constitutes a permanent threat to peace and security in the region. It demanded that Israel withdraw totally from Lebanon to the lines of 4 June 1967.

35.The Conference saluted the heroism and steadfastness of the Lebanese people against Israeli occupation and strongly condemned Israel's continuing occupation of Lebanese territories, and its persistence in deporting Lebanese citizens from their villages and lands, as well as all the inhuman practices of the Israeli enemy in those areas. It called for efforts to prevent Israel from continuing those practices and compel it to release Lebanese detainees. It also called for action to force Israel to implement the UN Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 425 (1978) which calls for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Lebanese territory, and for helping the legitimate authorities to establish their control over all Lebanese territories.  It invited all countries to increase their assistance to Lebanon in order to consolidate the political gains of the National Reconciliation Government.

Bosnia-Herzegovina:

36.The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the safeguarding of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Republic of Bosnia- Herzegovina and reaffirmed all previous OIC Resolutions and Declarations relating to the Situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

37.It strongly condemned the continuing Serbian aggression against the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serb non-compliance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council as well as the Serb rejection of the Five-Nation Peace Plan. It also strongly condemned the Serb attacks on the Bihac Safe area and expressed its concern over the lack of effective measures by UNPROFOR Command to deter attacks against UN designated safe areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

38.It reiterated its call on the Five Nation Contact Group for establishing an action oriented relationship with the OIC Contact Group on Bosnia-Herzegovina that should give a fair and balanced consideration of the views, concerns and interests of the Governments of the Republic and the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It called for an urgent Ministerial Meeting between the Five Nation Contact Group and the OIC Contact Group to consider ways and means to deal with the deteriorating situation in Bosnia- Herzegovina.

39.It called for effective deployment of international monitors/forces on the borders of the Republic of Bosnia- Herzegovina with Serbia and Montenegro; recognition by Serbia and Montenegro of the internationally recognized borders of the Republics of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and other States in the region; suspension of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 943(1994) and vigorous enforcement of the sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro; strengthening of UNPROFOR by including troops pledged by OIC member states;  enhancing participation of OIC troop contributors within UNPROFOR Command, as well as political decision making process; expansion of UNPROFOR mandate; effective protection and expansion of Safe Areas to cover all the territories allocated in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina; establishment of effective UNPROFOR  presence in Serb occupied areas; simplifying and streamlining of procedures to enable NATO to provide effective and immediate military support to UNPROFOR and the Bosnian population including air strikes to deter and reverse Serb aggression; demilitarization of Sarajevo; and  adoption of appropriate measures to facilitate the return of refugees; and reaffirmation of the status of Sarajevo as the undivided and united capital of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It requested the OIC Contact Group and troop contributing states to establish a Working Group in New York to evaluate current and future contributions to the UN mandated forces.

40.It demanded that the Government of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina must be provided with all necessary means for self defense to exercise individually or collectively its inherent right recognized by Article 51 of the UN Charter. It expressed its readiness to cooperate with all UN member states who exhibit a willingness on their own initiative to provide the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the means for self defense. It reiterated that Security Council Resolution 713 paragraph 6 does not legally and cannot morally apply to the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina  and indicated its commitment to act accordingly.

41. It welcomed the call of the President of Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina for unilateral response by members of the international community in the event that the compromise proposal is not effected by members of the Five-Nation Contact Group and regarded in the same vein the call made by the General Assembly to the Security Council to give due consideration to exempting the Governments of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina from the embargo on deliveries of weapons and military equipment.

42.It condemned the tendency on the part of some to appease the Serbian aggressor and reminded the international community, particularly the major powers of the imperative need for establishing peace with justice in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

43.It regretted the direct material and diplomatic support offered to the Serbian aggressors and the recent veto within the Security Council of a resolution designed to cut off fuel supplies to the Serb forces.

44.It decided to request the convening of a Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Bosnia-Herzegovina in case the Security Council continues to be unable to deal effectively with the Serbian aggression against the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

45.It warned once again the Serb and Montenegren authorities as well as all persons who commit or order the commission of breaches of international humanitarian law in the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina that they are individually responsible in respect of such breaches and will be punished for war crimes in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and requested in this context the International Tribunal established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 829 to expeditiously try and punish those responsible for the perpetration of crimes against humanity in the former Yugoslavia.

46.It appealed to the international community to mobilize resources for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina in coordination and cooperation with the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (AICRED) and emphasized the need to aid the efforts of the Special Coordinator for Sarajevo in conjunction with Security Council Resolution 900.

47.It approved the establishment of a special OIC-IDB Programme of Assistance for Bosnia-Herzegovina, as recommended by the Secretary General and keeping in view the national mechanism that already exist in some Member States for mobilising financial support.

48.It condemned the denial of human, civil and national rights of Albanians in Kosova. It also condemned human rights violations against non-Serbs in the Sanjak and Vojvodina and reaffirmed the national rights of Muslims of the Sanjak.

Afghanistan:

49.The Conference expressed its deep concern over the fratricidal conflict in Afghanistan and appealed to the Afghan leadership to spare no effort to bring the hostilities to an immediate end and emphasized the urgent need for a political consensus among the Afghan parties.

50.It affirmed the need for the launching of a credible intra-Afghan process for restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan and for reviving the political, economic, social and institutional infrastructure of the Afghan society. It emphasized the need for promoting national reconciliation and rapprochement among all political parties and segments of the Afghan society as well as for demobilization of armed groups and formation of national army and police force. It expressed its appreciation and support for the initiatives taken by the Secretary General to promote a credible intra-Afghan peace process. It called upon the Afghan parties to extend their full cooperation to the ongoing efforts of the Secretary General and his Special Representative with a view to advancing the progress made in the Proximity Talks held in Islamabad and Tehran and the objectives of peace and national reconciliation in Afghanistan.

51.It also expressed its appreciation for the continuing efforts of the United Nations to draw the attention of the international community to the acute economic and political problems of Afghanistan, and for promoting peace and mobilizing assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction and encouraged the continuing cooperation between the efforts of the OIC and the United Nations Special Mission.

52.It appealed to the international community in particular Member States to respond to the humanitarian exigencies of the situation in Afghanistan by extending generous assistance. It also urged Member States and Islamic financial institutions to provide assistance for the Afghan refugees in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran and called for the speedy and voluntary repatriation and rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.

Jammu and Kashmir:

53.The Conference called for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions. It condemned the continuing massive violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people and called for the respect of their human rights including the right of self-determination. It called upon Member states to take all necessary steps to persuade India to cease forthwith the massive human rights violations of the Kashmiri people and to enable them to exercise their inalienable right to self determination as mandated by the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. It also called upon upon India to allow International Human Rights Groups and Humanitarian Organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

54.It supported the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to initiate a meaningful bilateral dialogue for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and called upon the Government of India to respond positively to these efforts. It affirmed that a sustained dialogue is essential to address the core of the problems and to remove the basic causes of tension between India and Pakistan.

55.It expressed its deep concern at the prevailing tension that threatens security and peace in the region. It called upon India and Pakistan to redeploy their forces to peace-time locations.

56.It requested the Government of India, in the interest of regional peace and security, to avail itself of the offer of Good Offices made by the Twentieth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and the Sixth Islamic Summit Conference.

57.It requested the Secretary General to establish contact with the Governments of India and Pakistan and the True Representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with a view to promoting a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute and to take necessary steps for enabling the True Representatives of the Kashmiri people to have their views expressed in OIC and other international fora. It also requested the Secretary General to send a three member OIC Fact Finding Mission to visit Jammu and Kashmir and requested the Government of India to allow the OIC Fact-Finding Mission to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

58.It recommended that member states continue to coordinate their positions and to take joint action at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights and other relevant international fora to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of Jammu and    Kashmir. It welcomed the establishment of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations comprising of Niger, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and the OIC Secretary General and requested the Contact Group to continue its efforts for promoting the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people in accordance with the UN Resolutions and for safeguarding their fundamental human rights.

59.It appealed to the Member States, OIC and Islamic Institutions, such as the Islamic Solidarity Fund, and philanthropists to mobilize funds and contribute generously towards providing humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people.

Somalia:

60.The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to the restoration and preservation of the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia. It noted with appreciation the constant efforts made by the Organization of Islamic Conference to promote peace and national reconciliation in Somalia, as well as for the alleviation of the suffering  of the Somali people in cooperation with the regional States, the United Nations, the League of Arab States and Organization of African Unity, in the framework of a joint approach and requested the Secretary General to send a Contact Group to Somalia to urge various Somali parties to resume their dialogue with a view to achieving national reconciliation.

61.It called for the convening of the International Conference for Peace and National Reconstruction in Somalia in accordance with the relevant resolution adopted by the 47th Session of the UN General Assembly with the participation of all the Somali parties. It also called upon all Somali factions to enter into negotiations for a constructive dialogue for a peaceful settlement of the problem.

62.It welcomed the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement for establishing Peace and National Reconciliation in Somalia and called upon all Somali political factions to facilitate the work of United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM II) until its termination and to cooperate fully with the United Nations to ensure the safe and orderly withdrawal of the UN forces from Somalia. It called upon all states, in particular the neighbouring states, to cooperate in the implementation of the arms embargo established by Security Council Resolution 733 (1992).

63.It expressed its appreciation to those Member States which have contributed troops to UN operation in Somalia as well as those which have provided relief and humanitarian assistance to the Somali people. It called upon the international community especially the Member States to assist in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Somalia.

Iraqi Aggression against Kuwait:

64.The Conference welcomed the recognition, by Iraq, of the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait, its national security and political independence as well as its international borders in compliance with Resolution No.833 (1993) of the Security Council. It urged Iraq to pursue efforts and thoroughly fulfill its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions.

65.It called on Iraq to co-operate fully with the International Committee of the Red Cross with a view to implementing its engagements pursuant to Para.2C and Para.3C of resolutions No.686 (1991) and (30) of resolution No.687 (1991) pertaining to urgent release of prisoners and hostages from among Kuwaiti military troops and civilians and any others from other countries' citizens, especially following the agreement between Iraq and Kuwait and the other concerned parties on December 8, 1994 to set up a Subsidiary Committee to facilitate their task.

66.It affirmed that Iraq, in accepting resolution 686 (1991) and resolution 687 (1991) is deemed accountable for implementing Para 2-6 of resolution 686 and  Para 16 of resolution 687 which involve the responsibility of Iraq under the relevant Security Council resolutions for reparations in respect of any direct loss or direct prejudice, including the losses inflicted on the environment, the depletion of natural resources or any losses sustained by foreign governments, their nationals or their companies.

67.It reaffirmed Security Council resolution 949 which calls on Iraq not to use again its military or any other forces in an aggressive or provocative manner to threaten its neighbours or the U.N. operations in Iraq. It reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Iraq, expressed its sympathy with the Iraqi people and called on Iraq to promptly implement the relevant resolutions of international legality. It emphasized that Iraq must commit itself to implementing all the resolutions of the Security Council regarding the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.

Armenia - Azerbaijan:

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

69.It called on the Security Council to recognize the existence of aggression against the Azerbaijan Republic; take the necessary steps under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations to ensure compliance with its resolutions; condemn and reverse aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Azerbaijan Republic and decided to take coordinated action to this end at the United Nations.

70.It called for a just and peaceful settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of respect for the principles of territorial integrity of states and inviolability of internationally recognized frontiers. It urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan and all states member of the Minsk Group to engage constructively in the ongoing CSCE peace process and refrain from any action that will make it more difficult to reach a peaceful solution.

71.It reaffirmed its total solidarity and support for the efforts being made by the Government and people of Azerbaijan to defend their country. It called for enabling the displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes in safety, honour and dignity. It expressed its concern over the severity of humanitarian problems concerning the existence of more than one million displaced persons and refugees in the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic and requested the member states, the Islamic Development Bank and the other Islamic Institutions to render urgent financial and humanitarian assistance to the Azerbaijan Republic.

Chechenya

72.The Conference expressed its concern over the recent developments in Chechenya and called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and avoid more bloodshed and to work for a peaceful settlement of the problem, in the framework of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

US Aggression against Libya:

73.The Conference condemned the continuing United States aggression and threats and plots against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. It supported the right of the Socialist  People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to appropriate reparations for the physical and human losses sustained as a result of aggression as well as the right of the Jamahiriya to demand reparations from the United States in conformity with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 38/41.

74.It reaffirmed its solidarity with the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in defending its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity against the economic boycott measures which seek to undermine its plans for development.

75.It condemned the U.S. economic boycott measures against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and called for their cancellation forthwith as they violate international law and conventions. It called upon the United States to desist from all threats, provocations and acts of aggression against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya as such practices contravene international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Crisis between Libya, United States and United Kingdom:

76.The Conference considered the current crisis between the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, on the one hand, and both the United States of America and the United Kingdom, on the other. It expressed satisfaction with the positive initiative undertaken by the Great Jamahiriya for the solution of this crisis in accordance with international law and in such a manner that does not contradict the respect for its sovereignty; its acceptance of the UN Security Council Resolution No. 731 (1992) and its request to the UN Secretary General to find out the mechanism for the implementation of this resolution while expressing its full cooperation within the context of the initiatives it has taken and the proposals it has put forward.

77.It called on all parties to exert greater efforts to reach a solution of the crisis thereby ending the plight to which the Libyan people are subjected as a result of the embargo imposed on them. It declared its support for the proposal made in the resolution adopted by the League of Arab States (Doc. 5373-DA,(101)-G 3) on 27 March 1994 calling for the holding of just trial of the two suspects by Scottish Judges in accordance with Scottish law at the seat of the International Court of Justice in The Hague and for urging the Security Council to take into consideration this constructive proposal in order to seek a peaceful solution to avoid any escalation of the crisis, which would exacerbate tension in the region. It called upon the Security Council to review its two resolutions Nos. 748 and 883 on the crisis.

Cyprus:

78.The Conference reaffirmed the previous resolutions of the Islamic Conferences on the question of Cyprus which express firm support for the rightful cause of the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus who constitute an integral part of the Islamic world. It reiterated its support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General under his mission of good offices towards a negotiated settlement mutually acceptable to both sides. It welcomed in this context, the acceptance by the Turkish Cypriot side of the package of confidence building measures suggested by the UN Secretary General following his assessment of November 1992 that it would be difficult to achieve any success in the negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement as long as the current crisis of confidence between the two sides continues.

79.It also expressed its solidarity with the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus and its appreciation for their constructive efforts to attain a just and mutually acceptable settlement.

80.It reaffirmed the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus as the principle enabling them to live side-by-side in security, peace and harmony without the one having the ability to exploit, oppress or threaten the other. It urged the Member States to strengthen effective solidarity with the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus and to increase and expand their relations in all fields and in particular in the fields of trade, tourism, culture, information, investment and sports. It decided to support until the Cyprus problem is solved, the rightful claim of the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus for the right to be heard in all international fora where the Cyprus problem comes up for discussion, on the basis of equality of the two parties in Cyprus.