EIGHTH
SESSION OF THE
ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE
(SESSION OF DIGNITY, DIALOGUE, PARTICIPATION)
TEHRAN,
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
9-11
SHA’ABAN 1418H
(9-11
DECEMBER, 1997)
FINAL
COMMUNIQUE
TEHRAN
DECLARATION
TEHRAN
VISION STATEMENT
FINAL COMMUNIQUE
At the kind invitation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity,
Dialogue, Participation) was held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 9 to
11 Sha’aban 1418H, corresponding to 9-11 December 1997 under the high
patronage of His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic
Republic of Republic of Iran.
2.The Conference was preceded by the meeting of Senior Officials on 2 - 5
Sha’aban 1418H (2-5 December, 1997) and the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting on
6-7 Sha’aban 1418H (6-7 December, 1997).
A)-The following Member States attended the Conference:
Republic of Azerbaijan
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
State of United Arab Emirates
Republic of Indonesia
Republic of Uzbekistan
Republic of Uganda
Islamic Republic of Iran
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
State of Bahrain
Brunei Darussalam
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Republic of Benin
Burkina Faso
Republic of Tajikistan
Republic of Turkey
Turkmenistan
Republic of Chad
Republic of Togo
Republic of Tunisia
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Republic of Djibouti
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Republic of Senegal
Republic of Sudan
Syrian Arab Republic
Republic of Suriname
Republic of Sierra Leone
Republic of Somalia
Republic of Iraq
Sultanate of Oman
Republic of Gabon
Republic of the Gambia
Republic of Guinea
Republic of Guinea-Bissau
State of Palestine
Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros
Republic of Kyrgyztan
State of Qatar
Republic of Kazakhstan
Republic of Cameroon
State of Kuwait
Republic of Lebanon
Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
Republic of Maldives
Republic of Mali
Malaysia
Arab Republic of Egypt
Kingdom of Morocco
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Republic of Mozambique
Republic of Niger
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Republic of Yemen
B)OBSERVERS:
(i)STATES
-Republic
of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
-Republic
of Guyana.
-Central
African Republic.
-Republic
of Cote d’Ivoire.
(ii)MUSLIM
COMMUNITIES:
-Turkish
Muslim Community of Kibris.
-Moro
National Liberation Front.
(iii)INTERNATIONAL
AND REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS:
-United
Nations.
-Non-Aligned
Movement.
-League
of Arab States.
-Organisation
of African Unity.
-Economic
Cooperation Organisation.
C)-SUBSIDIARY
ORGANS:
-Statistical,
Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, Ankara.
-Research
Centre on Islamic History, Art and Culture, Istanbul.
-Islamic
Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhaka.
-Islamic
Centre for the Development of Trade, Casablanca.
-Islamic
Fiqh Academy, Jeddah.
-International
Commission for the Preservation of the Islamic Cultural Heritage, Istanbul.
-Permanent
Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund, Jeddah.
-Islamic
University of Niger, Niamay.
-Islamic
University of Uganda, Kampala.
D)-
SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS OF
THE OIC:
-Islamic
Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah.
-Islamic
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), Rabat.
-International
Islamic News Agency (IINA), Jeddah.
-Islamic
States Broadcasting Organisation (ISBO), Jeddah.
E)AFFILIATED
INSTITUTIONS:
-Sports
Federation of Islamic Solidarity Games, Riyadh.
-Organisation
of the Islamic Capitals and Cities, Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
-Islamic
Committee of the International Crescent, Benghazi.
-Islamic
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karachi.
-Islamic
Shipowners Association, Jeddah.
-World
Federation of Arab Islamic International Schools, Jeddah.
-International
Association of Islamic Banks, Cairo.
F)ISLAMIC
FOUNDATIONS AND SOCIETIES:
-Muslim
World League, Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
-World
Islamic Call Society, Tripoli.
-World
Muslim Congress, Karachi.
-World
Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), Riyadh.
-League
of Islamic Universities, Riyadh.
-International
Islamic Council for Da’wa and Relief, Cairo.
-International
Islamic Charitable Foundation, Kuwait.
-Islamic
Council of Europe.
INVITEES/GUESTS:
(i)FORMER
OIC SECRETARIES GENERAL:
-H.E.
Mr. Hassan Tohamy.
-H.E.
Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada.
-H.E.
Hamid Algabid.
(ii)OTHER
INVITEES:
-Republic
of Croatia.
-Republic
of Slovenia.
-Republic
of Macedonia.
-Republic
of the Philippines.
-Republic
of Ukraine.
-Democratic
Republic of Congo.
-Kosovo.
-Sanjak.
-Gulf
Cooperation Council.
-Arab
Maghrib Union.
-U.N.
High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
-UN
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
-UNESCO.
-UNICEF.
-UN
Committee for the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
-United
Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
-World
Health Organisation (WHO).
-U.N.
Development Programme (UNDP).
-United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
-Arab
League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO).
-Inter-State
Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).
-International
Islamic University of Malaysia.
-UK
Islamic Action Committee for Islamic Affairs.
-International
Islamic Relief Organisation.
-International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
-International
Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
-Hashemite Jordanian
Charitable Organisation.
-True
Representatives of the Kashmiri People.
-International
Telecommunication Union (ITU).
-International
Labour Organisation (ILO).
-World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
-Women’s
Solidarity Association of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
-Islamic
Countries Women Sports Solidarity Council.
4.The Conference was inaugurated by His Eminence Ayatollah Seyed
Ali Khameni, Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
In his inaugural address His Eminence stated that
all members of the OIC form a united body irrespective of any historical,
geographical or political diversity. He said that differences and tensions among
Member States should be resolved by recourse to wisdom, reason and forbearance.
He emphasized that Islam is a religion of humanity, moderation and wisdom. He
underlined the need for the Islamic Ummah to acquire confidence, dignity and
independence. He said that the OIC should be the symbol of unity for the Muslim
countries. He stressed that Islamic countries enjoy precious natural resources
as well as academic, industrial and cultural capabilities and the OIC can
effectively assist in fostering inter-Islamic cooperation. He highlighted the
importance of strengthening the OIC to ensure full implementation of its
resolutions. He stressed that problems facing the Islamic Ummah called for
strengthening Islamic solidarity
and closer cooperation. He said that at the present juncture, the world of Islam
is in a calamitous condition. Great problems such as those of Palestine,
Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kashmir, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Caucasus and others
call for effective action by the leaders of the Islamic world. He said that all
Islamic countries should assume a meritorious role in retrieving the rights of
the Palestinian people. He praised the brave Palestinian and Lebanese youth for
their efforts to gain their
legitimate rights. He emphasized that the current situation was incompatible
with Islamic dignity and that Islamic states should take the initiative to
redress the situation. His Eminence
said that if we regulate our ties and make them brotherly, we will have power to
do so. What can the U.S. do vis-a-vis the united front of the Islamic countries,
ranging from Indonesia to North Africa? Today, global arrogance gains hope and
strength through creating discord and disunity in this front. Is it not time to
bolster and strengthen this rank in our own favour? He
stressed that the OIC should play an active role in the economic field.
He said that Muslim minorities are suffering in some countries due to
discrimination and oppression and that it was incumbent on all Muslims to assist
them. His Eminence called on the OIC to set up a mechanism to follow up
implementation of its decisions. He emphasized the need for establishment of an
Inter-Parliamentary Union of Islamic Countries, an Islamic Arbitration Tribunal
Council and the translation of the idea of a common market into a reality. His
Eminence underlined the necessity of allocating a permanent seat in the Security
Council to the OIC with veto right. He also suggested that the OIC could set up
special committees to resolve these issues.
5.His Excellency Dr. Abdellatif FILALI, Prime Minister and Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, in his capacity as
the Representative of His Majesty King Hassan II, Chairman of the Seventh
Islamic Summit Conference delivered the speech of His Majesty to the Summit.
His Majesty expressed to His Excellency, President Khatami of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, and to the Government and people of Iran, his appreciation of
the efforts they made to ensure that this Conference takes
place under the best possible conditions.
He also expressed his regret at being unable to attend the Summit due to
unforeseen difficulties. His
Majesty stressed the role of the OIC in supporting the struggle of the
Palestinian people to regain their inalienable rights and establish their
independent state on national soil with Al-Quds
Al-Sharif as its capital. He
also praised OIC’s support for the peace process in the Middle-East based on
the agreements concluded and
commitments made. His Majesty reviewed the efforts he undertook as Chairman of
the Seventh Islamic Summit and Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee to urge the
international community to assume its responsibilities in having truth prevail
and in rejecting any measure affecting the legitimate rights of Arabs and
Muslims. He further recalled the initiative of His Majesty which led to the
setting up of the “Agency of Bait Mal Al- Quds Al-Sharif”, and indicated
that it had started to discharge its mission in terms of preserving the Holy
City and its sacred places and confronting the Israeli schemes aimed at the full
Judaization of the sacred city. His
Majesty highlighted the positive results achieved by the Organisation in
the settlement of the question of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the conclusion
of the peace agreement between the Moro National Front, on the one hand,
and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, on the other.His Majesty
stressed importance of the economic aspect in the opening of countries to one
another and in creating actual interaction and practical rapprochement in
addition to identifying shared interests as a basis for a strategy of gradual
economic complementarity founded on the
spirit of Islamic solidarity. His Majesty called for considering ways and means
of revitalizing the Organisation
and enhancing its output in serving the interests
of the Islamic Ummah and solving the problem of the
scarcity of resources. He
commended the efforts made
in this respect by the former OIC Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Hamid
Al-Gabid, and those of the current OIC Secretary General , H.E. Dr. Azeddin
Laraki. Finally, His Majesty
expressed deep gratitude to his
brothers the Kings and Presidents of Islamic
countries for showing full understanding and
support during his Chairmanship
of the Organisation.6.The Conference unanimously
elected His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic
of Iran, as the Chairman of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.
7.The Conference unanimously elected the State of Palestine, the
Republic of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Djibouti as Vice-Chairmen.
The Kingdom of Morocco was elected as Rapporteur General.
8.In his speech His Excellency Seyed Mohammed Khatami, Chairman of
the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference welcomed all participants to
the Eighth Islamic Summit. He underscored the need to find solutions to the
problems besetting the Islamic Ummah and to strive to bring Muslim countries to
a level commensurate with their dignity. He recalled the time when the Islamic
civilization was at its peak and indicated that for the Islamic civilization to
keep flourishing it would have to adopt to the various issues and needs of
humanity. The establishment of an “Islamic Civil Society” requires fraternal
understanding and mutual assistance as well as the mobilization of both present
and future generations. He said that today, it is crucial that Muslims adhere to
their common heritage, that is Islamic spirituality, notwithstanding their
ethical, geographical and social differences. For Muslims, observance of human
rights proceeds from the teachings of Islam. Furthermore, the Islamic civil
society should neither be oppressive nor oppressed. Heeding its priorities, the
Islamic world should contribute to the establishment of a more equitable new
world order. To this end, it needs to determine precisely its position as well
as the means at its disposal. It should also devise realistic and appropriate
policies which are likely to promote the necessary types of solidarity, in order
to participate in decision-making at international level. Finally, His
Excellency the President indicated that the OIC should be endowed with the
necessary means and be provided with political
and material support to ensure effective presence in the international
scene, and at the same time ensure meaningful intervention in the settlement of
internal disputes within the Muslim world.
9.The Conference decided to consider the speeches of His Eminence
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, His
Majesty Hassan-II, King of Morocco, Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit
Conference and His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic
Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit
Conference, as official documents of the Conference.
10.In reply to the Chairman’s speech, Their Excellencies Mrs.
Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr.
Hafez Al-Asad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic and Mr. Abdou Diouf,
President of the Republic of Senegal took the floor respectively on behalf of
the Asian, Arab and African groups to express their sincere thanks and profound gratitude to the leader of the Islamic
Revolution of Iran, to the President and people of Iran for the warm welcome and
generous hospitality extended to all the delegations.
11.His Excellency Dr. Azeddine Laraki, the Secretary General of the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference delivered a statement in which he expressed
his profound thanks to the Islamic Republic of Iran as represented by its
President, His Excellency President Seyed Mohammad Khatemi, and to the
Government and people of Iran for the warm welcome and generous hospitality
extended to all the delegations participating in the Conference. He also
expressed his gratitude to His Majesty, King Hassan II, Chairman of the Seventh
Islamic Summit Conference and Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, as well as his
gratitude to Their Excellencies the Chairmen of the other Standing Committees
for their noble efforts in the field of Joint Islamic action. He referred to the
Islamic causes which are on the agenda of the OIC, at the forefront of which is
the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the hurdles blocking the peace
process because of Israel’s refusal to implement the agreements signed with
the concerned parties. The Secretary General reviewed the outline of the
comprehensive reform programme of the OIC pointing out that the programme
includes a multidimensional four-year cooperation programme aimed at
implementing the plan of action to strengthen economic and commercial
cooperation among Member States, restructuring the General Secretariat and
conferring a specialized character
to its work. He made clear that in order for OIC to play a more effective role
it is crucial to provide it with the necessary means to accomplish its work and
to find prompt solutions to its acute financial crisis. He expressed his thanks
and appreciation for all the benevolent gestures shown by leaders from a number
of Member State towards the General Secretariat.
12.The Conference heard the statements by Their Excellencies Mr.
Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Carlos Lemos, Vice
President of the Republic of Colombia representing the Chairman of the
Non-Aligned Movement, Mr. Ahmed Abdel Majid, Secretary General of the League of
Arab States, Mr. Onder Ozar, Secretary General
of the Economic Cooperation Organisation and Mr. Ahmed Haggag, Assistant
Secretary General of the
Organisation of the African Unity.
13.The Conference welcomed the presence of Mr. Kofi Annan,
Secretary General of the United Nations
at the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference. It stated that his
presence demonstrated the excellent cooperative relations between the UN and the
OIC. It encouraged the Secretary General to pursue his reform programme for a
greater degree of democratization in the decision-making
process of the UN.
14.The Conference adopted the Report of the Preparatory Ministerial
Meeting presented by its Chairman, His Excellency Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, Minister
of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
15.The Conference adopted the draft agenda submitted by the
Preparatory Ministerial Meeting.
16. The Conference decided to designate its Session as the Session
of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation.
17.The Conference welcomed the decision of the Preparatory Ministerial meeting to accord the status
of Observer to the Republic of Cote
d’ Ivoire.
18.The Conference noted with high appreciation the Report of His
Majesty Hassan II, King of Morocco
and Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit.
19.The Conference noted with high appreciation the Reports
submitted by the Chairmen of
the Al-Quds Committee, the Standing Committee for Information and
Cultural Affairs (COMIAC) the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial
Cooperation (COMCEC) and the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological
Cooperation (COMSTECH).
20.The Conference noted with appreciation the Reports submitted by
the Secretary General on items of the agenda.
21.The Conference adopted the Tehran Declaration as well as the
Tehran Vision Statement.
SPECIAL
SESSION FOR PLEDGING VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
22.The
Heads of delegations of the following Member States announced the following
voluntary contributions in favour of the Organisation as given below:
-Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia: US$10 million for the activities of the Organisation
and its institutions.
-United
Arab Emirates: US$ 2 million for the General Secretariat
and US$3 million for the Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf.
-State
of Qatar: US$3 million for the General Secretariat.
-State
of Kuwait: US$3 million for the General Secretariat.
-Islamic
Republic of Iran: US$500,000 for the General Secretariat and US$ 1 million to be
shared between the General Secretariat and the Islamic Solidarity Fund.
-Sultanate
of Oman: US$1 million for the General Secretariat.
-The
Socialist People’s Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya: US$1 million for the General Secretariat
-The
Islamic Republic of Pakistan: US$1 million for the General Secretariat.
-State
of Palestine: US$600,000 for the General Secretariat.
-Arab
Republic of Egypt: US$500,000 for the General Secretariat
-Kingdom
of Morocco: US$500,000 for the General Secretariat.
-Republic
of Indonesia stated that it would announce the amount of its contribution to the
General Secretariat.
ORGANIC MATTERS:
23.The Conference noted with satisfaction the cooperation between
the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the United Nations, Economic
Cooperation Organisation and other international and regional Organisations.
24.The Conference decided that the Ninth Session of the Islamic
Summit Conference will be held in Doha, the State of Qatar,
in the year 2000, at a date to be fixed in consultation between the Host
country and the General Secretariat.
POLITICAL AFFAIRS:
Question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif:
25.The Conference stressed that the question of Palestine and
Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the foremost Islamic cause. It expressed its full
solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization in its just struggle to
achieve the legitimate inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including
the right to self-determination to return to its homeland
and to establish its independent state in its national territories, with
Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital
26.The Conference stressed that Al-Quds Al-Sharif is an integral
part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 and that what applies to
the rest of Palestinian territories applies to it, in accordance with relevant
resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly. The Conference
called for action to put an end to the practices of the Israeli occupation
authorities in Al-Quds Al-Sharif aimed at modifying the geographical and
demographic situation and desecrating the
holy Islamic and Christian places there with a view to judaizing the Holy City.
It called for the need to exert maximum effort in order to restore the city of
Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty, as capital of
State of Palestine, for
ensuring peace and security in the region.
27.The Conference also called on the international community to
avoid any relations with Israeli occupation authorities which might be
interpreted by the latter, in any way, as an implicit recognition of the “fait
accompli” imposed by Israel when it declared the city of Al-Quds its capital.
It stressed that all legal, administrative, and settlement measures and
procedures aimed at modifying the legal status of the Holy city is null and void
and contravenes international treaties, charters and norms and contrary to the
agreements signed by the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The Conference called on
the international community, especially the two co-sponsors of the Peace
Conference to prompt Israel not to make any geographical or demographic
transformation in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transitional period,
to refrain from any action that might affect the outcome of the negotiations on
the final status of the City, and to abide by the relevant international
resolutions, especially those issued by the Tenth Extraordinary Session of the
General Assembly on the halting of the Jewish settlement of an Djebel Abu
Ghoneim and of all other settlements and to induce Israel also to lift the
blockade on the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif to safeguard freedom of worship in it,
and to cease destroying houses, withdrawing the identity cards of the
Palestinian citizens and emptying the city of its Arab citizens.
28.The Conference affirmed its full support of the peace process in
the Middle East and its commitment to its underpinnings. The Conference called
for Israel to respect and implement its commitments, pledges, and
agreements concluded through this process and in accordance with the principles
based on Madrid Conference pursuant to UN resolutions, in particular Security
Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425, and the land-for-peace formula. All these
instruments provide for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Arab and
Palestinian territories, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the
occupied Syrian Golan up to the front line of 4 June 1`967, the occupied
Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa and for the realization of inalienable
national rights of the Palestinian people. The Conference rejected Israel’s
attempts at bypassing the requirements of the transitional period and jump
directly to negotiations on the final situation. The Conference called for the
faithful implementation of all the remaining articles in the agreements on the
transitional period concluded between the Palestine Liberation Organisation and
Israel to end Israeli occupation and build Palestinian national institutions on
the land of Palestine.
29.The Conference underlined that Israel’s violation of the
principles and underpinnings of the peace process, reneging on the commitments,
pledges, and agreements concluded within that framework; and procrastination and
evasion at the implementation
level, have seriously undermined the peace process. The Conference held Israel
wholly responsible for this state of affairs.
30.The Conference also called on the Islamic States which had taken
steps toward establishing relations with Israel within the framework of the
peace process to reconsider such relations by closing missions and bureau until
Israel completes its withdrawal from all occupied
Arab territories and fulfills the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,
including their right to establish their own independent state on their national
territory, Palestine, with Al-Quds as its capital.
31.The Conference urged the international community, particularly
the co-sponsors of the peace process, to pressure Israel to comply with the
resolutions of international legality and to end its settlement policy. The
Conference called on the Security Council to revive the International Committee
for supervising and monitoring the ban on settlements in Al-Quds and the other
occupied Palestinian and Arab territories. The Conference also urged the
international community and all states providing economic and financial
assistance to Israel to stop such assistance which Israel uses to carry out its
colonization scheme in the occupied Arab territories, in the occupied Palestine
and the occupied Syrian Golan.
32.The Conference called for action by the United Nations and other
international Organisations to force Israel to release the detainees, return the
deportees, and put an end to the collective punishments, as well as to the
operations of confiscation of land
and properties and demolition of houses, and to desist from any acts endangering
life and environment in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including
Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It emphasized the need to convene the meeting of the high
contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 on the Protection of
Civilian Persons in time of war to take the necessary enforcement measures for
implementing this Convention in the occupied
Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
33. The Conference requested the international community and the UN
Security Council to force Israel to comply with UN resolutions, particularly
Security Council resolution 487 (1981) and to sign the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and implement the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
34.The Conference commended the efforts made by the Al-Quds
Committee under the Chairmanship of His Majesty Hassan II, King of Morocco, and
expressed satisfaction at the entry into operation of Bait-ul- Mal
Al-Quds.
35.The Conference commended the resistance of the Syrian Arab
citizens of the Golan against occupation and strongly condemned Israel for not
complying with Security Council
resolution 497 (1981). It stressed that Israel’s decision to impose its laws,
its sovereignty and its administration on the occupied Syrian Golan is illegal,
null and void and without legal effect whatsoever. It condemned Israel for
continuing to alter the legal and demographic status and the institutional
structure of the occupied Syrian Golan. It reaffirmed the applicability of the
1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to
the occupied Syrian Golan and called for Israel’s total withdrawal from the
occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of 4 June 1967.
36.The Conference strongly condemned Israel for its continuing
occupation of parts of Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa and urged the
international community to ensure the implementation of Security Council
Resolution 425 (1978) stipulating Israel’s immediate end unconditional Israeli
withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories to the internationally
recognized borders. It called on the international community to take all
measures to compel Israel to immediately free all the prisoners and the Lebanese
detainees in Israeli prisons and in the camps controlled by the forces allied to
Israel and to edeavour to put an end to Israel’s aggression and inhuman
practices against the defenseless inhabitants in the Lebanese territories. It
reiterated its support to establish its sovereignty on its entire territory
including the area occupied by Israel in Southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa.
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
37.The Conference reaffirmed the commitment of the OIC Member
States to the preservation of the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty
of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized
borders and fully supported the establishment of a sovereign, democratic,
multi-ethnic and multi-cultural State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It emphasized
the importance of accelerating the process towards the
full, effective, consistent and impartial implementation of the Dayton
Peace Agreement and urged the international community to support the peaceful
and democratic reintegration of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It
reiterated its commitment to fully participate in the implementation process.
38.The Conference stressed the vital importance of taking concrete
measures for the arrest of indicted war criminals, ensuring freedom of movement
throughout the country, the return of refugees and displaced persons to their
places of origin under safe and secure conditions, and enforcement of the
results of the municipal elections and effective functioning of the State
institutions.
39.The Conference urged all countries and multilateral institutions
that have pledged resources for the reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina to
immediately disburse the funds in order to ensure timely completion of
priority projects including funds for housing for returning refugees and
displaced persons and reiterated its readiness in providing resources for the
rehabilitation and reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina by promoting
bilateral programmes of assistance and cooperation as well as through the OIC
Assistance Mobilization Group and OIC institutions.
40.The Conference reaffirmed support for the “Equip and Train” Programme which will foster
long term regional stability by creating a credible self-defense capability for
the Federation.
Jammu and
Kashmir:
41.The Conference called 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. It condemned the continuing massive violations of human
rights of the Kashmiri people and called for the respect of their human rights
including the right of self-determination. It also called upon Member States to
take all necessary steps to persuade India to cease forthwith the gross and
systematic human rights violations of the Kashmiri people and to enable them to
exercise their inalienable right to self determination as mandated by the
relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
42.The Conference affirmed that any political process or elections
held under foreign occupation cannot be a substitute to the exercise of the
right of self-determination by people of Kashmir as is provided in the relevant
Security Council Resolutions. It supported the initiative of the Government of
Pakistan to engage India in a dialogue for resolving all outstanding issues
including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir and encouraged India to
reciprocate positively. It commended the efforts being made by the OIC Contact
Group on Jammu and Kashmir.
43.The Conference appreciated the efforts made by the Secretary
General for enabling the true representatives of the Kashmiri people to have
their views expressed in OIC and other international fora, and requested him to
continue to take all necessary steps in this regard.
Meeting of the Contact Group on
Jammu and Kashmir at the Summit level:
44.The Conference took note of the Meeting of the OIC Contact Group
on Jammu and Kashmir at the Summit level which adopted a Statement on Jammu and
Kashmir and a Memorandum presented by the true representatives of the Kashmiri
people.
Afghanistan:
45.The Conference expressed its deep concern over the continuation
of the conflict in Afghanistan. It reaffirmed that there is no military solution
to the Afghan crisis and called upon the Afghan parties for an immediate and
unconditional cease-fire.
46.The Conference emphasized the need for promoting national
reconciliation and rapprochement as well as for the establishment of a
broad-based government. It called upon all States to end immediately the supply
of arms and ammunition to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan. It also
called for respect of the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity,
independence and Islamic character of Afghanistan and non-interference in its
internal affairs.
47.The Conference emphasized the urgent need for establishment of a
fund under the auspices of the OIC for assisting the Afghan people.
It also called for effective measures by all Afghans to eliminate the
production and exportation of illicit drugs.
The Conference emphasized the need for continued close coordination
of efforts between OIC and UN for promoting a peaceful political settlement in
Afghanistan.
Somalia:
49.The Conference noted with satisfaction the efforts exerted by
the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to promote peace and national
reconciliation in Somalia in cooperation with the United Nations, the Arab
League and the Organisation of the African Unity.
50.The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to the
restoration and preservation of the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity
and political independence of Somalia. It
called for the convening of an International Conference on Peace and National
Reconciliation in Somalia in compliance with the relevant resolutions of the UN
General Assembly with the participation of all Somali parties and the concerned
international and regional Organisations.
51.The Conference followed with interest the ongoing meetings in
Cairo of the different Somali parties and heads of Somali factions, and in this
respect took note with appreciation of the latest developments concerning these
meetings as contained in the letter of His Excellency the Foreign Minister of
the Arab Republic of Egypt on the subject. It also expressed its appreciation
for the initiative of His Excellency President Ali Abdallah Saleh, President of
the Republic of Yemen in convening a Conference on Somalia National
Reconciliation in Sanna. It called upon all Somali parties to respond favourably
to these efforts.
Consequences of Iraqi Aggression against Kuwait:
52. The Conference called on Iraq to cooperate fully and seriously
with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Tripartite Committee
in Geneva which was established under its engagements pursuant to Para 2c and
Para 3C of resolution No. 3c of resolution No. 686 (1991) and (30) of resolution
No. 687 (1991) pertaining to urgent release of prisoners and hostages from among
Kuwaiti military troops and civilians and any others so as to put an end to this
situation and Para 15 (d) which relates to return of Kuwaiti properties by Iraq.
53.The Conference called upon
Iraq to pursue efforts towards the fulfillment of its obligations under
the relevant Security Council resolutions, for the establishment of security,
peace and stability in the region. It welcomed Security Council resolution No.
1137 (1997), and called upon Iraq for full compliance and serious cooperation
without conditions with the Special Commission (UNSCOM) in the fulfillment of
its mandate concerning the elimination of the weapons of mass destruction in
accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
The Conference reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, territorial
integrity, and political independence of Iraq and expressed its sympathy with
the Iraqi people and welcomed, in this respect, Security Council resolution No.
1111 (1997)
in which the Security Council extended the effect of its resolution
No.986 (1995) for another 6 month
period so as to meet the humanitarian needs and to alleviate the suffering of
the Iraqi people.
55.The Conference noted with great concern the dangerous and
constant deterioration in the food, health and humanitarian condition of the
entire Muslim Iraqi people, and especially the children, women and the elderly,
as recognized by the reports of the UN Secretary General, the specialized
agencies, and numerous official and non-official humanitarian Organisations.
56.The Conference, proceeding from the precepts of the true Islamic
religion and the principles and objectives of the Organisation, called on Member
States to redouble efforts to assist Iraq in halting the deterioration and to
deal with humanitarian situation in order to put an end to the suffering of the
population in a serious and tangible manner as soon as possible.
Armenian aggression
against Azerbaijan:
57.The Conference reaffirmed its support for the three principles
of the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan contained in
the statement of the Chairman-in-Office of the Organisation for the Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the 1996
Lisbon OSCE Summit and also expressed its support for the last proposals made by
the OSCE Minsk Conference Co-chairmen aimed at the staged settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan armed conflict as the basis for the negotiations within the
framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, and considered this approach to
ensure immediate elimination of the most serious consequences of the
aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan.
US Aggression against Libya in 1986:
58.The
Conference reaffirmed its condemnation of the military aggression perpetrated by
the United States against the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
in April 1986. It supported the right of the Jamahiriya to appropriate
reparations for the losses sustained as a result of the aggression in accordance
with the provisions of UN General Assembly Resolution No.38/41 of 20 November,
1986.
59.The
Conference called upon the United States to positively respond to UN Resolution
No. 38/41 concerning the right of Libya to reparations, to desist from
provocations and threats, and to resort to peaceful means to solve its
differences with the Jamahiriya. It also condemned the US economic boycott
measures against Libya and called for their cancellation forthwith as they
violate international law and convention.
Crisis between Libya, the United States, the United Kingdom and the
Republic of France:
60The
Conference reaffirmed its solidarity with the Great Socialist People’s Arab
Jamahiriya for the trial of the two suspects.
It supported the efforts exerted by the League of Arab States and the
Organisation of African Unity to persuade the Security Council to accept one of
the three options which they proposed jointly to the Council
for the trial of the two suspects.
61.The
Conference appealed to the Security Council to lift the embargo imposed
upon the Jamahiriya and in this respect, urged the Member States to
intervene promptly with the Security Council in order to facilitate
Libyan flights for humanitarian and religious purposes and visits of
official Libyan delegations, in conformity with international law.
62.The
Conference recommended the creation of a Coordinating Committee between the
League of Arab States, the Organisation of African Unity and the Organisation of
the Islamic Conference, in charge of taking appropriate steps with the UN
Security Council in order to look into the modalities for lifting the sanctions
imposed on the Great Jamahiriya.
63.The
Conference supported the right of
the Great Jamahiriya to demand appropriate reparations for human and material
losses resulting from application of the Security Council resolutions.
Solidarity with the Iran and Libya concerning D’Amato Law:
64.The
Conference reaffirmed its solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the
Great Socialist Libyan Arab Jamahiriya concerning
the so-called D’Amato Law for their position concerning the so-called
D’Amato Law and rejected any arbitrary extra-territorial and unilateral
measures whether political or legal applied by one country against another one.
It urged all States to consider this law which is against the international law
and norms, as null and void.
Cyprus:
65.The Conference reaffirmed its past resolutions and declarations
on Cyprus and expressed its solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot people in its
rightful cause. It called on the
two parties to negotiate together to seek freely a mutually acceptable solution
and expressed its appreciation for the constructive efforts of the Turkish
Cypriot side in this connection. It expressed its support for the efforts of the
United Nations Secretary General within the framework of his mission of good
offices. It called for a just
political settlement by respecting the legitimate aspirations of the Turkish
Cypriot people and emphasized in this regard the key importance of respecting
the principle of equal political status in the attainment of a freely negotiated
and mutually acceptable solution. It
also recalled its previous decision to remain seized of the Turkish Cypriot
application for full membership of the OIC and to continue the enhancement of
the participation of the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus in the activities
and meetings of all the organs of the Conference. It called on Member States to increase and expand their ties
within the Turkish Cypriot people in all fields, including trade, tourism,
culture, information, investment and sports.
Kosovo:
66.The Conference strongly condemned the large-scale repression,
discrimination and violation of human rights against the defenseless Albanian
population committed by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(Serbia and Montenegro). It called
on the international community to take all necessary measures to immediately end
all human rights violations against Albanians in Kosovo and revoke all
discriminatory legislation entered into force since 1989.
Eastern and Central Europe:
67.The Conference reaffirmed the need to maintain and promote ties
of friendship and cooperation between the Islamic World and the countries of
Eastern and Central Europe on the basis of mutual interest. It also expressed
the hope that the States of Eastern and Western Europe and other States respect
and protect the Islamic identity of the Muslim communities and Muslim minorities
living in their countries and their right to practice freely their language,
religion and culture.
Security and Solidarity:
68.The Conference reiterated that the security of each Muslim
country is the concern of all Islamic countries. It expressed firm resolve to
strengthen the security of Member States, through cooperation and solidarity
among Islamic countries, in accordance with the objectives and principles of the
Charters of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and of the United Nations
and as stipulated in the Dakar Declaration. It recognized that small states are
particularly vulnerable to external threats and acts of interference in their
internal affairs.
Disarmament:
69.The Conference called for the elimination of all weapons of mass
destruction, notably nuclear weapons with a view to creating a world free of
such weapons and for the intensification of efforts aimed at finding a solution
to disarmament issues, particularly the elimination of nuclear weapons. It
reaffirmed that all States have an inalienable right to develop their programmes
for peaceful uses of nuclear energy for their economic and social development.
70.The Conference called upon all States, particularly the States
of the regions concerned, which have not yet done, to positively respond to
proposals for the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in the Middle East,
Central Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia.
71.The Conference urged all States, especially nuclear weapon
States, to exert pressure on Israel to become party to the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty and called on the international community and the
Security Council to compel Israel to comply with U.N. Resolutions, particularly
Security Council Resolution 487 (1981), to accede to the treaty of Non-
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to implement the resolutions of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling for the subjection of all
Israeli atomic facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System,
to obtain Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to
submit a full report on its stockpile of nuclear weapons and ammunition
to the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those
steps are essential for the establishment of a zone free from weapons of mass
destruction, and primarily nuclear weapons in the Middle East region, a
fundamental factor for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in
the region.
72.The Conference called upon all States, including those Members
of the Conference on Disarmament, particularly the nuclear weapon States, to
work urgently towards a binding agreement on an international convention to
assure non-nuclear weapon States against the threat or use of nuclear weapons
and to explore all additional means to provide effective assurances
of Non-Nuclear Weapon States in the global or regional context. It urged
the Conference on Disarmament for the immediate commencement and early
conclusion of negotiations on a non-discriminatory and universally applicable
convention banning the production and elimination of stockpiles of fissile
material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosives.
73.The Conference recognized the need for enhancing regional
security and stability through the settlement of outstanding disputes and the
establishment of equitable and verifiable balance of armaments at lower levels.
It called upon the international community and the states concerned to adopt
measures which would ease global and regional tensions and result in a just and
lasting resolution of outstanding conflicts and disputes thus facilitating
meaningful disarmament and arms control measures.
Dumping of Nuclear and Toxic Wastes:
74.The Conference reaffirmed that the dumping of toxic and nuclear
wastes of foreign origin in the territories and waters of the member countries
and the risks that it entails for
human life is a crime against humanity.
Elimination of anti-personnel mines:
75.The Conference expressed its deep concern over the consequences
of the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel mines on the security of civilian
populations and their economic development. It welcomed the decision taken by
the Conference on Disarmament during its 1997 session to appoint a special
coordinator to seek views of its members on the most appropriate arrangement to
deal with the issue of anti-personnel land mines and on the possible mandate;
76.The Conference urged the international community, particularly
the developed countries, to provide substantial assistance for the removal of
anti-personnel mines and to ensure access by all states, especially mine
stricken states, to advanced material, equipment and technology as well as to
ensure the removal of all existing obstacles in this regard. It appealed to the
international community, in general, and OIC Member States, in particular, to
assist in rehabilitation of anti-personnel mines victims.
Consultation and Coordination among Member States:
77.The Conference called upon Member States to observe the
principles of good neighbourliness, and to prevent the use of their territories
or government bodies by individuals or groups bent on doing harm to other Member
States. It decided that no movement exploiting the noble Islamic religion should
be allowed to carry out any hostile activity against any Member State.
It emphasized the necessity of strengthening coordination among the
Member States to control all images and forms of the phenomenon of terrorism,
including intellectual terrorism and extremism.
Solidarity with the Peoples of Sahel:
78.The Conference took note of the meeting at
the Ministerial level of the Islamic solidarity with the people of Sahel
and reaffirmed the necessity to accord great attention to the speedy
implementation of the Special OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme for the Sahelian
populations. It decided to renew
the mandate of Kuwait as Chairman of the Islamic Committee for solidarity with
the people of Sahel for another three years.
Critical Economic Situation in Africa:.
79.The Conference welcomed the efforts made by the African
countries towards their economic recovery and development in conformity with the
Treaty of Abuja concluded in 1991 establishing the African Economic Community
aimed at progressive economic integration of Africa. It stressed the importance
of the successful implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the
Development of Africa in the 1990's and calls upon the international community
to fulfill its commitments on the basis of the principle of shared
responsibility and full partnership with Africa.
Reparations of damages due to colonialism:
80.The Conference reaffirmed its condemnation of colonialism, in
all its forms, as an act of aggression which violates all international
conventions and principles of international law. It recognized that the effects
of colonialism have impeded economic and social development plans and programmes
in the developing countries and continue to impede their development and
progress. It also reaffirmed the right of all the Member States, without
exception, which suffered under the yoke of colonialism, to take all necessary
measures to obtain fair compensation for the human and material losses they have
suffered as a result of colonialism or foreign invasion. It affirmed the right
of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahirya for reparations for all
the human and material losses it has sustained as a result of the period of
invasion, colonization and settlement on Libayan territories. It called
on the countries responsible for these hazards to take practical measures in
response to the Great Jamahirya's requests.
Sudan:
81.The
Conference reaffirmed its full solidarity with Sudan to face hostile designs and
defend its unity, territorial security and stability.
It commended the continuous efforts exerted by the Sudanese Government in
order to reach a peaceful solution to the problem of Southern Sudan through
negotiation and dialogue between the Sudanese parties and the positive outcome
of these efforts which have led to the signature of the peace accords of
Khartoum and Fachoda with the rebel factions of the South.
Niger:
82.The Conference expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the
Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Niger and the
Organisation of Armed Resistance. It commended the efforts exerted by mediating
countries for their important contribution to the conclusion of this Agreement.
It requested Member States, the General Secretariat of the Organisation of the
Islamic Conference and the other Islamic Institutions to provide Niger with the
necessary assistance to enable it to consolidate its national unity and achieve
its regional developmental objectives within the framework of the implementation
of the above-mentioned Agreement.
Mali:
83.The Conference requested Member States and Islamic institutions
to provide necessary financial assistance for the emergency programmes and
projects for ensuring the return of the refugees, their rehabilitation and the
social, economic and cultural development of the Northern Regions of Mali and
recommended that the Member States and Islamic financial institutions support
the implementation of the medium and long-term development strategy and of the
emergency programme in the regions of Kidal, Gao and Timbuctu.
Right to use of science and technology for development:
84. The Conference affirmed the inalienable right of the Islamic
Ummah to develop, acquire and make use of science and technology for progress in
economic, social and cultural fields. It rejected policies and measures aimed at
obstructing the achievement of technological progress for peaceful purposes in
Member States.
85.It called upon industrialized States to facilitate the transfer
of technology to developing countries and remove the restrictions hindering this
process. It called upon Member States to strengthen cooperation among themselves
in the fields of science and technology for peaceful purposes, especially in the
framework of the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation
(COMSTECH).
Refugees:
86.The Conference expressed its appreciation to Member States,
donor countries, the UNHCR, the U.N. specialized agencies, and other
humanitarian institutions for the valuable assistance they extend to refugees in
Islamic countries. It also expressed its deep appreciation to countries hosting
refugees for their generous assistance to refugees irrespective of their
critical economic situation as well as presence of large number of displaced
persons. It reaffirmed its concern for the security, stability and
infrastructure of those Muslim countries whose economic and social development
is seriously affected by the presence of refugees.
Assistance
for Refugees in Sudan:
87.The
Conference urged the international donors to extend assistance commensurate with
the number of the refugees in the Sudan and to help in their voluntary
repatriation and urged Member
States and the Islamic Development Bank to extend financial assistance so as to
support the efforts of the Government of the Sudan aimed at resettling returning
Sudanese refugees in the areas liberated from the hold of the rebellious
movement as well as to provide shelter to the displaced persons who migrated to
the North due to the military operations conducted by the rebellious movement.
NPT Review Conference
in Year 2000:
88.The Conference called on Member States parties to the
non-proliferation treaty to actively participate in 2000 Review Conference of
NPT and its preparatory committees. It called on all States parties to pursue
vigorously the objective of nuclear disarmament in the international fora
particularly in 2000 NPT Review Conference as stipulated in Article 6 of the
NPT. It invited all States parties to the NPT to exert pressure on Israel to
accede to the Treaty and to place all its nuclear programmes under the IAEA
safeguards.
Support to Kazakhstan for Conference on Confidence-building
Measures in Asia:
89.The Conference welcomed the efforts of the Republic of
Kazakhstan for promotion of the initiative of the Conference for interaction and
confidence-building measures in Asia. It considered that the initiative of the
Republic of Kazakhstan for convening a Conference for interaction and
confidence-building measures in Asia will contribute to the general process of
providing the international security. It recommended that the OIC Member States
may join the
process of the promoting the confidence-building measures in the
Asian continent.
90.The Conference affirmed, in the framework of the convening of
the Conference on confidence-building measures in Asia, that Islamic countries
do not consider Israel as being among the Group of Asian States.
UN Reform:
91.The Conference reaffirmed that the OIC Member States have a
direct and vital interest in determining the outcome of UN reform and Security
Council expansion. It reaffirmed the readiness of the OIC Member States to
contribute actively and constructively to the consideration of the reform and
expansion of the Security Council.
Situation in
the Comoros:
92.The Conference considered that the separation of the Island of
Mayotte from the others will seriously undermine the territorial integrity of
the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros and will constitute a serious obstacle
to its balanced economic development.
93.The Conference took note of the political situation in the
Comoros and called on the concerned parties to safeguard the territorial
integrity of the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros and to positively
participate in the International Conference on Comoros in Addis Abeba with a
view to reaching a negotiated political settlement.
94.The Conference urged Member States to urgently extend economic
assistance to the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros to enable it to overcome
the difficult economic circumstances as well as the current political crisis.
Unilateral
Economic Sanctions Against Sudan:
95.The
Conference called on the United States to lift the economic sanctions imposed on
the Sudan in view of its harmful effects and the losses incurred at economic and
social levels.The Conference decided to set up a Committee composed from the
Member States to study the issue of unilateral economic sanctions.
Situation in
Sierra Leone:
96.The Conference strongly condemned the action of the military
junta and expressed deep appreciation of the efforts made by the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the return to normalcy in Sierra
Leone.The Conference asked the military junta to conform scrupulously and
without delay to the peace plan for Sierra Leone signed in Conakry (Guinea) by
the CEPEAD Committee of Foreign Ministers and the representatives of the
military junta and called on all
OIC Member States to abstain from any bilateral activities and relations with
the junta, that could be interpreted as support for the illegal regime. It
exhorted Member States to commit themselves to extend urgent and generous
assistance to Sierra Leone for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the
country after reinstatement of the legitimate government.
Military
Cooperation with Israel:
97.The
Conference expressed its deep concern that some Member
States of the Organisation of Islamic Conference are establishing relations of
military cooperation with Israel and requested the reconsideration of this
cooperation with the objective of renouncing it due to the danger it poses to
the security of Islamic countries.
Preservation
of the Security and Territorial Integrity of the Islamic States:
98.The
Conference reaffirmed its commitment to
preserving the sovereignty, unity and independence of Iraq, its territorial
integrity and regional security. It called for halt to acts of intervention in
Iraq and for refraining in the future from
any such acts in order to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Iraq and the inviolability of its borders.
Muslim
Communities and Minorities:
99.The
Conference welcomed the “peace agreement” between the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front officially
signed on 2 September 1996, and expressed its consideration for the important
steps taken towards its full implementation. It also called on the Government of
the Philippines and on the Moro National Liberation Front to preserve the gains
resulting from signing the peace agreement.
100.The
Conference commended the efforts of the leaders of the Moro National Liberation
Front and of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for establishing
peace in the south of the Philippines and asked the Secretary General and all
concerned parties to continue extending the appropriate assistance in order to
ensure the full implementation of the peace agreement during the transitional
period until a self-rule zone in the south of the Philippines is established.
101.The
Conference expressed satisfaction with the Secretary General’s efforts to
implement the adopted resolutions on Muslim communities and minorities in
non-Member States, and particularly with the creation of a Contact Group from
the Member States’ permanent delegations at the Untied Nations in New York and
Geneva to examine the cases of violation of the rights of Muslim communities and
minorities in non-Member States.
102.The
Conference reaffirmed the need to take action for the attachment of Muslim
communities and minorities in non-Member States to their religious and cultural
identity, to a fair treatment in terms of rights, commitments and duties, and to
the provision of all their rights, civil or religious or other, without
discrimination or segregation.
103.The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to Muslim communities
and minorities living in non-OIC Member States. The Conference, keeping in mind
that the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace is an integral part of the
Muslim World, regretted that the violation of the minority rights and
fundamental freedoms of the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace is
continuing. It deplored the sentencing to imprisonment of the elected Mufti of
Xanthi, Mr. Mehmet Emin Aga, and expressed its concern on the obstruction of the
building of Kimmeria Mosque. The Conference urged Greece to take all measures to
restore the rights of the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace and urgently
recognize the elected Muftis of Xanthi and Komotini as the office muftis.
LEGAL AFFAIRS:
104.The
Conference called for the setting up of an International Islamic Court of
Justice as early as possible and urged member countries to promptly adopt the
Islamic regulations statute.
105.The
Conference reaffirmed the necessity of consolidating human rights and to ensure
the follow up of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam for laying down
the Islamic standards and values and incorporating them into Islamic treaties
devoted to human rights. It
also stressed the importance
of coordination between Member States in the field of human rights and the need
for the Member States to take into account the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights
on Islam as well as the principles outlining the position of the Member States
on the issue of human rights in the discussions that will take place in course
of the forthcoming Fifty-fourth Session of the Commission on Human Rights. It
also underlined the need for a positive contribution by the Organisation towards
the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Universal
Declaration on Human Rights and called on the
international community to reaffirm their commitment to respect the
international principles adopted in the area of human rights.
106.The
Conference urged Member
States to adhere to the agreements on the struggle against Sky Hijacking and
extend help and assistance to victims upon any incident.
It also stressed the need for holding an international Conference under
the aegis of the United Nations to define the concept of terrorism and to make a
distinction between terrorism and the people’s struggle for national
liberation. It also condemned
terrorist acts that are perpetrated deceitfully in the name of Islam and laid
stress on the importance of international and regional co-operation to fight
against all forms of terrorism.
107.The
Conference condemned the terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and
expressed its deep concern over the continuing violent acts and barbaric crimes,
especially those which were recently perpetrated against foreign tourists and
earnestly appealed to member countries not to provide shelter to terrorists and
help bringing them for trial and requested the Experts Group on Terrorism to
prepare a draft treaty on the struggle against international terrorism in
accordance with the principles stipulated in the
Code of Conduct for Combating International Terrorism. It expressed its
profound sympathy to all victims of terrorism and addressed its condolences to
their families.
INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION:
108.The
Conference noted with deep satisfaction the activities of the Organisation
carried out by the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs
(COMIAC) under the wise and able leadership of His Excellency President Abdou
Diouf, President of the Republic of Senegal.
109.The
Conference expressed satisfaction for the adoption by COMIAC of the Islamic
Information Strategy along with its implementation mechanisms, the Code of
Conduct for Islamic Information, the Information Plan for Islamic Countries and
the Islamic Programme Statute for the Development of Information and Culture.
110.The
Conference endorsed the proposals of the Secretary General on the redynamisation
of the information sector to enable it to play its veritable role in promoting
the just causes and the image of Islam, promoting the heritage and values as
well as the achievements, the potentialities, and the various policies of the
Islamic Ummah whilst giving priority to inter-Islamic exchange, encouraging
dialogue among civilizations and bringing together Muslim minorities and
communities of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and other Muslim
populations.
111.The
Conference appealed to Member States to mobilize all the necessary means,
particularly through voluntary contributions, in order to solve the crucial
problem of financing information and communication activities.
112.The
Conference underlined the need to implement, at the earliest convenience, the
action programmes of the Information Plan and the important Islam Vision project
whose realization will endow the Islamic Ummah with a most valuable
communication instrument facilitating the expressions of its identity and
culture while upholding the image and interests of Islam and opening up to the
rest of the world within the framework of dialogue among civilizations.
113.The
Conference hailed the progress made so far in the making of the documentary film
on Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It noted with
satisfaction that the International Islamic News Agency (IINA) and the Islamic
States Broadcasting Organisation (ISBO) have been kept as two separate
institutions whose role should be reactivated and supported by Member States, so
they can attain their objectives in the service of Islamic information.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS:
114.The
Conference urged Member States to pursue efforts aimed at strengthening economic
cooperation among them so as to maximize the complementarities in their
economies and avoid further marginalization. It also expressed desire for OIC
Member States to extend their cooperation and coordination in the areas of
market access, competition policy, transfer of technology and know how, finance,
investment and eventually development of an integrated network of information as
well as physical infrastructure for achieving the objective of an Islamic Common
Market.
115.The
Conference called for the expeditious processing of accession to the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) of applying developing countries, including the OIC members,
and emphasized that in this process no political consideration should be invoked
which may impede the accession of these countries. The Conference expressed deep
concern at the tendencies among some developed countries to link labour and
environment related issues with trade deals and emphasized that such trends are
detrimental to the evolution of a just and fair trading environment.
116.The
Conference expressed its profound concern over the serious economic problems
faced by the Least-Developed Member States and noted with disappointment the
slow progress in the implementation of the new Programme of Action adopted in
the Second UN Conference held in 1990 for Least Developed Countries, as well as
in the increasing of the Official Development Assistance (ODA). It further
welcomed the UN decision to convene the Third United Nations Conference on Least
Developed Countries at a high level in the year 2001 and requested all concerned
organs, Organisations and bodies of the UN System including the regional
commissions and other relevant
international and multilateral institutions, to make, within their respective
fields of competence, substantive contributions and proposals for further action
as submissions to the preparatory process of the Conference.
117.The
Conference noted that Micro-Credit programmes by providing access to small
capital, contribute toward eradication of poverty through generating productive
self-employment, ensuring social and human development, and promoting
participatory processes in the societies and
encouraged consideration of incorporation of microcredit schemes in the
strategy of poverty eradication.
118.The
Conference renewed the call made to the international community, especially the
developed countries to offer substantial reduction of African debts and lowering
of the burden of servicing charges while ensuring that this process is combined
with the flow of fresh and considerable finances soft term, to African
countries. It also appealed to the
international community to extend assistance to Member States struck by drought
and natural disasters. It also called upon Member States and OIC institutions to
extend assistance to OIC countries of the Inter-governmental
Authority for Development and
Drought Control (IGADD) and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought
Control in the Sahel (CILSS) to enable them to overcome the difficult situation
which is threatening them.
119.The
Conference invited all concerned bodies to expedite the extension of the
envisaged necessary assistance to help the Palestnian people to establish their
national economy, consolidation of their national institutions and to enable
them
to
establish their independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital and also
expressed extreme concern about the
serious economic implications resulting from a new series of expansionist
settlement policies by the Israeli government on the existing difficult living
conditions of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian territories as
well as those of the Syrian
citizens in the Occupied Syrian Golan and the Arab people in the other Occupied
Arab territories.
120.The
Conference emphasized the need to urgently implement the Plan of Action to
Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States within the
framework of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation
(COMCEC), in accordance with the
principles and operational modalities of the strategy and the procedures set
forth in its chapter on follow-up and implementation.
121.The
Conference requested the OIC Standing Committees and the OIC institutions to
explore the challenges of the 21st Century each contributing to its respective
fields of competence and to delineate possible responses by the Ummah for these
challenges.
122.The
Conference called on the Member States to participate in various schemes
recently launched by the Islamic Development Bank and to benefit from the Longer
Term Trade Financing Scheme, Islamic Banks’ Portfolio,
IDB Unit Investment Fund, the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of
Investment and Export Credit along
with IDB’s other existing schemes, programs and operations.
FINANCIAL
MARKETS:
123.The
Conference noted with concern the recent volatility in the global and regional
financial markets and that such volatility had imposed severe strains on the
economic and financial systems of several countries, including members of the
OIC.
124.The
Conference also noted that while the maintenance of sound, consistent and
transparent policies was important to enable countries to cope with the
challenges of globalisation, the spread of the contagion effects, even to
countries with sound fundamentals, underscored the need to better understand the
dynamics of globalised capital and currency markets in an environment of
instantaneous financial and information flows.
125.The
Conference welcomed the efforts of the international financial institutions,
including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to examine the
structure of the global financial markets, including the implications of large
short term capital flows and financial market operations. It noted that such
efforts would contribute to greater transparency,
efficiency and stability of world currency and financial markets, and would need
to be implemented on a global basis.
Science
and Technology:
126.The
Conference urged the Member States to continue to take into account the
environmental issues in their development policies and to mobilize their
financial and institutional resources towards implementing their national
programmes for the protection of the environment. The conference expressed
satisfaction at the current fruitful cooperation between the OIC and the UN
Environmental Programme (UNEP).
127.The
Conference reaffirmed its support of the declaration of the Middle East, Africa,
and the Indian Ocean regions as nuclear weapon free zones and condemned
Israel’s refusal to sign the Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
and its burying dangerous poisonous waste in the occupied Palestinian
territories and disposal off the Lebanese coasts.
The Conference condemned the policies of aggression practiced by Israel
in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan and
the Western Bekaa. It condemned its confiscation of lands, burning of woods,
diversion of irrigation water, and seizure of Palestinian water resources.
128.The
Conference called for cooperation among Member States in fighting epidemics of
human, animal or environmental origin,
and particularly AIDS. It called on
Member States to act collectively to fight its dissemination through medical
means. It also called on them to
lay special emphasis on religious and moral values in their educational
institutions, their information media and their Dawa activities, for this
constitutes a more effective preventive measure against AIDS.
With respect to the mad cow disease, the Conference urged Member States
and specialized international cooperation agencies to expedite the establishment
of a mechanism for early warning, monitoring and quick exchange of information
about the marketing and importation of meat and meat products affected by this
disease. The Conference also called
for a Conference of the Ministers of Health of OIC Member States in the near
future upon the kind offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the said
Conference.
129.The
Conference requested Member States to actively follow the relevant guidelines
issued by the meeting of the OIC Experts Committee in Istanbul in 1988
concerning cooperation in fighting the misuse, production, manufacturing and
illegal marketing of drugs and narcotics. It urged them to coordinate their
efforts and harmonize their regulations within the framework of relevant
international Organisations, and to give greater attention to raising religious
awareness of the total religious and legal prohibition of these drugs.
130.The
Conference expressed the need to have a study carried out by governmental
experts on the links between the fields of environment, health, and sustainable
development, and welcomed the invitation to host the meeting extended by the
Republic of Tunisia through the Standing Committee for Scientific and
Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in close consultation with the Member
States and the General Secretariat and in cooperation with the relevant regional
and international Organisations.
131.The
Conference reaffirmed the need for scientific and technological exchange for
peaceful purposes and for the enhancement of social and economic development,
calling on all States and
particularly the developed countries to
initiate comprehensive talks to establish general non-discriminatory guidelines
for the transfer of advanced technology, materials and equipment which have
military applications. The
resolution also urged the relevant international Organisations and
agencies to facilitate the transfer of science and technology to the
developing countries for peaceful purposes.
132The
Conference called on the United Nations to declare the Aral Sea region and the
Semipalatinsk as a zone of global ecological catastrophe.
The Conference expressed its support to the government of
Kazakhstan in its efforts to rehabilitate those areas, and called for a
special meeting of the Ministers of the Environment of the Member States
to discuss environmental issues in the Islamic world, and particularly the two
above-mentioned areas. It called on the Member States, the Islamic Development
Bank and the charitable Organisations to extend political, economic and
financial assistance in order to alleviate the devastating effects of
environmental disasters and prevent their aggravation, particularly in the
Semipalatinsk area, which is considered the one area in the Islamic world where
the greatest number of lethal nuclear tests in the world were conducted for the
last forty years.
CULTURAL
AFFAIRS:
133.The
Conference took cognizance with appreciation of the reports on cultural and
Islamic universities, institutions, centres
and institutes submitted by the Secretary General. It stressed the need
to set up a Waqf with sufficient earnings to ensure fixed income for the Islamic
universities in both Niger and Uganda. It
urged donors to redouble their efforts to help attain this objective.
It further urged Member States, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic
Solidarity Fund and other Islamic institutions to increase their financial
assistance to such universities, centres and institutes in view of their
significant contribution to human resource development which constitutes an
indispensable component of any
developmental effort of the Islamic Ummah.
134.The
Conference took note of the efforts made for the implementation of the Cultural
Strategy for the Islamic world and
recommended to Member States to endeavour to integrate it in the national
policies in the fields of education
of teaching and culture.
135.The
Conference expressed deep concern over the attacks on Muslim values and
religious heritage in many parts of the world.
136.The
Conference requested Member States to take appropriate steps to organize
women’s activities at the national and international levels in all fields.
It also called for the holding of a Ministerial Conference on the
child and social affairs as soon as possible.
It urged Member States to pursue their efforts in strengthening their own
Islamic values and cultural activities among
all Muslim youths. It called on Member States to play a political role in the
international arena in favour of the child and its protection.
137.The
Conference expressed appreciation of the intensive activities being made by
both the Research Centre for Islamic History, Arts and Culture and the
International Commission for the Preservation of Islamic Heritage so as to
revive Islamic heritage and
publicize the various aspects of Islamic civilization.
It also expressed appreciation for the excellent efforts being made by
the Islamic Fiqh Academy so as to find solutions to topical life issues facing
Muslims. It called on Member States to make annual donations to the
Islamic Solidarity Fund’s budget and Waqf in view of the effective role that
it plays in supporting various educational and social institutions of the
Islamic world, especially in Africa whose identity and authenticity are targets.
It took note with appreciation of the activities of the Coordinating Committee
for Joint Islamic Action in the field of Dawa.
138.The
Conference expressed deep appreciation of the Islamic Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), especially for its strategy to develop
science and technology.
139.The
Conference expressed its appreciation for the activities undertaken by the
Islamic Committee for the International Crescent. It urged Member States which
have not ratified the agreement of this institution, to do so with a view to
enabling the Committee to commence its work towards the realization of the
objectives assigned to it.
140.
The Conference expressed appreciation and thanks to His Royal Highness Prince
Faysal Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud for the great care he gives to the
Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation and for the generous hospitality extended
to government experts who prepared for the First Ministers of Youth and Sports
Meeting. It also expressed sincere congratulations to Member States whose
national squads have qualified for the World Cup in France 1998.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS:
141.The Conference commended the Secretary General’s efforts to
rationalize the work of the General Secretariat and increase its efficiency and
affirmed its support for the Secretary General’s initiatives concerning
administrative reform and financial redress.
142.The Conference decided to submit the Secretary General’s
report on administrative reform and financial redress to an open-ended Committee
of Experts which will meet during the first half of February, 1998 and
submit recommendations on the Secretary General’s proposals contained therein,
and his proposals concerning the General Secretariat’s draft budget, to the
Twenty-fifth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers to be held in Doha, State
of Qatar, in March 1998, for approval.
143.The Conference called on the Member States to expedite payment
of their contributions and arrears to the budget of the General Secretariat and
its subsidiary organs.
CLOSING
SESSION:
Vote
of thanks for His Majesty Hassan II
144.The
Conference paid a solemn tribute to His Majesty Hassan II, King of Morocco,
Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference and Chairman of the Al-Quds
Committee, for the follow-up and
the impetus he has given to the action of the Organisation as well as for the
far-reaching initiatives he has taken during his Chairmanship of the OIC, within
the framework of the implementation of the OIC resolutions adopted by the
Seventh Islamic Summit Conference held in Casablanca from 13-15 December, 1994,
with a view to consolidating Joint Islamic Action, enhancing the prestige of the
Organisation and increasing its contribution to promoting
international peace and security. It expressed its sincere thanks and
deep gratitude to His Majesty Hassan II, for his generous and constant support
to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and its institutions, a support
which testifies to the keen interest he attaches to the defense of Islamic
causes.
Vote
of thanks to His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami
145.At
the end of the deliberations, Their Excellencies M. Omar Hassan Al
Bashir, President of the Republic of Sudan and Mr. Alpha Oumar Konare,
President of the Republic of Mali, expressed on behalf of the participants,
their profound thanks and gratitude to His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami,
the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and
the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the
warm welcome and traditional hospitality extended to all participants. They
expressed to His Excellency the Chairman of the Conference, on behalf of the
leaders of the Islamic Ummah, their appreciation for his farsightedness and
sagacity with which he steered the deliberations of the Conference to success
146.The
OIC Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Azeddine LARAKI, addressed the Conference and
expressed his profound gratitude and high appreciation to the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Iran and to all Member States for their continuous support
and notably for the voluntary contributions they pledged during the Conference
in favour of the Organisation.
147.The
Conference heard with interest the statement by H.E. Mr. Alija Izetbegovic,
President of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Closing
Speech
148.In
his closing speech, His Excellency Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the
Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Eighth Session of the Islamic
Summit Conference expressed his satisfaction over the smooth
proceedings
of the Conference and reviewed the important decisions adopted by the Session. His
Excellency the President expressed his thanks to Their Majesties, Highness and
Excellencies, Emirs, Heads of State and Government for their spirit of Islamic
solidarity and fraternity demonstrated by them which greatly contributed to the
adoption of important resolutions for the future of the Ummah.
Tehran Declaration
The Eighth Islamic Summit
Conference
The Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation
Sha’aban, 1418-December 1997
In
the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
And
thus We have made you a justly balanced nation that you may be the bearers of
witness to the people and (that) the Apostle may be a bearer of witness to you.
(Quran, II : 143)
The
Kings, Heads of State and
Government of the Member-States of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference,
assembled at the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference, the Session of Dignity,
Dialogue, Participation, held in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran, from 8 to
10 Sha’aban 1418H, corresponding to 9-11 December, 1997
Stressing
their full adherence to Al-Tawhid and the religion of Islam, as the
foundation for man’s true
freedom in keeping with the teaching of Islam which provide a delicate balance
between spiritual and material dimensions of human life, and between liberty and
salvation, based on tolerance and compassion, wisdom and justice,
Affirming
their strong determination to realize the purposes and principles of the Charter
of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, in particular as regards the
unity and solidarity of the Islamic Ummah, safeguarding of Islamic values and
principles,
Determined to realize the legitimate aspirations of Islamic nations and
peoples for peace and security as well as comprehensive, balanced and
sustainable development through active participation and the realization of the
fundamental right to self-determination of peoples under colonial or alien
domination or foreign occupation,
Recognizing the importance of preserving the identity of the Islamic
Ummah and of holding fast to their tradition and historical heritage as the main
factor in cementing the fabric of the society and enhancing social stability,
Emphasizing
the imperative of positive interaction, dialogue
and understanding among cultures and religions; and rejecting the
theories of clash and conflict which breed mistrust and diminish the grounds for
peaceful interaction among nations,
Noting
the changing international environment and the enormous capabilities and
potentials of the Islamic Ummah to play a constructive role in shaping a more
just, equitable and peaceful global order,
Expressing
their full confidence that Iran, under the leadership of His Eminence Ayatollah
Khamene’i and the Presidency of His Excellency Khatami, will lead the OIC
during the Chairmanship of President Khatami in the most able and constructive
manner, further enhancing the role and participation of the Organisation in
international affairs, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the
OIC.
SOLIDARITY
AND SECURITY IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD
1.Pledge
solemnly to promote solidarity, peace and security within the Islamic world as
their top priority, and to pursue consultations for security cooperation, and entrust
the Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Solidarity and Security of Islamic States
to study and recommend appropriate strategies and practical measures to achieve
this objective.
2.Reaffirm
their resolve to consolidate cooperation and coordination among the Member
States and their expectation from all regional Organisations within the Islamic
world to take effective practical measures in order to expand cooperation in all
fields.
3.Emphasize
that the establishment of Islamic Common Market constitutes a significant step
towards strengthening Islamic solidarity and enhancing the share of the Islamic
world in global trade.
4.Condemn
the continued occupation by Israel of Palestinian and other Arab territories
including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and Southern Lebanon; salute
the steadfastness of the Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian peoples in their
resistance to the Israeli occupation; reaffirming
all relevant OIC resolutions, call for the liberation of all occupied
Arab territories and restoration of
the usurped rights of the Palestinian people;
condemn the expansionist policies and practices by Israel, such as
the establishment and expansion of Jewish
settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as acts to change the
demographic and geographic status of the Holy City of Al-Quds; and emphasize
the need for Israel to desist from state-terrorism which it continues to
practice in utter disregard for all legal and moral principles; urge
reconsideration of any military cooperation with Israel with the
objective of renouncing it due to the danger it poses to the security of
Islamic countries; call for
making the Middle East a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction including
nuclear weapons, and the necessity for Israel to join the Non-Proliferation
Treaty and to put all its nuclear installations under IAEA safeguards.
5.Underline
their resolve and determination to regain the Holy City of Al-Quds and Masjid
Al-Aqsa and to restore the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian
people, the exercise of the right of the Palestinians to return to their homes
and property and the attainment and exercise of the right of the Palestinian
people to self-determination and the establishment of the independent and
sovereign Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and their
right to leave and return freely to their country.
6.Stress
their solidarity with the Muslim people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and underscore
their confidence that the Ministerial Contact Group will continue to actively
pursue the process of peace and reconstruction.
7.Deplore
continuation of conflict and violence in Afghanistan, and express their
full support for inter-Afghan dialogue, formation of a broad-based government,
and activities at the regional and international level to stop the bloodshed and
to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan.
8. Express
their rejection of the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against Republic of
Azerbaijan, and call on the complete withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied
territories and early and peaceful resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict.
9.Reiterate
their full support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the realization of
their right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions.
10.Appeals
to the Security Council to lift the sanctions imposed on Libya taking into
consideration the latter’s positive initiatives and the proposals made by
Regional Organisations.
11.Reiterate
also their full support to the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus for the
realization of their legitimate rights.
12.Strongly
condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while distinguishing
terrorism from the struggle of peoples against colonial or alien domination or
foreign occupation and their right for
self-determination, emphasize
that the killing of innocent people is forbidden in Islam; reiterate
their commitment to the provisions of the OIC Code of Conduct for combating
international terrorism, and their resolve to intensify their efforts to
conclude a treaty on this issue, and call on the international community
to deny asylum to terrorists, assist in bringing them to justice, and take all
necessary measures to prevent or to dismantle support networks helpful in any
form to terrorism.
13.Pledge
their commitment to extend full support to Muslim communities and minorities in
non-Muslim countries in collaboration with their governments, and call upon
all States to ensure their religious, political,
civil, economic, social and cultural rights.
REVIVAL
OF THE ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION AND IDENTITY
14.Consider
the revival of the Islamic civilization a peaceful global reality;
express their concern at tendencies to portray Islam as a
threat to the world, and emphasize
that the Islamic civilization is firmly and historically grounded in
peaceful coexistence, cooperation and mutual understanding among civilizations,
as well as constructive discourse with other religions and thoughts.
15.Reaffirm
the need to establish understanding and interaction among various cultures, in
line with the Islamic teachings of tolerance,
justice and peace, denounce various manifestations of
cultural invasion, disregard for religious and cultural values of other nations
particularly as regards Divine values and principles, and
call for the speedy
conclusion of an internationally binding document to prevent insult against
sacred values, principles and beliefs in accordance with existing decisions.
16.Entrust
“the Group of Experts on the Image of Islam” to formulate and
recommend pragmatic and constructive steps
to counter negative propaganda, to remove and rectify misunderstandings,
and to present the true image of Islam, the religion of peace, the liberty and
salvation.
17.Welcome
the increasing inclination towards the flourishing message of Islam in the
world, and decide to take advantage of the technological achievements in
the field of information and communications in order to present the rich culture
and eternal principles of Islam to mankind.
COMPREHENSIVE,
BALANCED AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
18.Consider
sustainable and balanced development in the moral, political, social, economic,
cultural and scientific fields as vital for the Islamic world, and inspired by
the noble principles and values of Islam, reaffirm
their unwavering determination to ensure exchange of ideas and experience
and the fullest participation of all segments of the Islamic Ummah in various
activities of the society; reiterate their support for the aims and
principles of “the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam”, and decide
to consider appropriate action to ensure respect for this declaration.
19.Invite
the Member States to make a collective effort towards substantial increase in
trade and investments within the Islamic world and to put in place instruments
including those decided within the context of COMCEC in order to expand the
existing exchange of goods and services and transfer of technology and
expertise.
20.Emphasize
their full respect for the dignity and the rights of Muslim women and
enhancement of their role in all aspect of social life in accordance with
Islamic principles, and call on the General Secretariat to encourage and
coordinate participation of women in the relevant activities of the OIC.
21.Underline
the need for coordination among the Member-States to enhance their role and
participation in the global economic system and the
international
economic decision-making processes; reject, at the same time,
unilateralism and extraterritorial application of domestic law or sanctions, and
urge all States to consider the so-called D’Amato Law as null and void.
22.Stress
the need for environmental cooperation among Islamic countries in various fields
at the bilateral, regional and international levels to achieve sustained
economic growth and sustainable development, and for mobilizing necessary
financial and institutional resources towards implementing national programmes
for the protection of the environment, as well as for collaboration and
coordination of positions regarding these issues in international fora
INTERNATIONAL
PARTICIPATION
23.Welcome
the participation of the UN
Secretary General, H.E. Kofi Annan, at the Tehran Summit as a sign of excellent
relation and cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC, invite the UN
Secretary General to pursue reform of the United Nations in a manner that
ensures maximum democratization of the decision making within the UN system, and
stress, in this context, on the need for a more effective and equitable
role and representation of the OIC membership in the UN organs particularly the
Security Council.
24.Emphasize
that effective, constructive and meaningful participation of Islamic countries
in the management of international affairs is essential for maintaining peace
and security in the world, and establishing the new world order on the basis of
equality, justice and promoting
morality and Divine values and, in this connection,
call upon the General
Secretariat to facilitate effective consultation and coordination among Islamic
countries in all international fora.
STRENGTHENING
THE ORGANISATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE
25.Recognize
that concerted measures to strengthen and revitalize the Organisation of the
Islamic Conference is also imperative, and express their determination to
provide all necessary support with strong conviction to the ongoing process of
reform and restructuring of the Organisation to reach higher levels of
efficiency and competence and enhance its effectiveness, operationalize and
implement its decisions, and to constantly adapt the Organisation with evolving
international circumstances; mandate the “Open-ended Expert Group”,
in coordination with the Secretary General and the Chairman of the Organisation,
to study this issue with a view to achieving practical solutions.
26.Urge
the Member States to accelerate the completion of the ratification procedure for
the International Islamic Court of Justice, and further coordination amongst
parliamentarians of the Islamic States in the relevant international fora.
FOLLOW-UP
27.Request
the Chairman of the Summit Conference to carry out regular and substantive
consultations with member-states and take all necessary measures to pursue the
implementation of this Declaration
with the cooperation of the Secretary General.
TEHRAN
VISION STATEMENT
EIGHTH
ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE
TEHRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN, DECEMBER
11, 1997
In
the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
We,
the Heads of State and Government meeting in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of
Iran, in conjunction with the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference, the Session of
Dignity, Dialogue and Participation:
-Guided
and inspired by the noble teachings of Islam, which enjoin the Islamic Ummah to
strengthen ties of solidarity, understanding and tolerance,
-Uniting
to commit ourselves to create a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for our
peoples, in the spirit of openness, dialogue and partnership,
-Recalling
the relevant provisions of Declarations and Decisions of earlier Islamic Summit
Conferences, especially those of the Third and Sixth Islamic Summits which,
inter-alia, underlined the importance of building trust and confidence between
and among Member-States,
1-Resolve
to act in common purpose so as to strengthen effective cooperation between and
among Muslim countries and with countries beyond so as to better deal with
challenges and opportunities facing them
2-Further
resolve to seek cooperative efforts and to utilize every opportunity,
including participation at various international fora, to coordinate and
exchange views in order to make positive contributions to international peace
and security and to sustainable growth and development;
3-Solemnly
Declare our determination to strictly adhere to the following fundamental
principles as the basis for establishing a code of conduct in relations between
and among Member-States:
Respect
for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence of States
Rejection
of use of force or threat of use of force against one another or interference in
the internal affairs of other States
Inviolability
of internationally recognized borders and emphasis on the resolution of all
territorial and trans-boundary issues through dialogue and negotiations
Exercise
of restraint in cases of dispute with the view to creating a positive climate
for their eventual resolution
Support
for the struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination or foreign
occupation in exercise of their right to self-determination
Support
for the Palestinian People’s right to establish their sovereign and
independent State on their land with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital as
indicated in the OIC Charter and reaffirmation of the
imperative necessity for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese and
Syrian territories, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.
Cooperation
for the protection and preservation of the environment, for combating terrorism
and illicit trafficking in drugs, in conformity with international law and the
Untied Nations Charter and without prejudice to sovereignty of Member-States
Expansion
and extension of trade and other economic ties between and among Member States
Rejection
of the introduction or application of unilateral or extraterritorial legislation
or any other forms of bilateral pressures which runs counter to the letter and
spirit of the WTO and a rule-based global trading system;
4.Decide
to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee to develop guidelines to strengthen regional
and sub-regional arrangements to promote systematic dialogue as well as foster
and reinforce cooperation and confidence between and among Member-States;
5.Reaffirm
our commitment to deepening of our spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and harmony
based on the noble teachings of Islam and our shared vision in seeking
international peace and security, sustainable growth and development as well as
peace, stability and prosperity for our peoples.
