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FINAL RESOLUTIONS ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS
ADOPTED BY THE THIRTY-THIRD SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
(SESSION ON HARMONY OF RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND JUSTICE)
BAKU, REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
23-25 JUMADA AL-AWWAL 1427H (19-21 JUNE 2006)
on the Situation in Iraq
on the Situation in Afghanistan
on Situation in Somalia
on the Rejection of the Unilateral US Sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic
on the Situation in Cyprus
on Solidarity with the Republic of The Sudan.
on the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute
on the Peace Process between India and Pakistan
on the Aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan
on the Problem of Refugees in the Muslim World.
on the Imposition of Unilateral Economic Sanctions on Member States
on Combating International Terrorism
on Security and Solidarity Among Member States
on Reform of the United Nations and Expansion of UN Security Council’s Membership
on the Conference of 2005 on Review of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
on Establishment of Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zones in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and South-East Asia..
on the strengthening of the security of non-nuclear weapon states against the use or the threat of use of nuclear weapons.
on Cooperation by the Islamic Republic of Iran with IAEA.
on the Situation in Cote D’Ivoire
on Coordination and Consultation among Member States to Adopt a Unified Stand in International fora.
on Cooperation between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and other International and Regional Organizations and Groupings.
on Establishing a Mechanism for Dialogue between the OIC and the European Union (EU)
on the Protection of Tsunami Child Victims
on the Serious Food Shortage in Niger
on the Implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action.
on Eliminating hatred and prejudice against Islam
* Pursuant to Resolution No. 13/31-P on the review and rationalization of agenda items and resolutions of the OIC, all resolutions previously adopted by the ICFM are considered to be in force and are not required to be listed on regular basis.
ON THE SITUATION IN IRAQ
The 33rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 23 to 25 Jumada Al-Uwla 1427H (19-21 June 2005;
Recalling the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which call for the promotion of solidarity and brotherhood among the Member States;
Recalling also the Declaration adopted by the Troika Meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers in Jeddah in March 2005;
Emphasizing the provisions of the Final Communiqué of the Third Extraordinary Summit of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on 7-8 December 2005;
Emphasizing also Resolutions No. 1/31-P and No. 1/32-P adopted respectively by the 31st and 32nd Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM);
Referring to the Final Communiqué of the First OIC Ministerial Executive Committee held in Jeddah on 15 March 2006;
Referring also to the decisions of the 18th Session of the Summit of the League of Arab States held in Khartoum on 28-29 March 2006;
Proceeding from the awareness of the OIC Member States of the need to achieve the security and stability of the Iraqi people and their feelings of Islamic brotherhood towards Iraq; and underlining respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and the Iraqi people as well as the importance of international support for the objective of achieving the security and stability of Iraq;
Referring to the Final Communique of the Preparatory Meeting of the National Reconciliation Conference on Iraq, which was held in Cairo from 19-21 November 2005;
Taking note of the Report of the Secretary General on the Situation in Iraq (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/2006/Pol/SG.Rep.1)
1. Welcomes the appointment of the President of the Republic of Iraq as well as Iraq’s Prime Minister and President of its Council of Representatives to form a sustainable national unity government in Iraq.
2. Supports the efforts of the Iraqi government to exercise full control over Iraq’s resources in order to improve the living standards of the Iraqi people and complete the reconstruction and rebuilding of state institutions and the national economy and supports also Iraq’s efforts to exercise full control over its borders and security in the service of Iraq’s stability and security in Iraq and the region.
3. Expresses the strong desire that the elected bodies of Iraq will be fully instrumental in pursuing the political process in an inclusive, transparent and democratic manner, in unity and harmony, which will ensure effective participation of the entire spectrum of the Iraqi people in the political, economic and social rebuilding of Iraq.
4. Condemns the terrorist attacks that have been made and continue to be made on the Iraqi people, holy shrines and mosques, religious sites, military installations, police stations, official institutions and staff, and diplomatic missions and officials. Strongly condemns also the kidnappings and assassinations perpetrated against the Iraqi people, particularly against Iraqi men of religion, scholars, doctors, intellectuals and university professors.
5. Lambasts the terrorist bombing attacks against the mausoleums of Imam Al-Hadi and Al-Hassan Al-Askari (May Allah be Pleased with Them) in Samarra and the ensuing despicable aggressions against the mosques and houses of worship in addition to the killing of innocent people; and emphasizes the respect of religious shrines and houses of worship and the need to combat acts of violence and terrorism committed against the worshippers and visitors of these holy places.
6. Reaffirms its condemnation of the massacre committed by the former Iraqi regime against innocent Iraqi, Kuwaiti and other people, which were discovered in the mass graves. These massacres constitute a crime against humanity.
7. Strongly condemns the sectarian acts of terror and violence whatever their source may be and calls for adequate assistance to the Iraqi people to enable them to contain the sectarian violence and dry up the sources of terrorism;
8. Calls on the neighbouring countries of Iraq to engage in effective cooperation in order to promote security and stability in Iraq and the region and not to interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs in line with the resolutions of the OIC, the League of Arab States, and the UN.
9. Urges the Member States and international organizations to lend their unlimited help and assistance to the Iraqi people and to support and encourage all contributions to the reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
10. Appeals to the Member States to write off the debts incurred by Iraq as a result of the mismanagement of the previous dictatorial regime, as a contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq.
11. Welcomes the efforts of the League of Arab States aimed at strengthening the role of Iraqi consultations on promoting dialogue and national reconciliation and reaffirms the necessity of holding the second meeting of Iraqi National Reconciliation Conference as soon as possible.
12. Underscores the important and crucial role which the OIC, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations should assume in the new phase, which requires Iraqi national reconciliation to be achieved.
13. Emphasizes the call on the OIC Member States to secure a proactive diplomatic presence in Iraq as soon as possible and to carry out exchanges of visits in order to strengthen relations with Iraq.
14. Welcomes the initiative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to host religious leaders and authority figures in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the League of Arab States in order to conduct a dialogue in search of adequate ways and means to ensure the security and stability of Iraq.
15. Welcomes the growing presence of the United Nations in Iraq and emphasizes the need for the United Nations to establish its lasting and comprehensive contribution to the reconstruction process of the Iraqi economy and society.
16. Emphasizes that the mission of the multinational forces is subject to the provisions of Operative Paragraphs Nos. 4 and 12 of UN Security Council Resolution No. 1546, which provides for the Iraqi Government to end the mission of these forces; and expresses the hope that the Iraqi security forces will soon have the full capabilities to assume the responsibility for maintaining security in Iraq.
17. Emphasizes its conviction that the initiative of the neighbouring countries within the framework of regional coordination and cooperation will ensure the provision of assistance for Iraq’s reconstruction process and strengthen security, stability, and solidarity at the regional level in order to guarantee the security of the region.
18. Reiterates the need for the neighbouring countries and Iraq to take effective steps in order to monitor their borders with Iraq so as to prevent the incursion of terrorists from and into Iraq.
19. Welcomes the supporting role played by the international community in providing assistance to Iraq, including the institutional participation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) through its OIC Contact Group on Iraq.
20. Emphasizes the need for the OIC to form a Contact Group on Iraq as in accordance with the Decision adopted by the First Meeting of the OIC Ministerial Executive Committee (MEC) held in Jeddah on 15 March 2006.
21. Emphasizes the need to open an OIC Coordination Office in Baghdad in light of the Decision adopted by the First Meeting of the OIC Ministerial Executive Committee (MEC) in response to the critical conditions and needs of Iraq and the Iraqi people.
22. Expresses its satisfaction at the growing international interest in Iraq through all the initiatives adopted by different countries, international organizations, and institutions.
23. Reiterates its call to lend assistance to Iraq in order to recover stolen and smuggled Iraqi relics as national, civilizational, and human cultural treasures.
24. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM).
ON THE SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling the principled stand adopted by the Islamic Conference in its resolutions on Afghanistan since January 1980 which call for safeguarding the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan;
Recalling also Resolution No. 2/32-P on the "Situation in Afghanistan" adopted during the Thirty-second Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Sana'a, Republic of Yemen, from 21 to 23 Jamadul Awwal 1426H (28-30 June 2005) and abiding by all its principles,
Reiterating the extreme importance of helping Afghanistan to pass through the current transitional phase towards sustainable development, rehabilitation, reconstruction and elimination of various remnants of the war;
Expressing appreciation over the evolution of the democratic process in Afghanistan;
Commending the formation of the representative Parliament and Provincial Councils held in September 2005 through free and democratic elections throughout the country that mark the successful completion of the Bonn Agreement as its last element.
Appreciating the efforts made by Member States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the OIC Trust Fund for the Reconstruction of Afghanistan, in the reconstruction and rebuilding process in Afghanistan;
Commending further convening of the London Conference that adopted a new all embracing post Bonn road map known as “Afghanistan Compact” for the next five years to secure effective and strong international engagement;
Recognizing that the Interim Afghan National Development Strategy (IANDS) is an invaluable document that serves as the implementation engine for the Afghanistan Compact leading to a prosperous and stable Afghanistan;
Welcoming the establishment of the Joint Monitoring and Coordination Board to oversee the process of implementation of the Afghanistan Compact;
Taking into consideration the current phase, mainly involving the reconstruction process, calls for complete coordination between political and developmental action, as can be noted in the activities of the international organizations active in Afghanistan,
Taking note of the Report of the Secretary General on the Situation in Afghanistan (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/2006/Pol/SG.Rep.2)
1. Welcomes the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and supports the process of the approval of the new constitution as well as the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held respectively in October 2004 and September 2005, through which the aspiration of all Afghan People to establish a durable and representative government and legislature were attained, wishing it further success in promoting security, stability as well as comprehensive and sustainable development.
2. Commends the constructive efforts of the UN including the presence of the ISAF throughout Afghanistan as envisaged in Bonn Agreement and mandated by UN Security Council Resolution No.1510 to assist the Afghan People in bringing back peace and normalcy to their Country.
3. Calls upon the International Community to extend their assistance for the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact adopted by London Conference and endorsed by Security Council resolution No. 1569.
4. Appeals to the international community to step up its assistance so as to alleviate the pressing needs of Afghanistan and fulfill expeditiously its financial commitments announced at the International Donor Conferences for the Reconstruction of Afghanistan, held in Tokyo in January 2002, Berlin in March 2004 and lastly on 31st January-1st February 2006 in London.
5. Appreciates the generous donations of Member States to the Fund for the Assistance of Afghan people, namely Qatar, UAE, Oman, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam and appeals to all Member States to further donate in order to enhance the capacity of the Fund so that it would achieve its noble objective of assisting the Afghan people.
6. Appeals also to international community and relevant UN Agencies to extend assistance to Afghan refugees and displaced persons in Afghanistan and to ensure their voluntary return to their homes and reintegrate them in their society in full security and dignity.
7. Calls upon the International community to increase its assistance to enhance the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to curb the Plantation of Opium Poppies, production and trafficking of narcotics and to strengthen crop substitution program in Afghanistan.
8. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of the present resolution and report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 3/33-PON THE SITUATION IN SOMALIA
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006,) Recalling all the resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences and the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers with respect to the situation in Somalia and the range of challenges related to the humanitarian and socio-economic conditions, governance, human rights, security, terrorism and regional stability; Mindful of the necessity to achieve greater coordination and consistent engagement in the situation in Somalia by the OIC Member States in order to effect positive developments on the basis of national reconciliation, political stability and economic progress on the principles of the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), adopted by the Somali National Reconciliation Conference (SNRC), held in Kenya under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), resulting in the formation of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and providing a legitimate and viable framework for the continued process of re-establishing governance in Somalia; Commending the Transitional Federal Government and the Transitional Federal Parliament in the formation and adoption of the National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP) presenting a clear vision of the secure development of the Somalia State and setting a clear path for securing an enabling environment that sustains in Somalia a lasting peace which leads after the transitional period to democratic elections at the local, regional, state and national levels of governance; Recalling the efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and its cooperation with international and regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Inter-governmental Development Authority, recalling the initiative of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in extending international relief to Somalia in 1992, and commending all the relief and humanitarian assistance efforts made by the international community, individually or collectively; Commending the meetings of the OIC Contact Group on Somalia held in Jeddah and in Baku on 13 February 2006 and 20 June 2006, and its valuable recommendations. Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Somalia (Document No OIC/ICFM-33/2006/POL/SG.REP.3) and the Reports of the two OIC missions to assess the situation in Somalia; 1. Reaffirms its commitment to the restoration and preservation of the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia. 2. Recommends that all OIC Member States, OIC institutions, Islamic NGOs and philanthropists should expeditiously and generously provide humanitarian assistance to the Somali people, in view of the catastrophic situation that recurrent droughts have caused in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia. 3. Appeals to all Somali actors in the political situation in Somalia, including those in the Islamic Courts leadership, to accept and abide by the results of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference (SNRC) in the fulfillment of the higher interest of the Somali people and to uphold the Transitional Federal Charter as the basic pillar for addressing the political challenges facing the Somali people. 4. Appeals to all OIC Member States and OIC Institutions to urgently and generously provide material and financial support to for the legitimate Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic in order to effectively and comprehensively discharge its responsibilities all over the country and to be able to shift its capital from Baidoa to Mogadishu at the earliest. 5. Requests all OIC Member States to contribute in the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programs to rehabilitate the more than 70,000 unemployed and armed youth militia, who pose a serious challenge for the Government, in its efforts to restore law and order in the country; as well as to reintegrate the young Somali refugees who need vocational training facilities and quotas for higher education in their universities from OIC Member States for in order to constructively contribute in the rebuilding in Somalia. 6. Calls upon all OIC Member States to support the Transitional Federal Government to implement its National Security and Stabilization Plan for safeguarding the security and unity of the Somali Republic and cooperate with other OIC Member States to combat piracy all along its long coastline. 7. Calls upon all OIC Member States to request the United Nations to lift the Arms Embargo from the security institutions of the Transitional Federal Government so that it can maintain peace and security in the country and provide the necessary environment for deployment of a Peace Support Mission to consolidate of the rule of law and the presence of peace and order. 8. Urges all OIC Member States to participate in the Peace Support Mission in Somalia, under the umbrella of the United Nations. 9. Urges Member States to participate and pledge donations in the International Donors Conference for Somalia, that is being co-sponsored by Italy and Sweden, and is scheduled to be held in Rome later this year. 10. Appeals to all OIC Member States, OIC institutions and Islamic NGOs to make pledges for the reconstruction of basic infrastructure like office buildings and facilities, hospitals, roads, sanitation and electricity projects, capacity-building of the Somali Government at the local, regional, state and central levels as well as an OIC Emergency Trust Fund for budgetary assistance for the initial operations of the Transitional Federal Institutions. 11. Appreciates the efforts exerted by President Ali Abdullah Saleh of the Republic of Yemen, through his invitation to the President of Somalia and the Speaker of its Parliament, which led to the important Aden Agreement for supporting Somali reconciliation. 12. Invites the Contact Group on Somalia to intensify its activities and contact with all those concerned about the Somali issue and present reports to the Islamic conferences. 13. Demands that the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Somalia should play a more effective role in the reconciliation and peace-building efforts in Somalia. 14. Decides to expeditiously establish an OIC Liaison Office in Somalia in order to coordinate efforts in the reconstruction of Somalia and to extend support and political advice to the Somali Transitional Government and requests Member States to voluntary contribute towards the budget of this Office. 15. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE REJECTION OF THE UNILATERAL US SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations;
Recalling the aims and principles enunciated in the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, especially those calling for the consolidation of solidarity among the Islamic states and for strengthening their ability to protect their security, sovereignty, independence and national rights;
Recalling the two UN General Assembly resolutions 22/51 and 17/51 concerning the economic sanctions imposed by some UN members, in isolation, against other members;
Expressing surprise and concern over the adoption by the American Congress of the Bill on the Accountability of Syria, and the executive order signed by the US president on 11 May 2004 imposing unilateral sanctions, outside international legitimacy;
Having been informed of the proclamations, declarations and resolutions issued by the various international fora and non-government organizations which express the rejection by the international community of the forcing by one state of its national legislation on the rules of international law on the pretext of the sovereignty and interests of states and their peoples;
Noting that the imposition of arbitrary unilateral laws contradicts the regulations and directions of the World Trade Organization which prohibit the adoption of measures likely to hinder international free trade and shipping;
Expressing surprise that the US bill was adopted against a key Arab and Muslim country in the stability and security of the region and at a time when the United States is attempting to establish with the Arabs and Muslims relations of cooperation in combating international terrorism and introducing the necessary reforms to bring about the widest partnership possible between the two sides, decides the following
1. Rejects the so-called Accountability of Syria Bill and considers it in contradiction with the principles of international law, the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and forcing of the US laws on international law;
2. Expresses full solidarity with the Arab Republic of Syria and appreciation of her position in favor of dialogue and diplomacy as a method of understanding among nations and settlement of conflicts, and calling on the US Administration to enter upon a well-intentioned dialogue with Syria to find the most effective means of settling the issues which hamper the improvement of Syrian-American relations;
3. Requests the United States of America to reconsider this law which is considered entirely partial to Israel so as to avoid the further deterioration of the situation and wasting opportunities to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region, which constitutes a serious infringement upon Arab interests; 4. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. --------------------
ON THE SITUATION IN CYPRUS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling its Resolution No.5/32-P on the Situation in Cyprus adopted at the 32nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, on 28-30 June 2005, which, inter alia, reaffirms the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus and strongly calls upon the international community to take, without further delay, concrete steps to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people;
Reaffirming the previous resolutions of the Islamic Conferences on the question of Cyprus which express firm support for the rightful cause of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus who constitute an integral part of the Islamic world;
Reiterating its continued support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General under his mission of good offices towards a comprehensive settlement;
Mindful of the necessity to respect the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus in order to facilitate the efforts towards a comprehensive settlement;
Reiterating once again its call on the two parties in Cyprus to reciprocally acknowledge each other’s equal status;
Recalling that the UN Plan of March 2004 for the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue aimed to establish a new state of affairs in Cyprus in the form of a new bi-zonal partnership with two equal constituent states; respecting the principle of equal political status of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides, while acknowledging that neither side may claim authority or jurisdiction over the other;
Taking note of the results of the simultaneous referenda held separately on 24 April 2004 in both sides of Cyprus; and deeply regrets that contrary to international calls, the Greek Cypriot side overwhelmingly rejected the UN settlement plan, whereas the Turkish Cypriot side approved the plan with a clear majority for the reunification of the Island and the EU membership;
Noting the desire of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus to fully integrate with the International Community, whereas they are still left in isolation as the victim of an outcome in which they have no fault;
Monitoring with grave concern the unfortunate initiatives to prevent any financial or moral assistance towards the Turkish Cypriots and calling the related party/parties to give and end to these unjust activities;
Welcoming the proposal declared by the Republic of Turkey on 24 January 2006 for simultaneous lifting of all restrictions on both sides of Cyprus; qualifying this initiative as timely and constructive in the framework of the aim of the realization of a peaceful, just and lasting solution of the Cyprus issue;
Also welcoming the contacts of an OIC delegation headed by Ambassador Atta El-Mannane Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for International Affairs, with the Turkish Cypriot side in March 2006; to determine the economic and social conditions and thus explore the ways and means of achieving a just political settlement in the island;
Expressing its solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots and its appreciation for their constructive efforts to attain a just and mutually acceptable settlement;
Considering that the massive arms build-up and the establishment, as well as continuing construction of air and naval bases by the Greek Cypriot side constitute a threat to peace and stability in the Island and the region;
Expressing regret that, the Greek Cypriot side unilaterally breached the understanding of mutual cancellation since 2001 of annual military exercises;
Noting the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Cyprus contained in document ICFM/33-2006/POL/SG.REP.4
1. Reaffirms 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 one having the ability to govern, exploit, oppress or threaten the other.
2. Supports the establishment of technical committees between the two parties which aim to build mutual confidence.
3. Expresses its profound disappointment over the unwillingness on the part of the Greek Cypriot side towards finding a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue.
4. Calls upon the international community to urge the Greek Cypriot side to work for an early comprehensive solution of the Cyprus question on the basis of the UN Settlement Plan.
5. Repeats its call to the international community to take, without further delay, concrete steps to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.
6. Calls upon the Member States to strengthen effective solidarity with the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus, closely associating with them, and with a view to helping them materially and politically to overcome the inhuman isolation which has been imposed upon them, to increase and expand their relations in all fields.
7. Invites the Member States in this framework: - to exchange business delegations with the Turkish Cypriot side with a view to exploring the opportunities of economic cooperation, investment in the areas such as direct transport, tourism, information; - to develop cultural relations and sports contacts with the Turkish Cypriot people; - to encourage cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot universities, including the exchanges of students and academicians.
8. Strongly encourages Member States to exchange high level visits with the Turkish Cypriot side.
9. Reaffirms its previous decisions to support until the Cyprus problem is solved, the rightful claim of the Turkish Muslim people 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.
10. Requests the Secretary-General to secure the continuation of the necessary contacts with the Islamic Development Bank with a view to seek ways and means of the latter’s assistance for the development projects of the Turkish Cypriot side.
11. Decides to remain seized of the request of the Turkish Cypriot side for full membership of the OIC.
12. Urges the Member States to inform the Secretariat of the action taken regarding the implementation of its previous resolutions and particularly Resolution No.2/31-P.
13. Requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary measures for the implementation of this resolution, make further recommendations as appropriate and to report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 6/33-PON SOLIDARITY WITH THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling all the relevant Islamic resolutions, in particular Resolution No.11/10-P(IS), adopted by the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit and Resolution No.6/32-P adopted by the Thirty-second Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Sana'a, Republic of Yemen, on solidarity with the Republic of The Sudan;
Taking note that Sudan continues to face external threats targeting its unity, stability and territorial integrity and to be subjected to mobilization of public opinion and negative campaigns by some hostile circles;
Welcoming the signing in Nairobi, Kenya, on 9 January 2005 of the comprehensive peace agreement between the Government of The Sudan and the People’s Liberation Movement of the Sudan, and the subsequent positive steps taken by both parties for the implementation of the provisions of the agreement;
Welcoming the convening of the Donor Conference in the Norwegian capital, Oslo in April 2005, to mobilize financial assistance for Sudan’s reconstruction and economic development, and the pledges made by the participants to contribute US$4.5 billion in favour of the reconstruction throughout The Sudan.
Welcoming also the signing in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, on 18 June 2005 of the Cairo Agreement for national Reconciliation and Comprehensive Peace in The Sudan;
Referring to the resolution of the Tenth Islamic Summit Conference held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in October 2003, on the establishment of a Fund for the reconstruction and development of the war-damaged areas in southern Sudan;
Aware of the severe of the damage inflicted on the infrastructure, including roads, bridges, electricity, water and the projects of vital services such as schools and hospitals during the years of war in Southern Sudan, and the consequent cessation of development projects and reconstruction and displacement of thousands of citizens from the war areas to other areas in the Republic of the Sudan.
Taking note of the report of the Secretary General on the Solidarity with The Sudan (Document No.ICFM/33-2006/POL/SG.REP.5);
1. Reiterates its full solidarity with Sudan in consolidating peace and stability countrywide and in defending its sovereignty and unity, and in this regard calls upon the international community to adhere to the full observance of Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
2. Calls upon all Member States to support the Sudanese Government’s efforts for the achievement of peace, stability and national reconciliation in the country.
3. Welcomes the agreement signed in Abuja on 5-6 May 2006 between the Sudanese Government and some of the armed movements in Darfur and calls upon the remaining armed movements to act with wisdom and foresight, to disarm and to join the peace process in order to strengthen the basis of stability in Darfur.
4. Requests also for financial assistance to the African Union forces in order to complete its Mission in Darfur.
5. Affirms its solidarity with the Republic of the Sudan and its rejection of transferring the task of the African Union Mission in Darfur to the United Nations.
6. Pays tribute to the Sudanese Government and the People’s Movement for honouring their commitments in implementing the comprehensive peace agreement, and appeals to the international community to fulfill its commitments as agreed at the Oslo Conference for the reconstruction of the Sudan with a view to expedite the consolidation of peace there.
7. Calls for the expeditious establishment of the Fund for the reconstruction of the war-damaged areas in The Sudan, and urges the Member States, the Islamic Development Bank and the Member State’s financial institution to extend contributions to the Fund so that it may fulfill its role in the implementation of the pressing developmental projects agreed between the Sudanese Government and the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Sudan in support for Sudan’s progress; and further invites them to extend urgent support to the Sudan in order to back up efforts in addressing the humanitarian situation in Darfour.
8. Supports the efforts contributed by the African Union to put an end to the conflict in the Darfour province, and reiterates its readiness to contribute positively to these efforts.
9. Commends the Sudanese Government’s cooperation with the United Nations and the African Union in dealing with the humanitarian and security situation in the Darfour province, pays tribute to the Sudanese Government’s endeavours to achieve national reconciliation and its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Darfour.
10. Calls on the Security Council to grant the Sudanese Government adequate opportunity to fulfill its commitments as set out in its agreements with the United Nations and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and renews its rejection of imposing or threatening to impose sanctions against the Sudan, given the full cooperation demonstrated by the Sudan towards the achievement of a peaceful solution of the conflict in Darfour within the framework of the African Union’s mediation.
11. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his contacts with the Government of The Sudan and the African Union to promote the peace process in the Darfour province.
12. Reiterates its full support for the demands of the Republic of The Sudan for the formation of an international investigative committee under the supervision of the Security Council to investigate the causes and motives that led the United States of America to bomb Al-Shifa factory in August on the pretext that it was producing chemical weapons.
13. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 7/33-PON THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR DISPUTE
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Reaffirming the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the UN Charter regarding the importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and recalling the UN resolutions relevant to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute which remain unimplemented.
Recalling the Special Declarations on Jammu and Kashmir adopted by the Seventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit held in Casablanca in 1994 and Islamabad in 1997 and all previous OIC resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as well as the reports of the Ministerial and Summit Meetings of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir and endorsing the recommendations contained therein.
Expressing concern over the violations of human rights of Kashmiris and regretting that India had not allowed the OIC Fact Finding Mission to visit Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir or responded favorably to the offer of the Good Offices Mission made by the OIC.
Noting with regret the Indian attempt to malign the legitimate Kashmiri freedom struggle by denigrating it as terrorism and appreciating that the Kashmiris condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including state sponsored terrorism.
Taking note of the Memorandum submitted by the True Representatives of Jammu and Kashmir.
Encouraging and supporting the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India and welcoming the fact that during the President of Pakistan’s recent visit to India, the leaders of Pakistan and India agreed to continue discussions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute in a sincere, purposeful and forward looking manner for a final settlement.
Expressing the hope that India will reciprocate the spirit of flexibility being shown by Pakistan and work towards finding a just and peaceful final settlement to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people.
Acknowledging that the Kashmiris are the principal party to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and that they must be associated with the Pakistan-India dialogue process at an appropriate stage.
Welcoming Pakistan’s proposal for the appointment of High Representatives with a defined mandate by the Governments of Pakistan and India for a more focused discussion aimed at promoting a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Expressing regrets at the loss of precious lives and property resulting from the devastating Earthquake that struck Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Pakistan on 8th October 2005 and appreciating the timely and substantive response for relief and rehabilitation by the Government of Pakistan, OIC Member States, OIC Secretariat and the international community.
Appreciating the initiative of the President of Pakistan following 8th October 2005 earthquake to open five crossing points on the LOC to facilitate the divided families of the region and facilitate relief and rehabilitation work.
Welcoming the historic decision by the governments of Pakistan and India to allow travel across the Line of Control (LOC) by bus between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar and between Rawlakot and Poonch, and trade by truck between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar, without passport or visas.
Welcoming the appointment of Ambassador Ezzat Kamel Mufti, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs as Special Representative of the OIC Secretary-General on Jammu and Kashmir and hoping that this appointment would facilitate implementation of OICs decisions on Jammu and Kashmir and early resolution of this dispute.
Taking note of the Report of the Secretary General on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute (OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG.REP.6);
1. Calls for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions and as agreed upon in the Simla Agreement.
2. Calls upon India to cease forthwith the gross and systematic human rights violations of the Kashmiri people and allow International Human Rights Groups and Humanitarian Organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir
3. Affirms that any political process/elections held under foreign occupation cannot be a substitute to the exercise of the right of self-determination by people of Kashmir as provided in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and reaffirmed in the Millennium Declaration of the UN General Assembly.
4. Supports the ongoing efforts of the Government of Pakistan to seek a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through all possible means including substantive bilateral talks with India in accordance with the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Notes with appreciation the positive developments in Pak-India relations ensuing from Pakistan’s unilateral decision of cease fire along the Line of Control (LOC).
6. Appeals to the Member States, OIC and other Islamic Institutions, such as the Islamic Solidarity Fund, and philanthropists to mobilize funds and contribute generously towards providing humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people.
7. Requests the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund to provide the necessary financial resources to provide vocational training and higher education to Kashmiri refugees and entrusts the General Secretariat to submit appropriate proposals.
8. Urges the Government of India, in the interest of regional peace and security, to avail itself of the offer of Good Offices made by the OIC and also allow the OIC Fact Finding Mission to visit the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir;
9. Recommends that Member States continue to coordinate their positions in international forums and mandates the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir Group to meet regularly along side the session of the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Council and the Sub-Commission on Prevention on Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
10. Decides to consider the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute at the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
11. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE PEACE PROCESS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Guided by the principles and purposes of the UN as well as OIC Charter;
Recalling the OIC Summit and Ministerial Resolutions on the Security and Solidarity of Islamic States and the relevant OIC Declarations and Resolutions expressing solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their fundamental human rights, including the right of self-determination;
Recognizing the centrality of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir to the process of full normalization of relations between Pakistan and India and the need for seeking a durable and just solution to the satisfaction of both Pakistan and India as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir;
1. Strongly supports the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India and commends Pakistan for its continued efforts to create and sustain an enabling environment for a composite dialogue with India. 2. Notes that Pakistan and India, after completing the two rounds of the peace process started in 2004, have initiated the Third Round of the Composite Dialogue January 2006 and have expressed the determination to carry the dialogue process forward in the light of the Joint Statements issued after the meeting of President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India in New Delhi on 18 April 2005 and in New York on 14 September 2005 in which the two leaders agreed to address the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and discuss all options for a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the dispute in a sincere and purposeful manner.
3. Supports various confidence-building measures taken by both Pakistan and India including on peace and security, covering both conventional and non-conventional fields and people-to-people contacts.
4. Expresses satisfaction at the bilateral understanding to observe ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and requests Pakistan and India to consider enhancing the role of UNMOGIP and other impartial observers along both sides of the LoC to further strengthen existing CBMs. 5. Appreciates the flexibility shown by President Musharraf in moving forward to the resolution of Kashmir dispute through constructive proposals of demilitarization and self-governance and calls upon India to reciprocate positively,
6 . Encourages India to involve the representatives of the Kashmiri people in the dialogue process and to work towards achieving a just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, and in the interim, to improve the human rights situation and withdraw security forces from Indian occupied Kashmir.
7. Notes with satisfaction the resumption of new road and rail links including Nankana Sahib-Amritsar Bus Service and Rail link between Khokhrapar-Monabao and encourages the two countries to build on the momentum generated, after the October 2005 earthquake, across both sides of the Line of Control for mutual interaction and assistance to resolve the Kashmir issue.
8. Calls on India to resolve all the disputes concerning river waters, including Wullar barrage, Baghliar and Kishanganga hydro-electric projects, in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.
9. Further calls upon India to work with Pakistan towards the resolution of other issues in the composite dialogue process, including Sir Creek and Siachin, on the basis of the 1989 Agreement.
10 . Calls upon the international community including the United Nations to closely monitor the situation inside the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the dialogue process between Pakistan and India.
11. Requests the Secretary-General and the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir to remain seized of the developments of the situation and to submit report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 9/33-PON THE AGGRESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AGAINST THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;
Gravely concerned over the aggression by the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan which has resulted in the occupation of about 20 percent of the territories of Azerbaijan;
Expressing its profound concern over continued occupation of significant part of the territories of Azerbaijan and illegal transfer of settlers of the Armenian nationality to those territories;
Deeply distressed over the plight of more than one million Azerbaijani displaced persons and refugees resulting from the Armenian aggression and over magnitude and severity of these humanitarian problems;
Reaffirming all previous relevant resolutions and, in particular, the Resolution No. 21/10-P(IS), adopted by the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Putrajaya, from 20 to 21 Shaban, 1424H (16-17 October 2003);
Urging strict adherence to the Charter of the UN and full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions;
Welcoming all diplomatic and other efforts for the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan;
Reaffirming commitment by all Member States to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Noting also the destructive influence of the policy of aggression of the Republic of Armenia on the peace process within the OSCE framework;
Taking note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG-REP.7).
1. Strongly condemns the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan.
2. Considers the actions perpetrated against civilian Azerbaijani population in the occupied Azerbaijani territories as crimes against humanity.
3. Strongly condemns any looting and destruction of the archeological, cultural and religious monuments in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
4. Strongly demands the strict implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884, and the immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied Azerbaijani territories including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and strongly urges Armenia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
5. Expresses its concern that Armenia has not yet implemented demands contained in the above stated UN Security Council resolutions.
6. Calls on the UN Security Council to recognize the existence of aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan; to take the necessary steps under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations to ensure compliance with its resolutions; to condemn and reverse aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and decides to take coordinated action to this end at the United Nations.
7. Urges all States to refrain from providing any supplies of arms and military equipment to Armenia, in order to deprive the aggressor of any opportunity to escalate the conflict and to continue the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. The territories of the Member States should not be used for transit of such supplies.
8. Calls upon Member States, as well as other members of the international community, to use such effective political and economic measures as required in order to put an end to Armenian aggression and occupation of the Azerbaijani territories.
9. Calls 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 borders.
10. Decides to instruct the Permanent Representatives of Member States at the United Nations in New York, while voting at the UN General Assembly, to give full support to the issue of territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
11. Urges Armenia and all Member States of the OSCE Minsk Group to engage constructively in the ongoing OSCE peace process on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the relevant OSCE decisions and documents, including those of the First Additional Meeting of the OSCE Council of 24 March 1992, OSCE Summits of 5-6 December 1994, 2-3 December 1996, 18-19 November, 1999, and refrain from any action that will make it more difficult to reach a peaceful solution.
12. Expresses its full support for the three principles of the settlement of the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan contained in the statement of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office at the 1996 Lisbon OSCE Summit, namely the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, highest degree of self-rule of the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan and guaranteed security for this region and its whole population.
13. Stresses that fait accompli may not serve as a basis for a settlement, and that neither the current situation within the occupied areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan, nor any actions, including arranging voting process, undertaken there to consolidate the status quo, may be recognized as legally valid.
14. Demands to cease and reverse immediately the transfer of settlers of the Armenian nationality to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, which constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and has a detrimental impact on the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict, and agrees to render its full support to the efforts of Azerbaijan undertaken to this end, including at the General Assembly of the United Nations, inter alia, through their respective Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York.
15. Expresses its support to the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group and consultations held at the level of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia and its understanding that a step-by-step solution will help to ensure gradual elimination of the most serious consequences of the aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan.
16. Requests the Secretary General to communicate the principled and firm position of the OIC vis-à-vis the Armenian aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan, to the current Chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
17. Reaffirms its total solidarity with and support for the efforts undertaken by the Government and people of Azerbaijan to defend their country.
18. Calls for enabling the displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes in safety, honour and dignity.
19. Expresses its appreciation to all Member States which have provided humanitarian assistance to the refugees and displaced persons and urges all the others to extend their contribution to these people.
20. Expresses its concern over the severity of humanitarian problems concerning the existence of more than one million displaced persons and refugees in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and requests the OIC Member States, the Islamic Development Bank and other Islamic Institutions to render much needed financial and humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
21. Considers that Azerbaijan has the right for appropriate compensation with regard to damages it suffered as a result of the conflict and puts the responsibility for the adequate compensation of these damages on Armenia.
22. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 10/33-PON THE PROBLEM OF REFUGEES IN THE MUSLIM WORLD
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling Resolution 10/32-P adopted by the Thirty-second Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Sana’a, in June 2005 which called for a ministerial conference to be urgently convened in 2005 to discuss the issue of Refugees in the Muslim world, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;
Expressing its firm belief that arriving at the best solution to the problem of refugees may accelerate the provision of favourable conditions which would ease their return to their countries in security and dignity;
Commending the existing close relation between the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the High Commissioner for Refugees on the preparation to hold the ministerial conference;
Reaffirming the recommendations contained in the report of the 2nd Meeting of Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGGE) on the Problem of Refugees in Muslim World, which was held in Jeddah on 9-10 April 2005;
Having considered the report of the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG-REP.8)
1. Welcomes the decision of the Government of Pakistan to host an OIC Ministerial Conference on the Problems of Refugees in the Muslim World in Islamabad on 27-29 November 2006, in close coordination with the UNHCR.
2. Urges Member States, humanitarian organizations and specialized institutions to contribute to cover the cost of the conference to ensure its success and to deposit their contributions into the account opened by the General Secretariat
3. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE IMPOSITION OF UNILATERAL ECONOMIC SANCTIONSON MEMBER STATES
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Guided by relevant principles set forth in the OIC and UN Charter;
Recalling the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States, the 1974 Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States and the 1974 Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of their Independence and Sovereignty, adopted by the UN General Assembly, all of which declare that no State may use or encourage the use of economic, political or any other type of measures to coerce another State in order to obtain from it the subordination of the exercise of its sovereign rights;
Recalling also the relevant OIC and UN resolutions, which call upon those States that have imposed unilaterally extraterritorial coercive economic measures to revoke them immediately;
Bearing in mind declarations and other documents issued by the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and the World Trade Organization on rejection of imposition of all forms of coercive economic measures and the need to eliminate them immediately;
Gravely concerned over the application of unilateral extraterritorial coercive economic measures against some OIC members as they are unjust, oppressive and constitute a blatant violation of provisions of international law;
Taking into consideration the report submitted by the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG-REP.9);
1. Expresses its deep concern over the imposition of unilateral economic measures on some Member States and declares its strong solidarity with them.
2. Strongly condemns and rejects all types of unilateral coercive measures including unilateral economic sanctions and consider them as null and void.
3. Strongly urges the States imposing unilateral economic sanctions, to commit themselves to their obligations and responsibilities under the international law, to repeal immediately all existing measures and to refrain from such practices, as they are inconsistent with the provisions of international law and objectives and principles of the UN Charter and WTO agreements.
4. Calls upon all Member States to consider the adoption of administrative or legislative measures, as appropriate, to counteract the extraterritorial application or effect of unilateral coercive measures.
5. Entrusts the OIC General Secretariat with gathering views, information and statistics on harmful consequences of unilateral economic sanctions in order to present them to the UN Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with the view to seeking ways and means to counter their application.
6. Invites the Experts Group on the unilateral economic sanctions to hold a meeting in 2005 in order to elaborate the means to counter them and to formulate a Model Law for its submission to the next ICFM.
7. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON COMBATING INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling Res. 43/7-P(IS) issued by the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference endorsing the Code of Conduct on combating international terrorism, and Res. 54/8-P (IS) issued by the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference as well as Res. 54/25-P issued by the 25th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on follow-up of the Code of Conduct on combating international terrorism. and Res. 59/26-P issued by the 26th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers which approved the OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism as well as the Extraordinary Meeting of Foreign Ministers held in Doha, Qatar on 10 December 2001: Further recalling the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on International Terrorism issued by the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on terrorism, which was held from 1st to 3rd April 2002 and which decided to set up a Ministerial Committee emanating from the OIC and comprised of Thirteen members, for the implementation of the international texts and agreements that govern the issue of terrorism and to bring about a better understanding of Islam and its principles, to protect Muslims against all manifestations of xenophobia and to protect individuals against any prejudice that they might face as a result of preemptive measures for combating terrorism; Also recalling Section VI of the Programme of Action adopted by the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference as well as various United Nations and Security Council resolutions on Combating International Terrorism; Reiterating, on the one hand, its commitment to the values and principles of Islam which enjoins against aggression and glorifies peace, tolerance and respect for the others, and prohibits the taking of innocent life, and its determination, on the other hand, to combat all terrorist actions. Asserting its commitment to abide by the provisions of the OIC Agreement on Combating International Terrorism and its desire to coordinate the Member States’ efforts in combating all forms and manifestations of terrorism including state-terrorism; Underlining the importance of ensuring an atmosphere of mutual confidence and solidarity among Member States, particularly in the framework of international and regional cooperation, through the coordination and exchange of data between specialized institutions for the sake of combating international terrorism effectively; Being aware of the adverse effects of terrorism in all its forms on the image of Islam; Highlighting the importance of addressing the reasons which underlie international terrorism, in other words, the environment that promotes it such as foreign occupation, injustice, ostracism, poverty and the widening gap between rich and poor; Taking into consideration the report submitted by the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG-REP.10);
1. Affirms that the phenomenon of terrorism is antithetical to all the teachings of Islam which advocates tolerance, compassion and non-violence and enjoins against all forms of aggression, and above all the killing of human life regardless of colour, religion or race.
2. Condemns any linkage between terrorism and race, religion and culture. 3. Calls again for the convening of an international conference under the aegis of the United Nations to set a definition for the concept of terrorism and distinguish it from the peoples’ national liberation struggle. 4. Calls also for the holding of a high level meeting of the UN General Assembly to emphasize the international consensus for the adoption of an integrated strategy to combat this dangerous phenomenon. 5. Reiterates, in this connection, that the struggle of peoples plying under the yoke of foreign occupation and colonialism, to accede to national freedom and establish their right to self-determination, does not in any way constitute an act of terrorism. 6. Urges all Member States to sign, ratify and enforce the provisions of the “OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism”. 7. Also urges all Member States to work along with the rest of the nations to bolster the international community’s efforts under UN supervision to combat international terrorism in a transparent and integral way consistent with the Organization’s charter principles and with the relevant international agreements and mechanisms. Particular reference needs to be made to the necessary implementation of the Security Council resolutions, above all Res. 1373 which calls upon states to prepare reports on the initiatives taken by their governments in their anti-terrorist efforts. Supports the resolution issued by the International Conference on Combating Terrorism, which was held in Riyadh in February 2005, relating to the establishment of an International Counter-Terrorism Centre under the aegis the United Nations, with a view to immediately exchange information as well as for cooperation and coordination among Member States in order to strengthen efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon. 8. Reaffirms the need for a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy to be developed by the UN General Assembly, in accordance with the September 2005 Summit Outcome Document, and, in this context, calls upon the OIC Group in New York to study the UN Secretary General’s report of 02 May 2006. It further emphasizes that such a strategy must address the root causes of terrorism including foreign occupation, denial of people’s right to self-determination and political and socio-economic injustices. 9. Invites the 13-Member Committee issued from the Kuala Lumpur 2002 meeting and assigned to study the issues linked to combating terrorism, to meet as soon as possible and work out appropriate recommendations on combating international terrorism and promoting a better understanding of the Islamic faith and its principles, and to coordinate between the OIC on the one hand and other regional and international organizations, on the other, 10. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution in cooperation with the Member States and to report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
SECURITY AND SOLIDARITY AMONG MEMBER STATES
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006);
Recalling all previous resolutions adopted by the OIC Conferences on this subject;
Recalling also the provisions of the Dakar and Tehran Declarations adopted by the Sixth and Eighth Sessions of the Islamic Summit Conference which affirm the resolve of Member States to contribute actively towards the establishment of a New International Order based on peace, justice and equality and respect for international legality and capable of guaranteeing progress for all;
Stressing the inherent right of Member States, to self-defense, in accordance with Article (51) of the UN Charter as well as their right, individually and collectively to maintain their national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity;
Reaffirming the importance of the maintenance of peace and security in the Islamic world and promotion of confidence, cooperation and solidarity among the OIC Member States;
Expressing its deep concern at the continued occupation of Palestine, Al-Quds Al-Sharif and of the other Arab territories and the continued denial of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people which constitute a serious threat to the international peace and security;
Also expressing its deep concern at the continued threats to the security of and solidarity among Member States, the increased number of crises affecting the Islamic Ummah and at attempts to undermine the Islamic values and identity;
Determined to vigorously oppose foreign domination, threat, aggression, alien occupation, coercion, intimidation and pressure against the Member States;
Taking note with appreciation of the outcome of the meetings of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Promotion of Dialogue, Cooperation and Confidence among the OIC Member States, held in Tehran in 1998, 2004, and 2005 that culminated in the formulation of “the Principles and Guidelines for Promotion of Dialogue, Cooperation and Confidence among Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which was approved by Resolution No. 13/32-P of the 32nd ICFM;
Taking note with appreciation of the report of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGGE) on Security and Solidarity of Islamic States on 23-24 April 2006 with a view to formulating a “Code of Conduct on the Promotion of Dialogue, Cooperation and Confidence among the OIC Member States”; Welcoming the First Conference of the Heads of Police of the OIC Member States on 15-17 May 2006, in Isfahan, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Taking note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG-REP.11): 1. Reiterates that the security of each Muslim country is the concern of all Islamic countries.
2. Encourages initiatives aimed at building confidence and security at the bilateral and multilateral or sub-regional and regional levels in conformity with the Dakar and Tehran Declarations;
3. Expresses its firm determination to strengthen security of Member States, through cooperation and solidarity among them, in accordance with the OIC and UN Charter and as stipulated in the Dakar and Tehran Declarations.
4. Expresses the firm determination of Member States to preserve and promote Islamic values in all spheres of life, especially those of solidarity and mutual respect;
5. Categorically rejects any attempt to misinterpret the provisions of the UN Charter, in contradiction to the principles of international law concerning the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of States, non-use of force or threat of use of force in international relations, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-intervention and non-interference in the international affairs of States and reaffirms that respect for these principles are essential prerequisite for the security of all, including Islamic States;
6. Requests the General Secretariat to circulate the draft Code of Conduct to the Member States for their views and observations, prior to the convening of a meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts with a view to finalizing the Code of Conduct.
7. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON REFORM OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND EXPANSION OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL’S MEMBERSHIP
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling previous OIC resolutions, in particular Resolution 14/32-P adopted at the Thirty-second Session of the ICFM in Sana’a on 28-30 June 2005,
Recalling also Paras 64 to 75 of the Final Document of XII NAM Summit in Durban adopted on 3 September 1998, the paragraphs related to the Security Council reform in the Declaration adopted at the 32nd Session of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, held in Harare in June 1997 as well as in the Working Paper of the Arab Group adopted by the Arab Foreign Ministers in New York on 29 September 1997;
Mindful of the objectives and principles enshrined in the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, especially the objectives of promoting Islamic solidarity among Member States and strengthening their capacity to safeguard their security, sovereignty and independence,
Reaffirming that the Untied Nations is an indispensable and irreplaceable global mechanism for the promotion of a shared vision of a more secure and prosperous world, and has the central role in the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of international cooperation,
Stressing that multilateralism and multilateral processes are essential tools in addressing the common threats and challenges,
Rejecting the dominant interventionist paradigm and tendencies as a real threat to the world community;
Stressing that any reform of the United Nations, including Security Council reform, should be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter, Rejecting any unilateral pre-emptive action in international relations as a clear violation of the UN Charter,
Expressing concern at instances of intolerance, discrimination, incitement of hatred, arising from insult against religions, Prophets and beliefs, and emphasizing that States, the United Nations, Regional Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and the media have a role in promoting respect and tolerance for all religions and beliefs;
Affirming the importance of the ongoing process
Recalling the decision, contained in paragraphs 64 and 68 of the Declaration adopted by the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of the Foreign Ministers in New York on 23 September 2005 pertaining to the UN reform and reform of the Security Council, in particular, reaffirmation of the decision that any reform proposal which neglects the adequate representation of the Islamic Ummah in any category of membership in an expanded Security Council will not be acceptable to the Islamic world,
Taking into consideration the report submitted by the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG-REP.12);
1. Affirms the importance of the ongoing process of UN reform and stresses that the OIC Member States have a direct and vital interest in determining the outcome of UN reform;
2. Notes the progress in the UN reform process including in particular the establishment of the Peace-building Commission and the Human Rights Council;
3. Reaffirms the irreplaceable role of the United Nations and the necessity of ensuring the equal participation of all Member States in a transparent and multilateral manner, guided by the UN Charter and founded on universally recognized principles;
4. Reiterates the need for the full observance of the Charter of the United Nations and the unrestricted application of all the principles and the achievement of the purposes that it enshrines, and underscores the need to preserve and promote the centrality, inviolability and sanctity of the Charter’s principles and purposes, in particular the principles of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, in any process involving the United Nations Reforms;
5. Emphasizes that the process of United Nations reform should evolve on the basis of all relevant inputs, particularly that of the OIC Member States’ view points and concerns,
6. Reiterates its deep concern that the issues pertaining to the threats of clash, militarism and the propensity to use force have not been assessed or properly addressed in the context of the UN reform process, and again emphasizes that in addressing a new consensus on collective security the concept of dialogue, particularly the need to the paradigm of “dialogue among civilizations”, already approved by the UN General Assembly as the most efficient means to tackle the growing threat of clash, should be given the high priority and attention it deserves;
7. Mindful of the religious and cultural diversities in a globalizing world, underlines the need to promote universal respect for all religions and cultural values and prevent instances of intolerance, discrimination, incitement of hatred and violence arising from any action against religions, prophets, and beliefs, which threaten the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom;
8. Stresses that the UN Security Council reform must be comprehensive in all its aspects and stresses the importance of enhancing the transparency, accountability and democratization of the Security Council through the improvement of its working methods and its decision-making process.
9. Reiterates its conviction that the OIC Member States must have adequate representation on the UN Security Council, taking into consideration the significant demographic and political weight of the OIC in international relations.
10. Reaffirms that both reform and expansion of the membership of the Security Council, including the question of the veto, should be considered as integral parts of a common package, taking into account the principle of sovereign equality of States and equitable geographical distribution.
11. Further reaffirms that efforts at the restructuring of the Security Council shall not be subjected to any artificial deadlines, and that a decision on this issue should be made by consensus.
12. Reaffirms the resolve of the Member States to continue contributing actively and constructively to the consideration of the UN reform.
13. Requests the OIC open-ended Contact Group on UN Reform and Expansion of the Security Council at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to continue to closely coordinate the positions of the OIC Member States promoting the comprehensive reform of the Security Council on the above basis and to ensure equitable representation for OIC countries in any category in the enlarged Security Council in proportion to their membership of the United Nations.
14. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report thereon to the Thirty Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE CONFERENCE OF 2005 ON REVIEW OF NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006) Expressing concern and disappointment over the inability of the NPT Review Conference, held in New York in May 2005, to arrive at an objective final document built on the agreement and the resolutions adopted during the 2000 NPT Review Conference and the extension of the Treaty in 1995; Taking note of the active participation of the Islamic countries party to the NPT in the 2005 Review Conference as well as in other relevant multilateral fora and encouraging the continuation of this participation in the preparatory process for the 2010 NPT Review Conference. Reaffirming that all nuclear activities of Israel, including its clandestine and unsafeguarded nuclear facilities, continue to pose a grave threat endangering international peace and security particularly to the OIC Member States; Recalling the Decision of Principles and Objectives for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament adopted by the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference on Strengthening Nuclear Disarmament; Calling for the establishment of an effective follow-up mechanism to achieve the objectives of the Middle East Resolutions adopted by the 2005 NPT Review and Extension Conference, and for the implementation of the confirmation made by the 2000 Conference for the first time on the need for Israel to accede to this Treaty and subject all its nuclear facilities to the comprehensive guarantees system of the IAEA. Noting the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of the 8th of July 1996, in which it reaffirms unanimously the obligation of nuclear states to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control. Recalling the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly related to nuclear disarmament, in particular Resolutions 60/56 and 60/72. Concerned about the lack of progress on the implementation of the outcome of the 2000 NPT Review Conference; Convinced of the necessity to reaffirm the objectives of the NPT particularly the full implementation of the measures conducive to total elimination of nuclear weapons;
Underlining the need to hold the Nuclear Weapon States accountable for their obligation under Article VI of the NPT and the outcome of 1995 and 2000 Review Conferences including holding structural debates, with the NPT process to review and asses the implementation of their commitment of this obligation; Appreciating the suggestions of Pakistan to improve the global non-proliferation regime; 1 Requests all Islamic countries party to the Treaty to actively participate in the preparatory process for the 2010 NPT Review Conference. 2 Requests all States parties to pursue vigorously the objective of nuclear disarmament in the international fora, as stipulated in Article VI of the NPT, in particular the Conference on Disarmament. 3 Invites all States parties to the NPT in particular the permanent members of the Security Council to exert pressure on Israel to accede to the Treaty to refrain from owning nuclear weapons and their components and to place all its nuclear activities and facilities under the IAEA comprehensive safeguards taking into consideration the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the resolution adopted by the NPT Review and Extension Conference held in New York in April and May 1995 regarding a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East region as well as the outcome of the 2000 NPT Review Conference in this regard. 4 Strongly urges states parties to the NPT, in particular the sponsors of the Resolution on the Middle East, adopted at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, to promptly implement this Resolution with the objective of establishing a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in the Middle East, particularly in light of the failure of the 2005 NPT Review Conference in reaching an effective follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the Middle East Resolution of 1995, whose objectives were some of the major reasons why the Conference failed in arriving at an objective final document, thus jeopardizing the foundation on which the entire review process is built. 5 Requests the Islamic countries party to NPT to conduct further consultations at the expert level to evaluate the result of the 2005 NPT Review Conference and coordinate positions for the 2010 NPT Review Conference. 6 Recalls the unequivocal undertakings of the Nuclear Weapon States as expressed in the final document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference to pursue nuclear disarmament and calls upon them to make a specific timetable for the elimination of their nuclear weapons. 7 Calls for fostering cooperation among the OIC Member States in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy for economic development, taking into consideration their needs in the fields of health, sciences, agriculture, energy, research and industry consistent with their respective international obligations. 8 Takes note of the recognition by the 2000 NPT Review Conference that Israel is the only country in the Middle East that is yet to accede to the Treaty, and its encouragement of that State to accede to the Treaty without delay, should be closely followed-up through the establishment of an effective and specific mechanism aimed at arriving at measures to be implemented against Israel in the event of its non-accession within a specified time period, and requests Member States to take a unified position within the United Nations General Assembly, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international fora to achieve the above.
9
Requests
the Experts Group on the Security of Islamic States to submit its report
on this issue to the Thirty-Fourth 10 Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the Implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ESTABLISHMENT OF NUCLEAR-WEAPONS-FREE ZONES IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, CENTRAL ASIA AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling that the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in various regions of the world is one of the measures which can most effectively guarantee the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as contribute to the total elimination of nuclear weapons and achievement of general and complete disarmament;
Convinced that the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon Free-Zones in various regions will serve to protect the States of such regions against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons and reaffirming the calls upon all States, particularly Nuclear Weapon States to demand Israel to cease its clandestine nuclear activities and to shut down its nuclear reactors, especially the Dimona Nuclear Reactor given the highly disturbing news on the increase of nuclear radiation leakage which may lead to an environmental disaster in the Middle East, in addition to nuclear threats it represents;
Expressing deep concern over the fact reflected in the report of the UN Secretariat to the 2005 NPT Review Conference on implementing the resolution of the 2000 NPT Review and Extension Conference on the Middle East which states that all States of the region, with the exception of Israel, are parties to the NPT.
Underlining that the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference reaffirmed the importance of Israel’s accession to the NPT and the placement of its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards, in realizing the goal of universal adherence to the Treaty in the Middle East.
Taking into consideration the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference as well as the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference;
Also recalling all the resolutions adopted by Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers, including Resolution 28/10-P(IS) adopted by the Tenth Summit of the OIC Conference and Resolution 16/32-P adopted by the Thirty-second Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, on the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia and Central Asia;
Bearing in mind all the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the African Union in this respect, and recalling in particular the Declaration on Denuclearization of Africa adopted by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union at its First Ordinary Session held in Cairo in July 1964 on the necessity for establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Africa;
Warning at the serious consequences arising from the fact that all states of the Middle East have become parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty except Israel that has not acceded to the Treaty, has not placed its nuclear facilities under the IAEA comprehensive safeguard agreements and has not declared its intention to do so, and has continued its clandestine nuclear programmes and weapon activities;
Recalling as well, all relevant resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly on this subject particularly Resolutions, 60/52, 60/92, 60/49, 58/53 and Decision 58/598 on the establishment of nuclear weapon free zones in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia and Central Asia respectively;
Noting the successful conclusion of the signing ceremony of the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zones Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba) that was held at Cairo on 11 April 1996 and the South East Asia Nuclear Weapon Free-Zone Treaty (the Treaty of Bangkok) which was signed on 15 December 1995 and entered into force on 27 March 1997;
Welcoming the proposals made by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan aimed at achieving nuclear and missile restraint in South Asia;
Taking into consideration the initiative introduced by the Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of the Arab Group, at the Security Council calling for the establishment of a zone free from all weapons of mass-destruction in the Middle East Region;
Convinced that the non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons cannot be achieved in the absence of progress towards universal nuclear disarmament;
Recalling the paragraphs specific to disarmament in the Final Document of the Thirteenth Conference of the Heads of State of Government of the NAM held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in February 2003, as well as the final document of the Fourteenth Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Durban, South Africa on17-19 August 2004;
1. Urges all States, especially Nuclear Weapon States to exert pressure on Israel to accede to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and calls on the international community and the Security Council to compel Israel to comply with the relevant U.N. Resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 487(1981), to immediately implement the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling for the subjection of all Israeli nuclear facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System and to implement the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference as well as paragraphs 1-9 of the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference.
2. Reaffirms the determination of Member States to take measures to prevent nuclear weapon proliferation on a non-discriminatory and universal basis and urges all States, particularly Nuclear Weapon States to pressure Israel to cease its clandestine nuclear activities and to shut down its nuclear reactor especially the Dimona Nuclear Reactor given the highly disturbing news on the increasing possibility of nuclear radiation leakage out of it, which may lead to an environmental disaster in the Middle East.
3. Condemns Israel for not implementing the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the 1995 NPT Extension and Review Conference and reaffirmed by the 2000 NPT Review Conference and calls on the United Nations, the Permanent Members of the Security Council and the international community to take the necessary measures to avert the Israeli nuclear threat endangering the peoples of the region, which constitutes a serious violation of the UN objectives, particularly Article 51 of the Charter.
4. Calls for the total and complete prohibition of transfer of all nuclear related equipment, information, material and facilities, resources or devices and extension of assistance in the nuclear related scientific or technological fields to Israel. In this regard, expresses serious concern over the continuing development where by Israeli scientists are provided access to the nuclear facilities of one nuclear weapon state and considers that this development will have potentially serious negative implications on the regional security as well as the reliability of the global non-proliferation regime.
5. Welcomes the initiative introduced by the Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of the Arab Group, at the UN Security Council in the months of Safar and Shawal 1424H (April and December 2003) calling for the establishment of a zone free from all weapons of mass-destruction, particularly nuclear ones in the Middle East Region.
6. Requests the Security Council to obtain Israel's renunciation of nuclear weapons, and a full report on its stockpile and ammunition for the consideration of the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the establishment of a zone free from nuclear weapon and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East region, and are fundamental factor for a just and comprehensive peace in the region and calls upon Member States to strive to include again the item “Israeli nuclear capabilities and its dangers” on the agenda of the forthcoming General Conference of the IAEA.
7. Considers that the establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia constitutes one of the important elements for the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation.
8. Calls on Nuclear Weapon States to engage constructively through a transparent and credible process of negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament with the view to establishing within its programme of work a subsidiary body on nuclear disarmament.
9. Requests all Member States to keep up and further coordinate their positions at the United Nations and other relevant international fora to promote the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in the Middle East, Africa, South East Asia and Central Asia.
10. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the developments in this regard and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. ---------
RESOLUTION NO.17/33-PON THE STRENGTHENING OF THE SECURITY OF NON-NUCLEAR WEAPON STATES AGAINST THE USE OR THREAT OF USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Guided by the objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference which call for the consolidation of international peace and security on the basis of justice; and reaffirming its commitment to the purposes of the United Nations’ Charter in safeguarding international peace and security;
Deeply concerned over the existence of significant nuclear arsenals in the world which increase the possibility of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;
Taking into consideration that it is imperative for the international community to develop effective measures to ensure the security of Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or of threat of use of nuclear weapons, whatever their origin;
Recalling the resolutions and decisions adopted by the UN General Assembly at its 10th Special Session, held from 23 May to 30 June 1978 devoted to disarmament, especially its paragraphs 32 and 59 related to the effective arrangements to assure the non-nuclear weapon states against the use or the threat of use of nuclear weapons;
Recalling the Declaration of the UN General Assembly No.1653 of 24 November 1961 on the prohibition of the use of nuclear and thermo-nuclear weapons, which affirms that the use of such weapons is contrary to the spirit, letter and aims of the United Nations and, as such, a direct violation of the Charter of the United Nations;
Recalling the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 8 July 1996 on the legality of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons in which it expresses that use or threat of use of nuclear weapons would generally be contrary to the Rules of international law applicable in armed conflict and in particular the principles and rules of Humanitarian Law;
Underlining once again the unanimous conclusion of the International Court of Justice that there exists an obligation to pursue in good faith and bring to conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control;
Recognizing that effective measures to protect Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons positively contributes to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and strengthen international peace and security;
Deeply concerned over Israel’s arsenal of nuclear weapons and its threats and practices aimed at destroying the peaceful and defense capabilities of OIC Member States;
Also deeply concerned about the Israeli threats against peaceful nuclear installations of the OIC Member States;
Deeply convinced that the most effective assurance for Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is the total elimination of all nuclear weapons;
Recalling the declaration and commitment therein made by Nuclear-Weapon-States to provide security assurances to Non-Nuclear Weapon States in accordance with their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other instruments;
Noting that Nuclear Weapon States have failed to provide credible assurances to Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;
Recalling all relevant resolutions adopted by the Islamic Conferences including Resolution 39/10-P (IS) adopted by the Tenth Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution 33/31-P of the Thirty-first Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Recalling also the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly as well as relevant documents of the Non-Aligned Movement on the need for assurances by nuclear powers to Non-Nuclear Weapon States to the effect that they shall not resort to the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons against them;
Recalling the resolutions of the UN General Assembly related to the subject, in particular Resolution 60/53;
Noting the unanimous adoption of Resolution No. 984 by the UN Security Council as well as the Declaration issued by the Nuclear Weapon States in April 1995 on positive and negative security assurances for the Non-Nuclear Weapon States which are still inadequate to assure the Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;
Noting also the adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by the Resumed Session of the UN General Assembly on 10 September, 1996;
Expressing deep concern over the threat of use of nuclear weapons in general and against the OIC Member States in particular;
Also expressing deep concern over the nuclear posture review by a certain nuclear weapon state in which some Member States are threatened to be targets of special types of nuclear weapons;
1. Calls upon all States, including those Members of the Conference on Disarmament, particularly the Nuclear Weapon States, to work urgently towards a multilaterally negotiated legally binding instrument to assure unconditionally Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons and to explore all additional means to provide effective assurances to Non-Nuclear Weapon States in the global or regional context. Pending the conclusion of such legally binding instrument, the Nuclear Weapon States should fully observe their existing obligations.
2. Recommends that the Islamic States make every effort at all international fora with a view to promoting the above-mentioned objectives aimed at strengthening the security of on-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
3. Urges the Conference on Disarmament to give utmost priority among all issues on its agenda, to the early commencement of negotiations on nuclear disarmament.
4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the developments in this respect and submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON COOPERATION BY THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN WITH IAEA
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 23 to 25 Jumada Al-Awwal 1427H (19-21 June 2005);
Recalling the relevant OIC decisions and resolutions, particularly those adopted in the Tenth OIC Summit and the 31st and 32nd Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers; Reaffirming the inalienable rights of Member States, without discrimination, to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; Reaffirming that nothing in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Statute, shall be interpreted as affecting the inalienable right of all parties to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; 1. Recognizes that any attempt aimed at limiting the application of peaceful uses of nuclear energy would affect the sustainable development of developing countries. 2. Rejects discrimination and double standards in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 3. Recognizes the inalienable right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as enshrined in the NPT and the Statute of the IAEA. 4. Expresses concern over any unwanted consequences on the peace and security of the region and beyond of threats and pressures on Iran by certain circles to renounce its inalienable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and expresses its support and solidarity with that country. 5. Appreciates the continuous cooperation of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the IAEA, including those measures undertaken beyond its commitments under the NPT and the Statute of the IAEA until recently. 6. Calls and supports firmly the settlement of the issue exclusively by peaceful means, in the framework of the IAEA and in accordance with the NPT and the Statute of the IAEA and welcomes the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to settle all remaining outstanding issues peacefully. 7. Invites the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA to continue their cooperation to resolve all remaining outstanding issues.
ON THE SITUATION IN COTE D'IVOIRE
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Having taken cognizance of the internal security situation of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire since 19 September 2002;
Concerned at the unstable socio-political environment prevailing in this country;
Equally concerned at the negative consequences of this instability upon the economy of this country and other countries of the sub-region;
Satisfied with the initiatives undertaken at the bilateral and international level, notably by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Organization (UNO) with the aim of restoring peace and national reconciliation in this country;
Endorsing the provisions of Resolution No. 1633 of the UN Security Council, notably the setting up of the National Reconciliation Government entrusted with restoring peace and national reconciliation and organizing free, open, and transparent elections by 31 October 2006, at the latest;
Desirous of re-establishing national unity and security by securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country;
Recognizing the necessity of the reconstruction of this country, which has been ravaged by the war, as well as the necessity of rebuilding of its economy;
1. Encourages the National Reconciliation Government of Cote d’Ivoire to pursue actions undertaken within the framework of restoring peace and national reconciliation with a view to organizing presidential elections in this country, by 31 October 2006 at the latest.
2. Invites all Ivorian parties to the conflict to resolutely get involved in the peace and national reconciliation process.
3. Calls on the Member States and the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to extend financial, material, and logistical assistance for the holding of indisputable elections in Cote d’Ivoire.
4. Invites the Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), and Islamic financial institutions and donors to extend assistance for the reconstruction of Cote d’Ivoire and for the rebuilding of its economy.
5. Decides to create a Special Fund for the Reconstruction of Cote d’Ivoire, dedicated to rehabilitating the Ivorian areas ravaged by the conflict.
6. Decides also to set up an OIC Contact Group to follow up developments of the situation in Cote d’Ivoire.
7. Requests the Secretary-General to undertake, as soon as possible, a visit to Cote d’Ivoire in order to make contact with the Ivorian authorities and acquaint himself with the situation in this country.
8. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO.20/33-PON COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION AMONG MEMBER STATESTO ADOPT A UNIFIED STAND IN INTERNATIONAL FORA
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Inspired by the noble Islamic teachings and principles which enjoin, inter alia, for consultation and fraternity among Muslims; Recalling the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter, especially those calling for consolidating cooperation among Member States in different fields and their consultations in international organizations; Reaffirming the need for constant strengthening of cooperation, coordination and consultation among Member States at all levels, so as to remove all causes of possible dissensions and promote mutual understanding among them; Emphasizing the importance of strengthening coordination and consultation as well as adoption of a unified stand by Islamic States, at international fora, towards the realization of the objectives of the OIC Charter and common causes and interests of the Member States and Islamic world at large; Stressing the need for establishing an effective flexible mechanism for periodic consultations and coordination between the OIC Member States on all occasions and at all international fora, on all issues of common concern; Recalling all relevant declarations and resolutions of the Islamic summit and Foreign Ministers Conferences, particularly the Programme of Action adopted by the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, on the subject; Commending the ongoing consultations and coordination between the Islamic States at various levels, including through the OIC Ambassadorial Groups in different countries and at international fora, in particular the OIC Groups at New York and Geneva, on issues of common concern and adopting unified stand thereon; 1. Recognizes that the maintenance and extension as well as strengthening of the mechanisms of coordination and consultation between the OIC Member States at all levels and on all issues of common concern, with a view to removing all causes of possible dissensions between them and adoption of a unified stand by Islamic States at international fora, are essential prerequisites towards the realization of common causes of the Islamic Ummah, particularly in our increasingly globalizing world. 2. Stresses that the Palestinian cause and the question of Al-Quds Al-Sharif should be the primary issues on which Member States must adopt a unified stand in international fora, along with other causes of the Islamic Ummah. 3. Invites all Member States and the OIC groups in various countries and international fora, to continue their consultations and coordinate their positions on issues of common concern, in line with the OIC resolutions.
4. Requests the OIC Groups in New York and Geneva to continue to coordinate the positions of Islamic States, regularly prior to and during all sessions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly and other bodies of the UN System, as well as other international meetings there, in particular on human rights issues, under the chairmanship of the ICFM and in accordance with the relevant OIC resolutions. 5. Encourages the Member States to establish effective formula or mechanism that guarantees their regular coordination and consultation at bilateral and multilateral levels. 6. Decides to set up an intergovernmental experts group, to convene as soon as possible, by taking into account the existing extensive experience and achievements gained in coordinating the positions of Islamic States at international fora, and in accordance with the relevant OIC resolutions, to formulate an action-oriented mechanism and develop necessary rules for promoting and institutionalizing the consultation and coordination of the positions of the OIC Group at capitals of Non-Islamic States and international fora, and submit its recommendations to the next Session of the ICFM for appropriate decision thereon. 7. Appreciates the OIC Groups in New York and Geneva, for holding meetings at experts level in 2006 to study the ways and means of promoting and institutionalizing the consultation and coordination of positions of the OIC Group at international fora, and invite them to submit their findings and recommendations to the abovementioned experts group. 8. Requests the General Secretariat to conduct a study on the subject, including the possibility of opening OIC Regional Offices, and prepare an informative report thereon for its submission to the meeting of the aforementioned experts group. 9. Calls upon all Member States to participate actively and at the highest possible level at the meeting of the aforesaid experts group. 10. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and submit a comprehensive progress report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND GROUPINGS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Recalling the existing cooperation agreements between the OIC and international and regional organizations;
Appreciating the concerted efforts of the Secretary General to further strengthen cooperation between the OIC and various international and regional organizations.
Taking note of the report of the Secretary General (Document No. OIC/33-ICFM/2006/POL/SG/REP.13);
1. Requests the Secretary-General, in implementation of relevant resolutions to continue his efforts to further improve cooperation with international and regional organizations, particularly the United Nations and the European Union.
2. Urges the specialized, affiliated and subsidiary organs of the OIC System, to take effective measures to broaden the scope of their cooperation with relevant international and regional organizations.
3. Entrusts the senior open-ended intergovernmental experts group on conducting a thorough review of the OIC agenda items and resolutions, established by virtue of resolution No.2/30-ORG[1], to convene as soon as possible, and in addition to its previous mandate, by taking into account the extensive experience and achievements gained by the OIC Group at international fora and aiming at promoting its effectiveness and institutionalizing and expanding its activities, to develop necessary rules and define the scope of activities of the OIC Group as an action-oriented, effective and complementary mechanism for coordinating the positions of OIC Member States, in accordance with the relevant OIC resolutions and submit its recommendations to the Thirty Fourth ICFM, for appropriate decision thereon.
4. Requests the General-Secretariat, taking into account the relevant achievements of the OIC Group in different occasions at international fora and other spheres and levels, to conduct a study on the subject and prepare an informative report thereon, for its submission to the meeting of the aforementioned experts group.
5. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ESTABLISHING A MECHANISM FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE OIC AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Reaffirming its determination to continue the consultation and exchange of views with the European Union on issues of common interest;
Recalling the Troika meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the European Union during the 57th Session of UNGA in New York on September 2002;
Recalling Resolution No. 21/32-P of the Thirty-second Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s fruitful meeting with Mr. Javier Solana in Brussels in June 2005, in New York in September 2005 as well as in Jeddah in February 2006, which was the first ever visit to the OIC Headquarters by any EU dignitary.
Taking note of the Tripartite Statement issued upon the initiative taken by the Secretary-General and signed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the European Union (EU) High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy on 7 February 2006 on the blasphemous caricatures issue.
Taking note also of the working level meetings of the General Secretariat and the OIC Permanent Observer Mission in Geneva with the officials of the European Commission;
Further taking note of the relevant section of the Secretary General's report contained in document OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG.REP.13 regarding Cooperation between the OIC and the European Union (EU);
1. Requests the Secretary General to continue to follow-up the understanding reached earlier with the President of the European Commission and exchange working-level delegations between the Secretariats of the two organizations.
2. Calls upon the General Secretariat to expeditiously establish an OIC office in Brussels in order to maintain an effective liaison with the European Union.
3. Requests the OIC Permanent Observer Mission in Geneva, pending the establishment of an OIC Office in Brussels, to continue to maintain a close liaison with the European Union.
4. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE PROTECTION OF TSUNAMI CHILD VICTIMS
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference ;
Expressing satisfaction at the successful efforts aimed at protecting Tsunami Child Victims in Indonesia;
Commending the initiative adopted in this regard by His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Honorable Dato Sri Abdullah Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia for the protection of the Child victims of Tsunami;
Noting with appreciation the material and humanitarian support extended by Member States to Tsunami victims in all fields and appreciating the Islamic Development Bank’s donation of 500 million dollars for the reconstruction and building of the areas affected by Tsunami;
Taking into consideration the report submitted by the Secretary-General (Doc.No.OIC/ICFM-33/POL/SG.REP.14)
1. Welcomes the approval of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for the opening of the OIC Office in Aceh as the application of the agreement signed during the 32nd ICFM in Sana’a.
2. Express gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for donating US$1.5 million to cover the administrative and technical expenses for opening the OIC Office in Indonesia for the protection of the child victims of Tsunami, the Government of Turkey for donating US$1 million as well as to the Governments of United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Russia Federation and to Sheikh Saleh Kamil, who have already announced their pledging for the Orphans.
3. Urges Islamic Countries and the institutions of civil society in Islamic World to pursue their assistance designed to protect the Tsunami Child victims and provide help to Muslim victims of natural disasters.
4. Requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE SERIOUS FOOD SHORTAGE IN NIGER
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Having taken cognizance, with grave concern, of the food crisis currently prevailing in the Republic of Niger;
Proceeding from the information provided by the delegation of Niger on the famine situation prevailing in the country and on the need to mobilize urgent food assistance for the affected populations;
Referring to the statement of the urgent needs as submitted by the Government of Niger;
Fully aware of the imperious duty of the Islamic Ummah to show total solidarity in favour of the brotherly people of Niger:
1. Urgently appeals to the Member States, Islamic financial institutions, as well as the donor and humanitarian assistance bodies of the Islamic Ummah to provide soonest appropriate food assistance to help the government of Niger face the serious famine prevailing in the country.
2. Commends the initiative of the Secretary General to establish a strategic food storage reserve for Niger with a view to permanently resolving the recurring problem of food shortage in the country and urges Member States to actively participate in this important humanitarian initiative.
3. Welcomes the generous offer by the State of Qatar to host an International Donors’ Conference in Doha to establish the Strategic Food Storage Reserve and appeals to the international community as well as civil society and charitable institutions to participate and generously donate in this Donors’ Conference for this humanitarian project.
4. Urges Member States to generously contribute to the special emergency account established at the OIC General Secretariat, upon the request of the Government of Niger, in order to overcome the immediate and dramatic effects of the drought.
5. Urges the international community, including the specialized agencies of the United Nations System, the international institutions and the humanitarian bodies concerned, to provide the necessary support to help the Government and people of Niger face the current serious situation in the country.
6. Requests the Secretary- General of the OIC to follow up on the prompt implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OIC TEN-YEAR PROGRAMME OF ACTION
The Thirty-third Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice), held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 23-25 JAMADUL AWWAL 1427 A.H (19-21 June 2006)
Considering the Declaration of the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 6 to 7 Dhul Qaidah 1426H (7-8 December 2005),
Expressing deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz and to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for organizing this Summit and for the Kingdom’s support to the OIC General Secretariat;
Welcoming the adoption of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action to meet the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah in the 21st Century;
Noting that the Ten-Year Programme of Action provides the Islamic Ummah with a new forward-looking vision that enables the Islamic world to address the challenges of the Twenty-first Century by leveraging on the collective will and Joint Islamic Action;
Noting the importance of enhancing the living conditions in the OIC Member States, in considering the socio-economic development in the Least Developed Countries, as one of the priority areas of the OIC Ten-year Programme of Action, and recognizing that it could only be achieved through more concessional funding;
Expressing its appreciation to the IDB Board of Governors for adopting the necessary measures during its 31st Annual Meeting held in Kuwait on 30-31 May 2006, to increase the IDB capital, to create the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, and to establish a Fund for financing projects and programmes for poverty alleviation in OIC Member States in accordance with the decisions of the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference;
Taking note with appreciation of the steps already taken by the Secretary General including the convening of a coordination meeting of OIC institutions for the implementation of the Ten-Year Programme of Action;
Taking also note of actions already taken by the OIC General Secretariat as well as by the OIC institutions concerned for the implementation of the Programme;
Noting the need for the Member States and OIC institutions to rise up to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah;
Taking note of the Report of the Secretary General on the progress made in the implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action;
1. Underlines the pivotal role of the OIC General Secretariat in the implementation of the Ten-Year Programme of Action.
2. Notes with satisfaction the official launching of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action on 19th June 2006 in Baku during the Opening Session of the 33rd ICFM, held under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
3. Decides that the implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action be a permanent agenda item of the ICFM, COMCEC, COMSTECH, COMIAC and the OIC Summit.
4. Calls upon Member States to provide full political, moral and financial support for the implementation of the Ten-Year Programme of Action.
5. Expresses its appreciation to the General Secretariat and other OIC institutions for their efforts in implementing the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action.
6. Pays tribute to the Secretary-General for his leadership and outstanding contribution in the implementation of the Programme of Action.
7. Decides to establish an open-ended Inter-Governmental Working Group to consider reform of the OIC in all its aspects.
8. Requests the OIC institutions to continue with their coordinated efforts for ensuring speedy and effective implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action.
9 Approves the convening of an annual coordination meeting of OIC institutions for follow-up of the implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action.
10. Further requests all OIC institutions to submit to the OIC General Secretariat a semi-annual progress report on the implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action.
11. Calls upon the OIC Member States, the OIC institutions and the General Secretariat to enhance cooperation with international and regional organizations for more effective implementation of the Ten-Year Programme of Action.
12. Extends thanks to the Member States which have announced their contributions to the resources of the Fund for the Poverty Alleviation, with special appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the generous contribution of 1 billion U.S. Dollars in favor of this Fund; and urges all Member States to announce their generous financial contributions in favor of this Fund and to empower it with the necessary resources to ensure a strong start such as to make the Fund an effective tool in the areas of capacity-building and poverty combating in the Member States.
13. Urges all Member States to announce their contributions to the increase in the Bank’s subscribed capital decided by the IDB Board of Governors.
14. Hails the signing of the Agreement on the establishment of the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation by 45 Member States, and appeals to the signatory States to expeditiously ratify the Agreement so that it may become operational, and to hold the first meeting of the General Assembly as soon as possible.
15. Requests the IDB to carry out in cooperation with the General Secretariat and SESTRIC the necessary studies for the implementation of the Programme for African Development and Poverty Combating in OIC African Member States, and to submit a study to the 30th Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs.
16. Expresses its appreciation for the Ten-Year Plan of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and calls upon Member States and relevant institutions to support it and back the creation of the practical mechanisms proposed to implement it, including the creation of the Federation of Businessmen, the initiative of youth life makers (Sunnaa” al-hayat), the World Zakat Authority and the open visa for businessmen.
17. Calls upon the Secretary General, in coordination with the OIC institutions, namely the IDB, and the relevant sub-regional African organizations, to organize at the earliest convenience in West and Central Africa, meetings for the presentation of national, regional or sub-regional projects to be considered in the framework of the Ten-Year Programme of Action and the programme emanating from the Ouagadougou Declaration initiated by the IDB in favour of Africa as well as the sectoral programmes concerning energizing trade and investments in the cotton sector in OIC African Member States.
18. Requests the Secretary General to continue his efforts for the effective implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action and report to the OIC Member States on progress made on the subject every six months.
19. Requests OIC Member States to submit progress reports on the implementation of the Ten-Year Programme of Action prior to the submission of the report of the Secretary General mentioned in para (14).
20. Further requests the Secretary General to report regularly on the subject to the ICFM, the COMCEC, the COMSTECH, the COMIAC and OIC Summits.
21. Requests the Secretary General to consider appointing a Coordinator for the Implementation of the Ten-Year Programme of Action and also requests all OIC Member States and institutions to designate their respective focal points in this respect.
22. Requests the Secretary General to ensure the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
ON ELIMINATING HATRED AND PREJUDICE AGAINST ISLAM
The 33rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Harmony of Rights, Freedoms, and Justice) held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 23 to 25 Jumada Al-Uwla 1427H (19-21 June 2005,
Guided by the noble Islamic teachings and values of tolerance, peace and justice for humankind;
Reaffirming the valuable contribution of Islam to the Human civilization, in particular by encouraging the promotion of dialogue and mutual understanding, genuine mutual respect in human interchanges and civilized discourse based on reason and logic;
Recalling the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter, in particular to promote Islamic solidarity, to endeavor to eliminate discrimination in all its forms, to take necessary measures to support international peace and security founded on justice and to preserve the dignity of all Muslims;
Reaffirming relevant declarations, resolutions and program of actions adopted by the Islamic Summit and Foreign Ministers Conferences, in particular the OIC Ten-Year Program of Action, adopted by the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in 2005, which affirms the need to counter Islamophobia;
Recalling that all States have pledged themselves, under the Charter of the United Nations, to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction;
Emphasizing the obligations of all States, under the international law, in particular paragraph 2 of Article 20 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to prevent any advocacy of religious hatred and discrimination and to prohibit them by law;
Recalling the commitment of all States to make all efforts to enact or rescind legislation where necessary to prohibit and eliminate discrimination or intolerance on the grounds of religion, as enshrined in Article 4 of Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, proclaimed by UNGA Resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981;
Recalling also the UN General Assembly Resolution A/Res/60/150 on combating defamation of religions and reaffirming that discrimination against human beings on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the Charter;
Noting with deep concern the continuing and increasing Islamophobia in some non-Islamic countries and the introduction and enforcement of laws that specifically discriminate against and target Muslim minorities and communities;
Condemning strongly the recent abhorrent and irresponsible publication of blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) and its reprinting under the pretext of freedom of expression and press which have aroused anger throughout the Islamic World;
Mindful of the need to prevent the recurrence of such provocations that lead to social disharmony, mutual animosity and violence and can result in violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Appreciating the proactive role of the Secretary General in leading the Organization in this crucial time and making consistent efforts to promote dialogue with Western interlocutors in overcoming the crisis and containing its negative implications for international peace;
Welcoming the Joint Statement issued at Doha on 25 February 2006 and the Final Communique adopted by the First Ministerial Meeting of the Executive Committee of the OIC on March 15, 2006 which, inter-alia, called to work for a UN General Assembly resolution to prevent defamation of religions and Prophets, religious symbols and to develop a comprehensive strategy to take necessary measures to that effect,
1. Condemns the recent abhorrent publication and dissemination of blasphemous caricatures in the print and electronic media in many regions;
2. Deeply concerned at the overall rise in intolerance and discrimination against Muslim minorities and communities in non-Islamic countries, in particular in the West, including restrictive legislation and other measures.
3. Reaffirms that all Islamophobic acts constitute an affront to human dignity and run counter to the provisions of international human rights instruments.
4. Expresses its deep concern that Islam and Muslims are frequently and wrongly associated with rights violations and terrorism.
5. Emphasizes that the right to freedom of expression should be exercised with responsibilities and limitations as prescribed by law and necessary for national security, public safety as well as for prevention of disorder, protection of morals and reputation or rights of others and respect for religions and beliefs.
6. Urges all concerned to take resolute actions, inter-alia, through legislative measures prohibiting the dissemination of racist and xenophobic ideas and material aimed at any religion or Prophet that constitute incitement or discrimination, hostility or violence and to render all acts whatsoever defaming Islam as “offensive acts” and subject to punishment.
7. Stresses the need for effective cooperation and constant consultation of OIC Member States to combat defamation of all religions, Islam and Muslims and the growing trend of Islamophobia.
8. Supports the efforts of the OIC Group in New York for evolving agreement with partners particularly the European Union on a draft resolution to prevent instances of religious intolerance which inter-alia should call for undertaking a feasibility study by the Secretary General to formulate an integrated legally-binding international instrument aimed at preventing the instances of religious intolerance and the promotion of mutual respect between all religions and communities in order to ensure elimination of all forms of hatred including racial hatred and similar prejudices against religions.
9. Supports the work of the OIC Group in Geneva on a draft resolution to be presented in the newly established Human Rights Council seeking inter alia the appointment of a Special Rapporteur with a specific mandate to report on the issue of targeting and denigrating religions along with recommendations to prevent such instances in future;
10. Expresses the necessity of developing a comprehensive strategy to counter Islamophobia, and requests the Inter-Governmental Expert Group on the follow-up of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, with the cooperation of the newly established Islamophobia observatory at the OIC General Secretariat, to hold extraordinary meetings in 2006 for preparing a draft on the subject for its submission to the next ICFM for appropriate decision thereon.
11. Commends with satisfaction the relevant activities of the Secretary General and requests him to continue to his activities to counter Islamophobia and the defamation of Islam, in accordance with the relevant part of the framework for the implementation of the OIC Ten-Year Programme of Action.
12. Requests the members of High Level Panel on Alliance of Civilizations to examine the issue of Islamophobia and propose recommendations in its report to prevent the negative stereotyping of religions, particularly Islam, and manifestations of all forms of intolerance and discrimination;
13. Takes note with appreciation the assurances by the UN Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly to make positive contributions to prevent provocative incidents and to evolve better ways of promoting tolerance and respect for religions;
14. Calls upon the Human Rights Council to elaborate a universally binding international instrument to uphold respect for religions.
15. Affirms that Human Rights Council, as part of its mandate, shall promote universal respect for all religious and cultural values and prevent instances of intolerance, discrimination, and incitement of hatred against any community or adherents of any religion.
16. Encourages Parliamentary Groups from the Islamic countries to visit western countries to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among cultures and civilizations and to prevent instances of hatred against religious and ethnic minorities;
17. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up on the implementation of the present resolution and submit a comprehensive report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
[1] The aforementioned Experts Group has been set up by virtue of Resolution 2/30-ORG of 30th ICFM and in accordance with Op.2 of Resolution No.13/31-P, has been requested to convene once every two years to review the resolutions and make appropriate recommendations for their rationalization. It met in 2004 and has to meet in 2006.
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