Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 27/10/2007
In his message to the 34th Session of the General Assembly of UNESCO, held in Paris, the Secretary General of the OIC, Prof. Ekmeleddin IHSANOGLU called for more proactive initiatives to protect and preserve the identity and integrity of the historic and religious Sites around the world particularly in the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque. The OIC Secretary General denounced and called for immediate end of the illegal archaeological excavation conducted by the occupying power in violation of International Convention. The message was transmitted, on Wednesday 24 October 2007 by Ambassador BABACAR BA , OIC Observer to the United Nations in Geneva before Ministers and Delegates from 193 countries attending the 34th Session of UNESCO General Assembly. The OIC also called for more concrete support to the struggle of the Palestinian People to enjoy its fundamental and legitimate rights. To face the numerous negative challenges, the OIC requested UNESCO Member States and Institution to join efforts for the eradication of illiteracy and ignorance which constitute the source of intolerance, extremism and violence. The OIC also pledge for combating the rising phenomena of Islamophobia and others forms of religious defamation, and expressed its full cooperation with UNESCO to promote dialogue between cultures and civilizations based on the respect of diversity and mutual understanding.
