OIC - Resolutions

RESOLUTION NO. 22 /25-P

ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION AND STEPS TAKEN FOR GENERAL AND COMPLETE DISARMAMENT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SECURITY OF ISLAMIC STATES

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a better future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah), held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida, 1418H (15-17 March, 1998),

Guided by the objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference which call for the consolidation of international peace and security on the basis of justice, and reaffirming its commitment to the purposes of the United Nations Charter in safeguarding international peace and security;

Considering that the United Nations, pursuant to the provisions of its Charter, has a major role and responsibility in the field of disarmament and promotion of international security, as well as protection of future generations from the calamities of war;

Noting that the current international situation requires that the principles of disarmament as contained in the United Nations Charter become a fundamental element in any collective effort designed to bring about a truly secure world and protect mankind from the threat of weapons of mass-destruction, particularly nuclear weapons;

Recalling in this regard the adoption by the General Assembly on 11 September 1987 of the Final Document of the International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development, and emphasizing the increasing importance of this relationship in the context of the current developments in international relations;

Convinced of the need to promote international peace and security founded on the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter rejecting the threat or use of force and calling for respect of the territorial integrity and national independence of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the right of peoples living under the yoke of foreign domination and colonialism to self-determination, and based also on the elimination of occupation, aggression, annexation, and all forms of racial discrimination;

Recognizing the importance of equitable and balanced disarmament measures, which guarantee the right of every State to balanced security;

Acknowledging that the independence, territorial integrity, regional security and sovereignty of the non-nuclear-weapon States should be ensured through credible guarantees against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;

Deeply concerned at the threats posed to peace and security in the Middle East in view of the possession by Israel, of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, and related delivery systems, and at their continued aggressive and expansionist policies against the peoples of the Middle East;

Recalling the resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency No.601 of 25 September 1992 regarding the application of the Agency's Safeguards System in the Middle East;

Welcoming the initiatives of Member States relating to the establishment of a Zone free from weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, notably nuclear weapons;

Recognizing that the establishment of mass-destruction-weapon-free Zones constitutes an important disarmament measure, which helps in easing tension and achieving security and stability in these Zones, particularly in the Middle East region;

Recalling the Final Communiques and resolutions on disarmament adopted by the Islamic Conferences, in particular Resolution 21/8-P (IS) issued by the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Noting the adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by the U.N. General Assembly on 10 September, 1996;

Also recalling all resolutions and recommendations issued in this respect by other international and regional organizations and particularly by the Non-Aligned Movement;

Noting the proposal of Pakistan for the holding of multilateral talks on interlinked issues of peace and security in South Asia;

Taking Note of the report of the Secretary General in this respect (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.15),

1. Calls 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 as a whole, particularly the elimination of nuclear weapons.

2. Emphasizes the need to conduct negotiations as early as possible within the framework of the Conference on Disarmament according to the Plan of Action of the Final Document of the Tenth UN General Assembly Special Session on the full range of disarmament issues;

3. Deems it necessary that all States be afforded an opportunity to participate on an equal footing in the work of the Conference on Disarmament so as to ensure universal representation.

4. Considers that all States have an inalienable right to develop their programmes for peaceful uses of nuclear energy for their economic and social development and that all States are entitled to have access to the technology and equipment needed for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

5. Emphasizes the importance of ensuring the adherence of all States to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and requests the nuclear weapons states to implement their obligations to which they have committed themselves in the decision , declaration and resolution adopted by the Conference on the Review and Extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty held in New York during the months of April and May 1995, especially the resolutinos adopted by that Conference on the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East.

6. Calls upon the UN Security Council, in the framework of the establishment of a Zone free from all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, to implement para 14 of Security Council Resolution No. 687 adopted on 14 April 1991 and the relevant UN General Assembly resolutions to speed up the establishment of this Zone through the elimination of the Israeli nuclear weapons, potential and danger.

7. Calls on all nuclear weapons states to commit themselves to the total elimination of their nuclear weapons arsenals within a universally acceptable time-frame.

8. Requests the Member States to intensify their efforts at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva for the formation of an Ad-hoc committee for drawing up a time-table for the phasing out of nuclear weapons with a view to their total elimination.

9. Welcomes the initiatives of some Member States for the establishment of a Zone free from all weapons of mass destruction, notably nuclear weapons in the Middle East, within the framework of the United Nations, and calls for an early establishment of such a Zone. In this context, it notes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the Working Group of the League of Arab States concerning the establishment a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East.

10. Welcomes the Convention on the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in Africa which was signed in Cairo on 11 April, 1996.

11. Calls upon the Conference on Disarmament to intensify its efforts to come to an early agreement on concluding an international legally binding convention providing non-nuclear-weapon States with credible guarantees against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons and calls upon the Member States to coordinate their efforts at the Conference on this issue.

12. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 23/25-P

ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NUCLEAR WEAPON FREE ZONES IN AFRICA, THE MIDDLE EAST, CENTRAL ASIA, SOUTH ASIA AND SOUTH EAST ASIA

Recalling that the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones in various regions of the world is one of the measures which can most effectively guarantee the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as contribute to the achievement of general and complete disarmament;

Convinced that the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon Free-Zones in various regions will serve to protect the States of such regions against the threat or use of Nuclear Weapons;

Recalling that the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly recommended the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia;

Noting that the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones particularly in the Middle East, would effectively enhance regional and international peace and security;

Taking into consideration the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the 1995 Conference of the States parties to the Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty on the review and extension of the treaty;

Also recalling all the resolutions adopted by various Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers, including Resolution 22/24-P issued by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, and resolution No. 22/8-P(IS) issued by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia;

Bearing in mind all the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Organization of African Unity in this respect, and recalling in particular the Declaration on Denuclearization of Africa adopted by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its First Ordinary Session held in Cairo from 17 to 21 July 1964 on the necessity for establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Africa;

Drawing attention to the fact that all states of the Middle East have become parties to the Non-proliferation treaty except Israel that is not a party to the Treaty, has not placed its nuclear programmes under safeguard agreements and has not declared its intention to do so;

Recalling as well, all relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on this subject particularly Resolutions 51/41, 51/42 and 51/53 on the establishment of nuclear weapon free zones in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa respectively;

Noting the successful conclusion of the signing ceremony of the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (Treaty of Pelindaba) that was held at Cairo on 11 April 1996;

Noting the statements made at the highest level by the Governments of South Asian States pledging themselves not to acquire or manufacture nuclear weapons and to devote their nuclear programmes exclusively to the economic and social development of their peoples;

Welcoming the proposal for the conclusion of a bilateral or regional nuclear test ban agreement in South Asia as well as the proposal to convene under UN auspices a Conference on nuclear non-proliferation in South Asia and welcoming also the proposal to hold five nation consultations with a view to ensuring nuclear non-proliferation in the region of South Asia;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General in this respect (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.15),

1. Welcomes the treaty on the establishment of a nuclear- weapon-free zone in Africa which was signed in Cairo on 11 April, 1996.

2. Also welcomes the signing of a convention in Bangkok in December 1995 by the Heads of State and Government of the ten South-East Asian countries for the establishment of a South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.

3. Calls upon all States, particularly the States of the regions concerned, which have not yet done so, to positively respond to proposals for the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in the Middle East and South Asia.

4. Reaffirms the determination of Member States to take measures to prevent nuclear proliferation on a non-discriminatory and universal basis.

5. Urges all States, especially nuclear weapon States to exert pressure on Israel to become party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and calls on the international community and the Security Council to compel Israel to comply with the relevant U.N. Resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 487(1981), to immediately implement the resolutions of the International atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling for the subjection of all Israeli atomic facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System and to implement the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the Extension and Review of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Meeting held in New York in April and May 1995.

6. Requests the Security Council to obtain Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to submit a full report on its stockpile 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 and calls upon Member States to strive to include again the item "e;Israeli nuclear capabilities and its dangers"e; on the agenda of the forthcoming General Conference of the IAEA.

7. Considers that the establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia constitute one of the main factors for the consideration of the nuclear weapons non-proliferation system.

8. Welcomes the various proposals made by Pakistan to keep the South Asian region free of nuclear weapons including the proposed five-nation consultations to ensure nuclear non-proliferation in the region.

9. Requests all Member States to keep up and further coordinate their cooperation at the United Nations and other relevant international fora to promote the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in the Middle East and South Asia.

10. Requests the Secretary General to follow the developments in this regard and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 24 /25-P

ON THE STRENGTHENING OF THE SECURITY OF NON-NUCLEAR WEAPON STATES AGAINST THE USE OR THREAT OF USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Deeply concerned over the existence of significant nuclear arsenals in the world which increase the possibility of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;

Taking into consideration that it is imperative for the international community to develop effective measures to ensure the security of non-nuclear weapon states against the threat or use of nuclear weapons, whatever their origin;

Recalling the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 8 June 1996 on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons in which it expresses that threat or use of nuclear weapons would generally be contrary to the Rules of International Law Applicable in Armed Conflict and in particular the Principles and Rules of Humanitarian Law;

Recognizing that effective measures to protect non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons may positively contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and strengthen international peace and security;

Deeply concerned over Israel's arsenal of nuclear weapons and its threats and practices aimed at destroying the peaceful and defence capabilities of Member States;

Deeply convinced that the most effective guarantee for non-Nuclear States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is the total elimination of all nuclear weapons;

Recalling the commitment made by nuclear-weapons-states to provide security assurances to non-nuclear weapons states in accordance with their obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other instruments;

Noting that nuclear weapons states have failed to provide credible assurances to non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons;

Recalling all relevant resolutions adopted by the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers, including Resolution 23/24-P of the 24th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Recalling also the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly as well as those issued by the Non-Aligned Movement on the need for assurances by nuclear powers to non-nuclearweapon states to the effect that they shall not resort to the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons against them;

Further recalling that the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly had called upon nuclear weapon states to conclude urgently arrangements to assure non-nuclear states against the threat or use of nuclear weapons;

Recalling further the resolution of the UN General Assembly calling for the Conference on Disarmament to actively continue intensive negotiations with a view to reaching early agreement and concluding effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, taking into account the widespread support for the conclusion of an International Convention;

Noting the adoption of Security Council Resolution No. 684 unanimously approved on 11 April, 1995 as well as the Declaration issued by the nuclear weapon States on positive and negative security guarantees for the non-nuclear weapon States;

Noting also the adoption of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by the Special Session of the UN General Assembly on 10 September,1996;

Expressing deep concern over the threat of use of nuclear weapons in general and against Member States in particular;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General on the Strengthening of the Security of Non-Nuclear Weapon States against the use or threat of use of Nuclear Weapons (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.15);

Noting the non-existence of opposition, in principle, within the Conference of Disarmament to the early conclusion and on the basis of just criteria, of an international convention to protect non-nuclear weapon States against the threat or use of nuclear weapons,

1. Calls upon all States, including those Members of the Conference on Disarmament, particularly the nuclear weapon States, to work urgently towards a binding agreement on an international convention to assure unconditionally non-nuclear weapon States against the threat or use of nuclear weapons and to explore all additional means to provide effective assurances to Non-Nuclear Weapon States in the global or regional context.

2. Recommends that the Islamic States make every effort at all international fora with a view to promoting the above-mentioned objectives aimed at strengthening the security of non-nuclear weapon States against the threat or use of nuclear weapons.

3. Urges the Conference on Disarmament to give priority attention to all issues on its agenda, particularly to the early commencement of negotiations on nuclear disarmament.

4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the developments in this respect and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 25/25-P

ON THE REGIONAL ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT

Believing that the efforts of the international community to move towards the ideal of general and complete disarmament are guided by the desire for genuine peace and security, the elimination of the danger of war and the release of economic, intellectual and other resources for peaceful pursuits;

Affirming the commitment of all Member States to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charters of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations in the conduct of their international relations;

Noting that the unbridled regional arms race and arms build up impedes efforts for confidence building;

Noting that the essential guidelines for progress towards general and complete disarmament were adopted at the Tenth Special Session of the UN General Assembly vide its Resolution No. S-10/2;

Recalling Resolution 47/52 J adopted by the 47th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1992;

Welcoming the prospects of genuine progress in the field of disarmament which appeared in recent years;

Recognizing the importance of confidence building measures for regional and international peace and security;

Recalling all relevant Islamic resolutions, specially resolution No. 24/8-P (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on the subject;

Convinced that endeavours by the Member States to promote regional disarmament, taking into account the specific characteristics of each region and in accordance with the principle of undiminished security at the lowest level of armaments, would enhance the security of smaller States and would thus contribute to international peace and security by reducing the risk of regional conflict;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.15),

1. Stresses that sustained efforts are needed, within the framework of the Conference on Disarmament and under the umbrella of the United Nations, to make progress on the entire range of disarmament issues.

2. Affirms that global and regional approaches to disarmament complement each other and should therefore be pursued to promote regional and international peace and security.

3. Encourages the conclusion of equitable and non-discriminatory agreements for global nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and confidence-building at regional and sub-regional levels.

4. Welcomes the initiatives towards disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and security undertaken by some countries at the regional and sub-regional levels.

5. Supports and encourages efforts aimed at promoting confidence-building measures at regional and sub-regional levels in order to ease regional tensions and to further disarmament and non-proliferation measures at regional and sub-regional levels, taking into account the relevant characteristics of each region.

6. Considers that regional agreements on ceilings for arms production and purchases and military expenditure can contribute to fostering confidence and making resources available for development, taking into consideration the circumstances of each region.

7. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the developments in this respect and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 26 /25-P

ON THE REGIONAL MILITARY BALANCE

Reiterating the Member States' resolve as expressed in the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Conference to unite their efforts in order to secure universal peace which ensures freedom, justice and security for their people and all peoples throughout the world;

Recalling also the purposes and principles of the UN Charter;

Bearing in mind the need for redressing the asymmetries in the levels of security arising from military imbalances at regional and sub-regional levels;

Recalling all relevant Islamic resolutions, in particular Resolution No. 25/8-P (IS) adopted by the Eighth Sesion of the Islamic Summit Conference on this subject;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.15),

1. Recognizes 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.

2. Calls upon the international community and 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.

3. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the developments of this subject and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 27 /25-P

ON THE PROBLEM OF DUMPING OF DANGEROUS NUCLEAR AND TOXIC WASTES IN THE ISLAMIC STATES

Considering the serious problems arising from the dumping of dangerous toxic wastes in certain Islamic Countries by some industrialized countries;

Deeply concerned at the fact that the dumping of radioactive and toxic wastes endangers human life, marine fauna and the ecosystem in general;

Bearing in mind the Code of Practice in the International Transboundary Movement of Radio Active Waste established by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the importance of updating the contents of this Code to bring them in line with the related developments since the adoption of this Code;

Also bearing in mind the conclusion, by African States of the Bamako Convention on the Import of Hazardous Wastes into Africa and control of their transboundary movements within Africa;

Deploring the instances of dumping of toxic wastes in Somalia's territorial waters;

Expressing its concern over the dumping by Israel of radio-active and chemical wastes as well as highly toxic pesticides and insecticides in the Mediterranean Sea, especially in Lebanese regional waters.

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General in this respect (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.16),

1. Affirms that the dumping or elimination of toxic wastes of foreign origin in the territories and waters of Member States, and the risks that it entails for human life are a heinous crime against the people of Member States and the entire humanity.

2. Condemns all governmental and non-governmental entities which engage in this shameful practice of dumping toxic waste in the territories and waters of peace-loving people thus seriously endangering life and environment on the planet.

3. Invites all the Member States to continue their intensive campaign to enlighten their respective populations about the devastating effects of toxic waste on human life, fauna and flora.

4. Calls upon all States which produce dangerous toxic wastes to take all the measures necessary for treating and recycling this waste in their own countries.

5. Urges Member States to ban all the illegal trans-border movements of dangerous toxic wastes, transported without the necessary safeguards and the prior consent of the importing country.

6. Requests the Member States to intensify their efforts within the framework of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency to conclude a legally binding instrument on the absolute and comprehensive prohibition of any dumping of radioactive and toxic wastes and to this end calls on all States and multi-national corporations and others to abide by the provisions of the Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.

7. Requests the Member States to intensify their efforts in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in order to review the Code of Conduct relating to the movement of nuclear wastes through international frontiers which has been adopted by the IAEA and to update the text of this Code in conformity with the changes which have taken place since the entry into effect of this Code and requests the Secretary General to make the necessary contacts in this respect with the Director General of IAEA.

8. Calls on all States to abide by the maritime agreements prohibiting the dumping of toxics and nuclear wastes in the territorial waters of the littoral Member States.

9. Requests the Secretary General to undertake the necessary measures with a view to convening a meeting of littoral Member States to consider the problem of toxic wastes emanating from ships that pass through the territorial waters of these States and the bordering maritime zones.

10. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the developments on this subject and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 28 /25-P

ON ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES AND MINE CLEARING OPERATIONS

Gravely concerned about the continued suffering and casualties caused to the civilian population as a result of the proliferation, as well as the indiscriminate and irresponsible use, of anti-personnel mines;

Taking note also of the decisions taken at the Review Conference of the States' Parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be deemed to be excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, particularly with respect to the Convention's amended Protocol II;

Reaffirming its conviction that a universal and multilaterally negotiated agreement to ban anti-personnel mines and significantly reduce the sufferings of civilians;

Emphasizing the important role of the Conference on Disarmament as a single multilateral disarmament negotiating body.

Noting recent international efforts towards banning anti-personnel mines.

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General in this respect (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.17),

1. Expresses its deep concern over the consequences of the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel mines on the security of civilian populations and their economic development.

2. Takes Cognizance of 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;

3. Requests the international community in general and the Member States in particular to cooperate among themselves in the field of demining and takes note of international affairs in this regard.

4. Urges 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.

5. Appeals to the international community in general, and Member States in particular, to assist in rehabilitation of anti-personnel mines victims.

6. Commends the efforts of the Republic of Yemen in this regard, particularly the hosting in November, 1997 in Sana'a of a regional symposium on the banning, use and marketing of anti-personnel mines, which adopted a "e;Sana'a Declaration"e;.

7. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 29/25-P

ON SUPPORT FOR COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION AMONG ISLAMIC STATES

In application of the teachings and noble principles of the glorious Islamic religion which urge the consolidation of solidarity and fraternity among the members of the Islamic Ummah and the opposition to sedition;

Faithful to the objectives and penunciated in the OIC Charter notably provisions of Article II relating to the strengthening of solidarity and non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States;

Recalling the resolutions of the Third Session of the Islamic Summit Conference which stressed the need to strengthen solidarity among Member States on the basis of mutual respect and commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, and support for the causes of freedom, justice and peace;

Recalling also Resolution 16/6-P(IS) and the provisions of the Dakar Declaration adopted by the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on the subject;

Taking note of the recommendations and proposals of the Reflection Committee, the Group of Eminent Personalities and the Intergovernmental Experts Group as well as the recommendations of the Expert Group on Correcting the Image of Islam in the Outside World, in this respect;

Recalling also all Islamic resolutions adopted in this respect, in particular Resolution No. 28/8-P (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.18),

1. Calls upon Member States to observe the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and to prevent the use of their territories or government bodies by individuals or groups bent on doing harm to other Member States.

2. Decides that no movement exploiting the noble Islamic religion should be allowed to carry out any hostile activity against any Member State, and reaffirms the necessity of consolidating coordination among Member States so as to control the phenomenon of terrorism in all its manifestations and forms including intellectual terrorism and extremism.

3. Stresses the need to continue to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Member States at all levels, and to further their consultation so as to remove all causes of dissension and promote understanding among them.

4. Invites the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 30/25-P

ON ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLES OF THE SAHEL

Noting with deep concern that drought and famine have been prevailing for the past few years in the Sahel thereby hampering the development efforts exerted by the brave peoples in the Sahel;

Noting with satisfaction that the problems of drought and famine have continued to receive the close attention of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;

Also noting with satisfaction that the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal, in December 1991, urged Member States and OIC institutions to strengthen their cooperation with CILSS and welcomed the progress made by CILSS in preparing a coherent plan aimed at protecting the Sahelian peoples and their economic potentialities against the effects of drought and desertification which are hampering the development process;

Having taken cognizance of all the relevant resolutions adopted by the Islamic Conferences, in particular resolution No. 29/8-P (IS) adopted by the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on solidarity with the peoples of the Sahel;

Having also taken cognizance of the report of the Committee of Experts in charge of examining the OIC/IDB/CILSS cooperation programme for the Sahel;

Being aware that the lives of millions of persons and of the cattle as well as the environment are daily jeopardized;

Taking into account the need for the urgent implementation of the OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme for the Sahel as soon as possible;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General on Islamic solidarity with the peoples of the Sahel (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.19),

1. Expresses its appreciation of the efforts made by the OIC General Secretariat, CILSS and the IDB for the completion of the OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme for the Sahel.

2. Reaffirms the necessity to devote greater attention to the implementation before the year 2000 of the Special OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme for the Sahelian populations and commends the achievements of the programme of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing the countries of the African Sahel with water during its first and second stages, and which has benefited more than ten (10) countries and commends also the fact that the Kingdom has recently started implementing the programme's third stage.

3. Expresses its gratitude to the State of Kuwait which has already announced a contribution of 30 Millions Dollars for the Special Programme for the Sahel.

4. Express also its gratitude to the government and people of Indonesia for their readiness to generously contribute towards the implementation of this special programme for the people of the Sahel.

5. Appeals urgently to Member States to contribute generously and substantially to the funding of the OIC/CILSS/IDB Programme in favour of the Sahel Populations an integral part of the Islamic Ummah, so as to crystallize the OIC Member States' solidarity with these populations, in order to alleviate their sufferings and ensure sustained development in the Sahel region.

6. Takes note with appreciation of the Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Committee for Islamic Solidarity with the Peoples of the Sahel, held in Tehran on 9 December, 1997, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.

7. Expresses satisfaction with the Committee for Islamic Solidarity with the People of Sahel for its propitious initiatives in favour of African countries suffering from drought and desertification.

8. Approves the recommendations of the expert meeting of the Islamic Committee for Solidarity with the Peoples of the Sahel concerning the convening by the General Secretariat of a meeting of donor countries at the headquarters of the IDB in Jeddah in June 1998 in order to devise ways and means of a speedy implementation of the Programme.

9. Invites concerned Member States and regional and national financing institutions to actively participate in the expert meeting to be held in the IDB headquarters in Jeddah.

10. Expresses its profound gratitude to the OIC Member States which have announced their contribution to the financing of the Special OIC/IDB/CILSS Programme in favour of the Peoples of the Sahel.

11. Requests the Secretary General to follow up implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 31 /25-P

ON THE CRITICAL ECONOMIC SITUATION IN AFRICA

Recalling the previous resolutions of the OIC on the subject, in particular resolution 15/5-P (IS) of the Fifth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and the important provisions of the Dakar Declaration adopted by the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Emphasizing that the African development crisis is of deep concern to the entire Islamic Ummah;

Noting with appreciation the positive response of the international community, particularly the Islamic countries, to the economic difficulties being faced by the continent of Africa;

Deeply concerned that despite the reform and restructuring being undertaken by the African countries, their economic development continues to be impeded, inter-alia, by an unfavourable economic environment, inadequate flow of resources and a heavy debt burden;

Noting that the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990 adopted by the Special Session of the General Assembly in May 1986 did not yield the required results;

Taking into consideration the important results of the Uruguay Round and its possible consequences on the critical economic situation in Africa;

Recalling that the U.N. General Assembly adopted at its 46th Session the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the Nineties;

Also recalling the relevant resolutions adopted by the 32nd and 33rd Summits of the OAU Heads of State and Government in Yaounde' (Cameroon) and Harare (Zimbabwe);

Taking note of the decisions taken by the World Food Summit held in Rome on 11-17 November, 1996;

Having examined the report presented by the UN Secretary General on the gravity of the economic situation in Africa and the positive reactions by the international economic bodies;

Taking Note further of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.20),

1. Welcomes the efforts made by the African countries towards their economic recovery and development in conformity with the Abuja Treaty concluded in 1991 establishing the African Economic Community aimed at progressive economic inof Africa.

2. Stresses the urgent need to implement the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990's and urgently calls upon the international community to fulfill its commitmon the basis of the principle of shared responsibility a full partnership with Africa.

3. Expresses appreciation to the Member States which have provided assistance to Africa through bilateral or multilateral channels.

4. Immediately calls upon the international community, particularly the developed countries and the concerned international financial agencies, to make a substantial contribution to the objectives of African Economic Recovery and Development, inter-alia, by an increase in financial flows, especially concessional flows, to Africa, particularly to sub-Saharan countries.

5. Invites further all parties in the development of Africa to take measures for an increase in Africa's export earnings and a reduction in the adverse impact on African economies of fluctuations in those earnings and through measures to limit and reduce the burden that external debt imposes on African recovery, reform and development.

6. Calls upon Member States to increase their assistance to the countries of Africa in order to enable them to initiate and implement the necessary structural changes required to hasten their economic development.

7. Welcomes the contribution of Member States to the World Food Summit in Rome held from 11 to 17 November 1996 and calls for the implementation of its resolutions and the Programme of Action.

8. Invites the international community to strengthen its support for Africa's efforts to diversify its commodity sector as well as for market promotion activities and export.

9. Recommends that Member States and the international community, especially those countries which have an agricultural surplus to give special attention to providing continued assistance in the sector of agriculture in order to enable the countries of Africa to achieve self-sufficiency as soon as possible.

10. Urges the developed countries and international financial institutions to take strict measures to solve the extreme debt burden of the African States, including the cancellation of these debts.

11. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference .

RESOLUTION NO. 32/25-P

ON THE REPARATIONS FOR COLONIALISM AND THE AFTER EFFECTS OF WAR

Recalling resolutions of the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Sessions of the Islamic Summit Conferences as well as the resolutions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers on reparations for damages caused by colonialism and by war and, particularly the sequels of war and mines;

Recalling also Resolution No. 32 of the 5th Summit Conference of Heads of State and Government of Non-Aligned States, held in Colombo from 16 to 19 August, 1976 concerning the after effects of wars;

Also referring to the content of the Declaration of the 9th Summit Conference of Heads of State and Government of Non-Aligned States, held in Belgrade, from 4 to 7 September, 1989 on reparations for the period of colonialism;

Also recalling the resolutions of the UN General Assembly and other relevant UN organs on the remnants of war, including mines;

Further recalling the historical precedents on reparations for the damages caused by occupation and war and their sequels, particularly those of two world wars;

Recognizing that the existence of physical remnants of the war, including mines, in the territories of developing countries seriously impedes the developmental efforts of these countries and causes a loss of life and property;

Taking into consideration the decisions of the special meeting on mines held under the auspices of the UN in Geneva in August 1995;

Convinced that the responsibility for removing the remnants of wars should fall on the countries that had laid them;

Recognizing that the poverty and economic and social backwardness affecting developing countries are due primarily to the depletion of those countries' economic and human resources by the States that colonized them;

Also convinced that the effective solution to the problems caused to the developing countries by colonialism, occupation or settlement lies in the commitment of former colonial powers to shoulder the responsibility of compensating for the losses suffered by those countries;

Further convinced that reparations for colonialism are the least that former colonial powers can do to rehabilitate the people of the countries they had colonized;

Recognizing that the peoples of the world have a firm desire to end all forms of colonialism;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General on this matter (ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.21),

1. Condemns anew colonialism in all its forms as an act of aggression which violates all international conventions and principles of international law.

2. Recognizes that the effects of colonialism have hampered economic and social development plans and programmes in the developing countries and are still impeding these countries' development and progress.

3. Reaffirms the right of all Member States, without exception, which suffered under the yoke of colonialism, to take all necessary measures to obtain quick and fair compensation for the human and material losses they have suffered as a result of colonialism or foreign invasion.

4. Affirms the right of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for reparations for all the human and material losses it has sustained as a result of the period of invasion, colonisation and settlement of the Libyan territories and calls on States which have caused these dangers to take effective measures to meet the claims of the Great Jamahiriya.

5. Calls upon all former and current colonial powers to shoulder their responsibilities and to grant reparations for all the economic, social and cultural effects resulting from their occupation of developing countries;

6. Requests the Member States to cooperate and coordinate their efforts with a view to urging the States involved in the Second World War to expeditiously extend technical and financial assistance as well as the necessary information and requisite maps for the immediate removal of mines left behind by their forces in some areas of Member States, which are still causing extensive damage and impeding the developmental efforts in these areas, and invites the concerned Member States to coordinate among themselves so as to achieve this objective.

7. Affirms the right of all Member States, without exception, which suffered under the yoke of colonialism, to recover their cultural property which was looted during the period of colonialism, including antiquities, masterpieces, manuscripts and historical documents,and invites Member States to coordinate among themselves so as to achieve this aim in collaboration with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO).

8. Urges the international community to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of colonialism and eliminate the remaining pockets thereof.

9. Decides to keep this issue under consideration and requests the Secretary General to establish contacts with the concerned international bodies and parties and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 33/25-P

ON THE SUPPORT FOR SUDAN TO ACHIEVE NATIONAL UNITY, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT AND TO SAFEGUARD ITS IDENTITY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE FACE OF CURRENT CHALLENGES

Recalling all the relevant Islamic resolutions, in particular Resolution No. 32/8-P (IS), adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit on supporting the efforts made by Sudan to achinational unity, peace, development and to safeguard its identity and cultural heritage;

Reiterating its commitment to the goals and principles embodied in the OIC Charter concerning the reinforcement of Islamic solidarity between the Member States and the strengthening oftheir capacity to their unity, territorial security, sovereignty, independence, national rights and spiritual heritage;

Observing that Sudan is facing attacks and designs from various hostile foreign circles undermining its stability, jeopardizing its unity and cultural identity;

Drawing attention to the public opinion mobilisation campaign launched by hostile western circles with the aim of paving the way for intervention in Sudan through the establishment of so-called security zones under the guise of humanitarian action.

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.22),

1. Reiterates its full solidarity with Sudan to face hostile designs and defend its unity, territorial security and stability.

2. Commends 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.

3. Expresses its deepest appreciation to the Member States supporting the Sudanese efforts to safeguard its unity, national security and cultural heritage.

4. Appeals to Member States to continue to support the Sudanese efforts to safeguard its unity, security and identity, in conformity with the principles embodied in the OIC Charter.

5. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up on the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 34 /25-P

ON SUPPORT FOR NIGER'S EFFORTS TO CONSOLIDATE ITS NATIONAL UNITY AND ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERN PASTORAL AREA

Recalling the goals and principles of the Charter of Organization of the Islamic Conference aiming in particular at consolidating Islamic solidarity among Member States and strengthening cooperation between them in the economic, social, cultural and scientific fields as well as in all vital fields;

Taking into consideration:

- The Peace Agreement concluded in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) on 9 October 1994 and signed on 24 April 1995 in Niamey between the Government of the Republic of Niger and the Organization of Armed Resistance;

- The additional Memorandum of Understanding signed in Algiers on 28 November 1997 between the Government of the Republic of Niger, the UFRA and the AFARS;

- The tripartite agreements Niger/Algeria/HCR and Niger/Burkina/HCR signed on Niamey on 6 March 1996 on voluntary repatriation and the socio-economic rehabilitation of Niger's refugees in Algeria and Burkina Faso;

Taking note of the effective start of disarmament, the dismantling of bases and the integration of ex-servicemen in the administration and the military as well as para-military services;

Informed of the start on 1 March 1998 of repatriation of Niger's refugees in Algeria and the resettlement of the repatriated refugees of Niger from Burkina Faso;

Conscious that the socio-economic rehabilitation of refugees and ex-servicemen on a lasting basis is a prerequisite for the establishment of peace and stability in the northern pastoral area and the Saharan sub-region;

Convinced of the necessity of providing Niger with the necessary assistance for its economic and social development, the sole guarantee of stability in the Northern Pastoral Area,

1. Expresses satisfaction at the signing of these Peace Agreements.

2. Commends the efforts exerted by mediating countries (Algeria, Burkina Faso, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and France) for their mediation and their important contribution to the conclusion of these Agreements.

3. Requests Member States, the General Secretariat and other Islamic Institutions to provide Niger with the necessary assistance to enable it to consolidate its national unity and achieve its developmental objectives within the framework of the implementation of the above-mentioned Agreements.

4. Invites the Secretary General to follow-up the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministres.

RESOLUTION NO. 35 /25-P

ON THE RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF MALI

Proceeding from resolution No. 19/6-P (IS) entitled "e;Islamic solidarity with Mali for restoration of peace and development of its Northern Regions"e; adopted by the Sixth Session of the Islamic Summit held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal, on 9-11 December, 1991;

Referring resolution No.29/21-P adopted by the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Karachi from 25 to 29 April 1993 aimed at achieving the same objective;

Having examined the conclusions of the report of the Mission of the Islamic Solidarity Fund on the implementation of the emergency programme for the rehabilitation of the regions of Timbuctu, Gao and Kidal;

Recalling, all relevant Islamic resolutions, in particular resolution No. 34/8-P (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic summit requesting Member States and financial institutions of the Organization to get more involved in the financing of the Programme of Projects for the strengthening of peace in the Northern region of Mali;

Having taken good note of the positive conclusions arrived at by the Government of Mali and the development partners at their Timbuctu meeting;

Deeply concerned over the lack of financing for this programme;

Convinced that the ceremony of the "e;Torch of Peace"e;, the integration of the former combatants and the creation of a Ministry responsible for the arid and semi-arid zones, reflects the willingness of all the parties to abide by the commitments contained in the National Pact.

Convinced also that the consolidation of peace, rehabilitation of the displaced people and their socio-economic development cannot be achieved without the support and assistance of friendly countries and institutions;

Recalling the principles and objectives of the Charter of the OIC;

Mindful of the spirit of Islamic solidarity;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.24),

1. Requests 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.

2. Recommends to Member States and the Islamic financial institutions to actively support the implementation of the medium and long-term development strategy and of the emergency programme in the regions of Kidal, Gao and Timbuctu.

3. Thanks the Muslim World League (MWL), the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO), and the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) for their contribution to the efforts of the Government of Mali for the rehabilitation and development of the Northern Region.

4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 36 /25-P

ON THE USE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT

Recalling all relevant Islamic resolutions, in particular resolution No. 35/8-P(IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic summit Conference;

Bearing in mind the historic contribution of the Islamic civilization in building, enriching and developing human civilization at large;

Conscious of the need for continued active participation in building human civilization and for interacting with it in such a way as to achieve an adequate standard of living, on the basis of mutual understanding among peoples and nations, away from acts of aggression and violations of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international norms;

Proceeding from the inalienable right of peoples to development;

Believing that , social and cultural progress is contingent upon the peaceful uses of science and technology on the broadest scale possible, in accordance with the requirements of development;

Conscious that science and technology are the outcome of an integrated human endeavour and that their peaceful applications should be marshalled for the service of the whole of mankind;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.25),

1. Affirms the inalienable right of the Islamic States to develop, acquire and make use of science and technology for progress in economic, social and cultural fields.

2. Rejects all policies and measures including discriminatory, inequitable regimes aimed at obstructing the achievement of technological progress for peaceful purposes in Member States, as well as policies and measures which are inconsistent with the legitimate rights of all States and peoples to attain an appropriate, modern and civilized standard of living, in addition to harming international peace and security and are at variance with the aims and objectives of the UN Charter.

3. Calls upon industrialized States to facilitate the transfer of technology to developing countries and remove the restrictions hindering the transfer of technology to Islamic States in particular.

4. Calls 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.

5. Recommends that Member States consult each other on the appropriate measures to be adopted with regard to any State or group of States imposing restrictions on the transfer of technology and its equipment to the developing countries through a meeting to be convened in this regard by the Secretary General.

6. Requests the Secretary General to monitor the implementation of the present resolution and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 37 /25-P

ON THE PROBLEM OF REFUGEES IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

Recalling all relevant Islamic resolutions, in particular resolution No.36/8-P(IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on the problem of Refugees;

Deeply concerned over the plight of refugees in many parts of the world, most of whom are members of the Islamic community;

Reaffirming the solidarity of Member States with the countries hosting the refugees, and thus assuming immense political, economic and social burdens, in a spirit of Islamic brotherhood and in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;

Convinced that solidarity is dictated by the principles of brotherhood and the defence of human rights and human dignity, which are deep-rooted in the Islamic heritage and tradition;

Recalling the mandate of the UNHCR in providing protection and adequate care and maintenance to refugees;

Recalling also the responsibility of all states to extend their assistance to Member States hosting refugees to reduce the heavy burden they are shouldering;

Noting with deep concern the declining levels of international assistance extended to the countries hosting refugees to help them to continue providing assistance to refugees;

Fully convinced that the lasting solution of the refugee problem consists in providing favourable conditions for their return to their homelands in safety and dignity;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.26),

1. Notes with satisfaction the ongoing efforts of the Secretary General to further enhance the capacity of the OIC to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees in cooperation with the UNHCR.

2. Expresses 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.

3. Expresses also 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.

4. Reaffirms 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.

5. Calls on Member States, to coordinate their action at international level with a view to determining the main causes behind the exodus of refugees to Islamic and other countries and strive, in cooperation with the UNHCR, to enable those refugees to return to their homes whenever circumstances permit.

6. Requests the Secretary General to expedite the preparation of a survey regarding the numbers and the situation of the refugees in the Islamic World in coordination with the UNHCR. This survey should be presented to the first meeting of the Group of Experts on this subject which is to be held in 1998.

7. Decides to convene a meeting of an Inter-governmental Group of Experts established by a resolution of the Twenty-third Session of the ICFM and to hold its first meeting in 1998 to examine the various dimensions of this problem and define ways and means to deal with this issue.

8. Urges Member States and the Islamic Development Bank to increase their assistance to the Islamic countries hosting refugees given the economic and social difficulties caused by the presence of such refugees.

9. Calls on Member States to cooperate with the UNHCR to end the downward trend of assistance to refugees and to secure additional resources to alleviate the suffering of those refugees in Islamic countries.

10. Urges non-Member States to create better conditions for their Muslim communities and minorities, so that they are not forced to escape or are driven out as refugees because of religious, ethnic or racial oppression.

11. Condemns all acts of repression against the refugees, including armed attacks on their camps and pressures on the countries sheltering them.

12. Requests the Secretary General to continue to closely liaise with the hosting countries and cooperate and coordinate with the UNHCR with a view to intensifying the efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference for the alleviation of the plight of the refugees in the Muslim World and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 38 /25-P

ON THE ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF SUDAN TO SHELTER REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS

Proceeding from Resolution No. 20/K49 (1994) adopted by the UN General Assembly on extended humanitarian assistance to the Sudan, as well as the Note submitted by the Government of the Republic of Sudan on refugees and displaced persons;

Appreciating the efforts exerted by the Government of the Republic of the Sudan on establishing peace within the country which resulted in the return of Sudanese refugees from the outside affected by the rebellious movement in Southern Sudan;

Appreciating the hosting by the Republic of Sudan of over one million refugees from neighbouring States despite the dwindling of the assistance extended to them by the international community and despite the slow process of the voluntary return of these refugees to their countries;

Taking into consideration the migration of large numbers of citizens of the regions of the Southern Sudan to the North of Sudan escaping from atrocities perpetrated by the rebellious movement;

Taking Note of the Report of the Secretary General (Document No. ICFM/25-98/PIL/D.27),

1. Urges international donors to extend assistance commensurate with the number of refugees in the Sudan, and such as to help in their voluntary repatriation.

2. Invites the Islamic Development Bank to extend financial assistance 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.

3. Appeals to all the Member States to extend assistance to the Government of the Sudan so as to overcome the problems of refugees and displaced persons.

4. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report on this matter to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Confernece of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 39/25-P

ON NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY REVIEW CONFERENCE IN THE YEAR 2000

Recalling the UNGA resolution 51/41 which decided the holding of NPT Review Conference;

Recalling the General Assembly Resolution 50/7- Q of 12 December 1995, in which it took note of the various decisions of 1995 Review and Extension Conference;

Believing that convening of Review Conference in 2000 has great effects on Evaluation of Compliance of Nuclear and Non-Nuclear States parties to NPT;

Taking note of necessity of active participation of Islamic countries parties to NPT in 2000 Review Conference of NPT and its preparatory committees;

Stressing the necessity of active participation of Islamic countries in multilateral disarmament negotiations;

Reaffirming that nuclear weapons programme of Israel still poses grave danger to the security of the Islamic countries, especially in the Middle East;

Noting the ICJ advisory opinion in which it recalls the obligation of the nuclear weapon states to initiate and conclude negotiations on complete nuclear disarmament ;

Also noting the declaration of principles and objectives for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament adopted by the 1995 Review Conference on strengthening nuclear disarmament,

1. Requests all Islamic countries parties to the Treaty to actively participate in 2000 Review Conference of NPT and its preparatory committees.

2. Requests 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.

3. Invites all States parties to the NPT in particular the nuclear countries members in the Security Council to exert pressure on Israel to accede to the Treaty to refrain from owning nuclear weapons and their components and to place all its nuclear programmes and systems under the IAEA comprehensive safeguards taking into consideration what is provided in operative paragraph 14 of Security Council Resolution No. 687 issued on 14 April 1991 and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, as well as the resolution adopted by the Review and Extension Conference regarding the Middle East for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which was held in New York in April and May 1995 regarding a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East region.

4. Requests the Islamic countries parties to NPT to conduct further consultations at the expert level before 2000 Review Conference and its preparatory committees in order to coordinate positions in the Conference.

5. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the Implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 40/25-P

ON SUPPORT OF THE INITIATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FOR CONVENING A CONFERENCE FOR INTERACTION AND CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES IN ASIA

Realizing that the present world is characterized by the absence of sharp political and ideological opposition of different systems;

Proceeding from understanding that the Muslim States as well as other countries of the world are interested in providing strong and permanent peace and stability as the most important condition for the progressive development of the world community on the way of economic and cultural progress;

Reaffirming the respect for principles of the UN Charter, international law and legitimacy as well as peaceful negotiations and constructive dialogue for achieving the desired goal that is the resolution of regional conflicts;

Proceeding from the necessity of the strict observance of the principle of the territorial integrity and the respect of the sovereignty of all countries and non-interference in their internal affairs;

Stressing the need for general and complete disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament;

Greeting the initiatives on the questions of international and regional security proposed by the Islamic countries;

Recognizing the expediency of usage of the experience of the world community as a whole as well as some regional security structures;

Realizing that along with the establishment of a new mechanism of regional security it is necessary to take into consideration the specificity of the relations between the States in the Asian continent;

Underlining the need to respect the regional groups within the United Nations;

Condemning the persistence of the policies of hegemony, power politics, military diktat and use of force;

Underlining the irrelevance of the doctrine of nuclear deterrence in the post cold war era.

Taking into account that the initiative of calling the Conference for interaction and confidence-building measures has been supported by the significant number of Asian States, international organizations, including UN and OIC, and has become an important factor of regional policy;

Stressing that among its participants are the countries representing all five continents of the world;

Taking into consideration that the process of the preparation of the Conference for interaction and confidence-building measures in Asia has acquired a stable character and that the Special Working Group has made significant work for drawing together the different approaches and elaboration of the formulas on the main security problems and this work has been highly appreciated by many Asian countries,

1. Welcomes the efforts of the Republic of Kazakhstan for promotion of the initiative of the Conference for interaction and confidence-building measures in Asia.

2. Considers 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 international security.

3. Calls upon Member States to express their support of the Kazakhstani initiative taking into consideration the possibility of resolution of many urgent problems of present-day world in its frame.

4. Recommends that the Member States may join the process of promoting confidence-building measures in the Asian continent, the interaction in the interests of all Islamic states as well as taking part in the work of the Conference at all levels.

5. Affirms that the Islamic countries do not conider Israel a member of the Asian Countries Group and requests that it be excluded from attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in view of the fact that such measures require inherently the elimination of the Israeli occupation of Paletinian and other Arab territories including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

6. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 41 /25-P

ON UN REFORM AND THE EXPANSION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

Affirming the importance of the ongoing processes of UN reform, including the reform of the Security Council;

Recognizing that any reform of the United Nations, including Security Council reform, should be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter;

Reiterating the need for the reform and democratization of the Security Council, in order to reflect the current political realities in the international relations, and to address the need for the enhanced representation of the developing countries, as well as the need to significantly improve the working methods and procedures of the Security Council for enhanced transparency in its decision making process;

Reiterating that any reform and expansion of the Security Council should be in accordance with the principles of equitable geographical distribution and sovereign equality of States;

Recalling the Declaration on the UN Reforms including the expansion and reform of the Security Council adopted by the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers in New York on 2 October, 1997 as well as resolution No. 40/8-P (IS) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also paras 13-20 of the Communique adopted by the NAM Ministerial Meeting in New York on 25 September 1997, the paragraph relating to the reform of the Security Council in the Declaration adopted by the Thirty-second session of the Heads of State and Government of the OAU in Harare in June 1997, and the Working Paper of the Arab Group adopted by the Arab Foreign Ministers in New York on 29 September 1997,

1. Affirms that the Member States have a direct and vital interest in determining the outcome of UN reform and Security Council expansion.

2. Reaffirms the readiness of the Member States to contribute actively and constructively to the consideration of the reform and expansion of the Security Council on the basis of the aforementioned declarations and communiques.

3. Requests the OIC Open-Ended Contact Group on UN Reform and Expansion of the Security Council at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to regularly exchange views and coordinate efforts with a view to safeguarding the interests of Member States and enabling them to make their indispensable contribution to the process of UN reform and expansion of the Security Council.

4. Requests the Secretary General to implement this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 42 /25-P

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE FEDERAL ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF COMOROS

Having taken cognizance of the economic problems undergone by the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros which have substantially contributed to the generalisation of the current crisis;

Having examined the political situation prevailing in the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros;

And proceeding from the aspirations of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to preserve the unity, integrity and sovereignty of all its member states over their territories,

1. Expresses deep concern over the situation in the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, particularly in view of the intransigence, the rejection of dialogue and the lack of political will of the Anjouan separatists;

2. Reaffirms its full commitment to the national unity, territorial integrity and to constitutional legality in the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros and its determination to ensure the respect of those principles;

3. Reiterates its rejection of any act aimed at destroying the unity of the Comoro people or encouraging separation in Anjouan, particularly the two referenda held on the Island;

4. Emphasizes that the separatist scheme poses a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of the Comoros and constitutes a dangerous precedent that may be emulated in other Islamic countries;

5. Calls Upon the international community to support the initiatives and good offices of the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States aimed at finding an early solution to the crisis, particularly by using all the means deemed appropriate to restore the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros;

6. Urges the Islamic countries, in close cooperation with the Organization of the Islamic Conference, to take all appropriate measures in order to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the Comoros;

7. Urges the Member States to provide urgently needed relief and all kinds of economic assistance to the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, and to take an active part in the Round-Table meeting of Donor Countries for the Comoros to be held under the auspices of the OAU;

8. Calls upon the specialized Islamic Organizations, as well as the OIC funds and institutions to the Organization of the Islamic Conference to extend material, technical and security assistance to the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, each within its field of competence;

9. Asks the Secretary General to follow up the question in coordination and cooperation with the Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States and the Government of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros and to ensure follow up to this resolution;

10. Addresses thanks to the Secretary General for the interest he takes in this question, and requests him to submit a report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers and to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 43 /25-P

ON THE US DECISION TO IMPOSE UNILATERAL ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST SUDAN.

Recalling General Assembly Resolution 22/51 of 27 November, 1996 calling on the international community to take urgent and effective measures to put an end to the drastic economic decisions and in which the General Assembly expressed serious concern over the economic restrictions which have lately been taken and which extend beyond the regional boundaries, thus contravening the principles of international legality and the objectives of the United Nations which assert the inalienable right for each country to economic and social developments as well as its right to choose the political, economic and social system which it deems more appropriate for the well-being of its people according to its plans and policy;

Recalling also General Assembly Resolution 17/51 on the necessity of putting an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America on Cuba, in which the General Assembly expressed its concern over the fact that UN Member States continue to take and implement decisions aiming at reinforcing and extending the economic embargo;

Reaffirming the principles embodied in the OIC Charter calling for the strengthening of solidarity between the Member States such as expressed by Resolution No. 15/8-P (IS) adopted by the 8th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference pertaining to solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya concerning D'Amato Law,

1- Requests the United States of America to lift the economic sanctions imposed on the Sudan, in view of its harmful effects on that country and the losses incurred at economic and social levels.

2- Calls for proceeding to set up the Committee which the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference decided to create from the Member States and call a meeting to study the issue of unilateral economic sanctions with a view to countering such sanctions and alleviate their impact.

3- Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementations of this Resolution and submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 44 /25-P

ON THE RESTORATION OF THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE

Recalling the deplorable event of 25 May, 1997 in which a faction of the Sierra Leone army illegally and violently seized power from the democratically elected Government of President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah;

Noting that the overwhelming majority of the civil population in Sierra Leone have openly condemned the ensuing military government of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and have demanded the reinstatement of their democratically elected Government, by launching a civil disobedience campaign to back their demand;

Aware that the assumption of power in Sierra Leone by a military junta has resulted in the destruction of public infrastructure and the squandering of public funds and mineral resources;

Aware also that a large number of Sierra Leone nationals including professionals, were forced to flee to neighbouring countries or elsewhere as refugees, thus imposing a heavy burden particularly on the Republic of Guinea, Republic of the Gambia, the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Liberia;

Noting that the junta reneged on all attempts at peaceful solutions,

1. Expresses its deep appreciation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its peace keeping body, the ECOMOG steps it has taken to ensure the restoration of constitutional order in Sierra Leone and the reinstatement in his high office of H.E. Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, in accordance with the ECOWAS decision of August 1997 and the desire of the OIC and the international community.

2. Appeals to all Member States to extend urgent financial and material assistance to the Government of President Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah who has now return home and to enable him to undertake the economic and social rehabilitation of the country and to facilitate the return home of refugees living in neighbouring countries.

3. Requests all member states to refrain from supporting, harbouring or giving refuge of any kind to any member of the vanquished AFRC/RUF Junta.

4. Urges the OIC Member States to pledge their generous assistance to Sierra Leone for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country upon the re-instatement of the legitimate government.

5. Further urges the Member States to extend appropriate assistance to neighbouring states to mitigate the impact of the influx of Sierra Leone refugees into their territories estimated at 400,000, pending their return home.

6. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report on this matter to the Twenty-sixth session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

RESOLUTION NO. 45 /25-P

ON THE PRESERVATION OF THE SECURITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF THE ISLAMIC STATES

Recognizing to the great importance of achieving security and stability in the region without which the people cannot achieve their aspirations in development and progress towards a free and decent life;

Committed to preserving the fundamental interests of the Islamic Ummah and Islamic solidarity,

1. Reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and regional security of Iraq.

2. Calls for halt to act 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.

3. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

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