RESOLUTION NO. 1/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS FACING THE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES.      The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation) held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997)  Recalling Resolution No. 1/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Also recalling Resolution No. 6/24-E of the 24th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, in which Member States were invited to reinforce Sub-Regional and Regional Markets and relaunch the existing economic integration projecrts among themselves;  Having also considered with particular attention the results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Negotiations concerning certain sectors of international trade;    Having taken cognizance with appreciation of the  studies prepared by the Statistical Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries and Islamic Centre for Development of Trade on this subject;  Noting that globalization and increasing liberalization have made the external environment for development crucial, particularly since OIC Member States have become more vulnerable to the fluctuations in international trade, financial and monetary flows as well as to the changes in technology;  Recognizing that, as a result of the current trends of globalization and liberalization, large number of OIC Member States are bearing a disproportionate share of the adjustment burden;  Also recognizing the need for more cooperation and coordination among OIC Member States to ensure expansion in their Inter-Islamic trade;  Having considered the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1.  Reiterates urgent need to take practical steps to ensure economic integration among the OIC Member States with the ultimate objective of establishing an Islamic Common Market or any other form of economic integration, on a step-by-step basis, among OIC member countries, in order to help overcome difficulties arising from the formation of global economic groupings and commends the efforts exerted by the Arab Economic and Social Control to create a major Arab free trade zone.  2.    Underlines the need to devise ways and means to minimize the adverse effects of the international economic system on the economies of the Islamic world.  3. Calls on  the international community to adopt appropriate measusres to ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared by all countries on equal basis.  4.    Calls for further liberalization and increased access for the products and services where developing countries have a comparative advantage, and access to transfer of technology on concessional terms and for regimes on investment and technology.  5.  Urges Member States to pursue efforts aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and economic policy coordination among them so as to maximize the complementarities in their economies and avoid further marginalization.  6.  Urges also Member States to coordinating their efforts aimed at making the necessary contacts with the concerned international parties and organizations so as to safeguard the economic interests of  Member States and not to prejudice their exports of various commodities and materials.  7.  Calls on developed countries to create a more practical, equitable and more transparent environment enabling developing countries to implement their structural adjustment programmes to enable them to achieve sustainable development.  8.  Urges Member States to support the Common Fund established by UNCTAD with a view to stabilizing raw material prices.  9.  Recognizes that the effective implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements would necessitate a certain measure of adaptation in the economic and administrative structures of the member countries to safeguard their interests and to take maximum advantage from the opportunities to be created thereby.  10.  Appreciates the exchange of views conducted during the 11th, 12th  and 13th Sessions of the COMCEC on "The Implications of the Uruguay Round of Agreements for the Foreign Trade of Member Countries" and "Privatization Experience of Member  Countries" and "Impleentation of Regional Economic Groupings, particularly the European Economic Union on the Economies of the Member States" respectively and recommends that these exchange of views sessions be taken advantage of to coordinate the positions of the member countries on important world economic issues.  11.  Notes with great concern the extraterritorial application of domestic laws which adversely affect the foreign investments in other countries, including the Islamic countries and rejects all coercive measures which may target Member States intending to expand further the area of cooperation in economic and commercial field.    12.  Recognizes that if the OIC Member States are to become active participants in global economic decision-making and International Trading System, coordinated efforts would be the most effective means for mitigating losses and increasing benefits.  13.  Agrees on the need to closely monitor the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement and requests the General Secretariat and related OIC Institutions to design and propose for implementation of technical assistance programmes to assist those among the member countries which might have difficulties in responding to the new challenges.  14.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.     RESOLUTION NO. 2/8-E(IS) ON IMPLICATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC GROUPINGS ON THE ISLAMIC WORLD    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation) held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 2/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Appreciating reports submitted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic countries;  Having examined the Implications of the establishment of regional and international economic groupings and their impact on economic relations between the Member States of these economic groupings and the Islamic States;  Having also taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Notes with appreciation that "Implications of Regional Economic Groupings, particularly the European Union for the economies of the Member Countries" was the theme for the Exchange of Views Session which was organized during the 13th Session of COMCEC held from 1-4 November 1997.  2. Urges Member States to intensify commercial exchanges among themselves and remove as much as possible any obstacle which may hinder this action and exert necessary efforts to encourage economic and commercial cooperation.  3. Urges the developed countries giving preferences to OIC member states under various schemes to examine the erosion that is likely to occur in these preferences as a result of the implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreements and to consider to restore these losses by other trade concessions or forms of compensation within the framework of the provisions of the Uruguay Round Agreements.  4. Requests the Ankara and Casablanca Centres to  continue to undertake studies on the effects of regional and international economic groupings on the economic conditions of the OIC Member States and make appropriate recommendations on the same with a view to safeguarding the national interests of Member States.  5. Requests the Secretary General to circulate these studies to Member States as soon as they are ready so as to get their views.  6. Also requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Islamic Summit Conference taking into account the developments in the economic policies of the Regional and International Economic Groupings, including the European Union with a view to fulfilling their commitments towards the OIC Member States.           RESOLUTION NO. 3/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF THE LEAST DEVELOPED AND LAND-LOCKED MEMBER STATES    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 3/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Expressing its profound concern over the serious economic problems faced by the Least-Developed Member States and noting with disappointmen 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);  Expressing concern over the sharp decline in the prices of the raw materials produced and exported by the least developed countries;  Having taken note with satisfaction that, despite the sharp drop in oil revenues in recent years, the Islamic donor countries continued to provide significant external aid and that the amount of aid distributed to the least developed countries exceeded 0.15 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product;        Expressing satisfaction with the IDB's efforts for the extension of assistance to the Least Developed Countries and for the opening of a special account for them as approved by the IDB's Board of Governors at its Seventeenth Annual Session held in Tehran in November 1992;  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Welcomes the UN decision to convene the Third United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries at a high level in the year 2001.  2. Calls upon all Governments, inter-governmental and multilateral institutions to take appropriate steps to ensure that adequate preparations are made for the Conference and to participate effectively in the above mentioned preparatory meetings.   3. Requests all concerned organs, organizations and bodies of  the  UN  System including regional commissions and other international and multilateral institutions, to make, within their respective competence, substantive contributions and proposals for further action as submissions to the preparatory process of the conference.  4. Appeals to the international community, and particularly to the developed countries to fully and efficiently implement the 1990 Plan of Action in this regard and the provisions of other UN resolutions, in particular those contained in UNCTAD IX and recommendations contained in the report of  the High Level Inter-governmental Meeting on the Mid-term Global Review of the Implementation of Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s held in New York from September 25 to October 6, 1995.    5.  Urges developed countries to increase their contributions and initiate new means within the framework of  the International Development Strategy and to follow the example of countries who converted the debts contracted by the least developed countries into grants in order to facilitate the implementation of the structural adjustment measures undertaken by these countries.   6. Expresses concern at the declining trend in the quantity of ODA to the LDCs as well as the trend to attach conditions to the ODA and appeals to all member states for their continued strengthening support to increase the flow of ODA to the LDCs.   7.   Stresses the importance of increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) granted by the developed countries in favour of the developing countries in general and the Least Developed Countries in particular.   8. Notes with satisfaction the efforts of some Member States to extend assistance in the technical, financial, food and other forms to the least developed member countries and hope that such assistance will continue.   9. Appreciates the continuous efforts of the General Secretariat as well as those of the IDB, subsidiary organs and affiliated institutions in this direction.   10. Calls upon both the land-locked developing countries and their transit neigbours, in the spirit of South-South Cooperation, including bilateral cooperation, to implement measures to strengthen further their cooperative and collaborative efforts in dealing with their transit problems in accordance with UN framework for cooperation among land-locked and transit developing countries.   11 Recognizes the necessity to respond effectively to the needs of Land-locked and transit countries so as to allow them to develop their transport infrastructure and develop road network, so as to facilitate their trade.   12. Recalls with satisfaction that the negotiations embodied provisions conferring preferential and favourable terms to developing countries, including special attention to the particular situation of the least developed countries and calls on the international community to implement these provisions effectively and at the earliest.  13. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the evolution of this issue and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.     RESOLUTION NO. 4/8-E(IS) ON ERADICATION OF POVERTY IN THE LEAST DEVELOPED AND LOW-INCOME OIC MEMBER STATES    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 4/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;    Expressing its concern over the prevalence of poverty and its tragic dimensions which should be checked in time;  Reiterating the need to give special attention to the eradication of poverty, notably in the Least Developed and Low-income Islamic countries;  Acting in conformity with Islamic rules and precepts as well as the OIC Charter and moved by the spirit of Islamic solidarity;  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  Noting that Micro-Credit programmes by providing access to small capital, contribute towards eradication of poverty through generating productive self-employment, ensuring social and human developoment, and promoting participatory processes in the societies,    1. Declares that the eradication of abject poverty in all Member States before the end of the next decade should constitute a common objective of OIC Member States.  2. Confirms the link between the acute nature of the poverty phenomenon and the distortion of the socio-economic structures, marginalization in the global economy, and deterioration of terms of trade, due to the inappropriate international conditions, particularly those relating to the requisites of economic growth and development.  3. Urges Member States and the international community to take specific measures for the fulfillment of the commitments made at the World Social Summit, held in Copenhagen, so as to enable the Least Developed Member States to attain this objective.    4. Encourages consideration of incorporation of microcredit schemes in the strategy of  poverty eradication and implementation of related recommendations as reflected in the Plan of Action adopted in the Micro-Credit Summit held from 2-4 February 1997 which launched a global movement to reach  to 100 million of the world’s poorest families for self-employment and other financial and business services by the year 2001.  5. Reaffirms that a favourable international economic environment taking into account the requirements of developing countries, within the framework of the concessions to be granted to them in terms of financial and technical assistance and investment resources; and also, of their access to international markets, raw materials price stability and appropriate structural programmes, is necessary for the success of the struggle being waged by LDCs and low income countries to help them eradicate poverty.   6. Appeals to developed countries to increase their aid programmes in order to attain 0.7% of the GDP in official aid to development, as has been approved and indicated in the related UN resolutions.  7. Urges the LDCs and low income countries to play in a more coordinated manner a more active role in international fora dealing with the eradication of poverty.  8. Requests Member States to intensify implementation of technical cooperation programmaes among themselves with a view to improving the health, educational, human and housing conditions as well as other basic needs of their respective populations.  9. Encourages Member States, and competent OIC organs and institutions to support the programmes of OIC least developed countries and the low income ones, with a view to strengthening their local technical capabilities and creating production and job opportunities.  10. Stresses the importance of effective national, financial, monetary, commercial and budgetary policies in the mobilization of national resources making it possible to combat poverty.  11. Reaffirms the need to give special attention to the eradication  of poverty in the least developed and poorer Member States.  12. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and Submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.          RESOLUTION NO. 5/8-E(IS) ON EXTERNAL DEBT OF AFRICAN AND OTHER MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE OIC    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 5/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;   Expressing its deep anxiety over the external debts of the developing Member States which have been increasing at an alarming rate for the last few years;     Noting with satisfaction that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has written off the official debt of a certain number of least developed/landlocked and/or Sahelian Member States;     Appreciating the initiative of His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait, who as Chairman of the Fifth Session of the Organization of the Islamic Summit Conference, declared in his speech to the UN General Assembly on 27/9/1990 that in order to alleviate the burden of indebtedness of the developing States, the State of Kuwait took the initiative of writing off the interests due on development loans extended to developing States;     Also expressing its appreciation for the efforts made by His Majesty King Hassan II, Chairman of the Seventh Islamic Summit and  the  Secretary General  in the framework of the implementation of the resolutions of the Seventh Islamic Summit on the debt of OIC Member States;  Having also taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Appeals to international creditors to continue adopting every necessary measure to cut down the debt of OIC Member States, in particular through staggered settlement of debts, deferred amortization, reduced and favourable interest rates or swapping debts for financing various development projects.  2. Reaffirming the urgent need for effective equitable, development-oriented and durable solutions to the external debt and debt-servicing problems of developing countries, and to help them exit from the rescheduling process.  3. Urges that approach in the debt settlement should cover all types of debt, including multilateral debt, and all indebted developing countries, and incorporate measures aimed at a once-and-for all reduction arrangement to reduce their debt burden to a scale that would allow them to resume their economic growth and development.  4. Expresses its gratitude to Member States which have already responded favourably to the above request and appeals to Member States to continue the transfer of capital through grants and concessionary loans to Member States, especially to the least developed, the land-locked and/or Sahelian countries.  5. Renews 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 at soft-terms, to African countries.  6. Appeals to those Member States that have not yet done so and to industrialized countries and international organizations to implement the resolution of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference on the external debt of OIC Member States.  7. Appeals also to Member States which are donors to use their influence with the International Donor Community to take initiatives to overcome external debt burden of OIC developing and least developed Member States, with regard to implementing this resolution.  8. Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.          RESOLUTION NO. 6/8-E(IS) ON NEED FOR A QUALITATIVE LEAP IN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AMONG MEMBER STATES IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CHANGES IN THE WORLD ECONOMY    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 6/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;     Reaffirming the relevance of both the new Strategy and the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member States, endorsed at the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference, and underlining in this respect, the dynamic and constructive role played by the President of Turkey in chairing the COMCEC's proceedings;  Stressing the importance of collaboration among OIC Member States in implementing the strategy and the Plan of Action;     Realizing the quick evolution of the world economy towards increased globalization and integration, as well as the challenges embodied in the constitution of powerful economic blocs and by the growing liberalization of world trade;     Bearing in mind the forthcoming implementation of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the possible impacts of the Uruguay Round Agreements and recent global pacts such as "Information Technology Agreement" and "Telecom Pact" on the developing World in general and on the OIC Member States in particular, and recognizing in this respect the need for more cooperation and coordination among OIC Member States to ensure that their share in the world trade will be increased respectively;     Emphasizing the importance of ensuring universality of the World Trade Organisation and convinced that as a result of the establishment of the WTO, trade relations between Member States should be placed within the framework of the rights and obligations provided for by the new trade rules contained in the Final Act of the Uruguay Round;     Taking note with satisfaction of the reports submitted by the SESRTCIC, ICDT, IDB, and ICCI on the subject;  Having considered the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Takes note with appreciation of all the decisions taken by the COMCEC relating to the Strategy and the Plan of Action for the strengthening of inter-Islamic economic and commercial cooperation.  2. welcomes with satisfaction, the under-mentioned proposals made by His Majesty King Hassan II to the international community  on the occasion of the closing session of the Ministerial Conference of the Uruguay Round in Marrakesh: a) The implementation of a "genuine Marshall Plan" in favour of Africa, with a view to reducing the tremendous poverty and lessen the recurring tensions from which its  populations are suffering; b) The setting up of a new international negotiations mechanism which will better safeguard the national interests of developing countries in general and particularly those of OIC Member States;  3. Exhorts Member States to take necessary steps on a progressive basis with a view to harmonizing the legal framework of their economic policies in order to adapt them to the new trade rules provided for within the WTO framework and encouraging thus a quick development of trade between Member States, so as to attain the target of 20% by the end of the decade.  4. Invites Member States to revitalize their actions in order to increase their share in the world economy notably by a sustained improvement of their international competitiveness at the level of the goods and services exports, by adopting a series of policies meant to improve their economic infrastructures, master the services sector, increase the value added and the quality of products, diversify the productive base and provide the required conditions likely to attract foreign investments.  5. Mandates the OIC to set up an Islamic Observatory for International Competitiveness within existing competent institutions in order to regularly follow the evolution of the market shares of Islamic Countries in the world economy.  6. Expresses deep concern at the tendencies among some developed countries to link labour and environment related issues with trade deals and emphasizes that such trends are detrimental to the evolution of a just, free and fair trading environment.  7. Emphasizes the growing importance of the services sector in the world economy and calls on Member States to increase technical cooperation in this field among themselves.   8. Calls upon Member States to further increase their efforts and their budgetary allocations for Research and Development, and also expand their cooperation and coordination in this field through inter-alia, joint ventures with a view to support their production of goods and services as well as their competitiveness in international markets.  9. Invites Member States to endeavour to reinforce sub-regional and regional economic groupings and relaunch the existing economic integration projects among Islamic countries, with a view to institutionalizing cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, finance and technology among these countries which could methodically prepare the establishment of an Islamic Common Market or any other suitable form of economic integration among themselves.  10.  Affirms that in order to achieve the above objectives the private sector in Islamic Countries should play a prominent role through giving impetus to inter-Islamic economic relations and in this context invites the Governments of Member States to support the promotional economic actions undertaken by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in particular, concerning the establishment of direct contacts between private investors and businessmen in the Islamic countries.  11. Calls for the expeditious process of accession to the World Trade Organisation of applying developing countries, including the OIC members, and emphasizes that in this process no political consideration should be invoked which may impede the accession of these countries.  12.  Invites Member States to strengthen their consultation and coordination mechanisms, particularly within the WTO, as well as in their relations with regional economic blocs, so as to better protect the individual and collective interests of the Islamic States.  13.   Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.          RESOLUTION NO. 7/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, OF THE SYRIAN CITIZENS IN THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN, OF THE LEBANESE CITIZEN IN OCCUPIED SOUTHERN LEBANON, AND THE WESTERN BEKKA.    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 7/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Beliving in the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter aimed at strengthening Islamic solidarity among the Member States, and conforming with mass international will that rejects arbitrary Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territory which lead to deterioration of the economic and social conditions of Arab citizens under the yoke of Israeli occupation, on the one hand, and that supports the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region based on the (Land-for-Peace principle) resolutions of the international legitimacy 242, 338 and 425 as well as the authority of the Madrid Peace Conference, on the other;  Underlining the unfailing efforts exerted by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to promote the economic structure; and in view of the escalation of the illelgal and unlawful expanionist settlement policies of the Israeli government, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the occupied Syrian Golan; and also in view of the serious implications of this escalation on the existing difficult economic and humanitarian conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory and the Syrian citizens in the occupied Golan;  Expressing extreme concern over the grave economic impacts, resulting from the expanionist settlement policy of the Israeli government, on the difficult living conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory and those of the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan as well as the Arab people in the occupied Arab territory;     Appreciating with profound interest the role which the Palestine Liberation Organization and its National Authority (PNA) are playing in all territories under the PNA including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif for the improvement of the Palestinian people's living conditions and the overhauling of their national economy;     Expressing grave concern over the danger of Israel's continued occupation of the Syrian Golan, South Lebanon and the Western Bekaa region which are daily exposed to huge human, economic and material losses;  Emphasizing the resolutions of the recent Arab Summit in Cairo concerning this matter;  Having considered the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Hails the efforts made by the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Palestinian National Authority to rebuild Palestinian facilities, infrastructure and properties already destroyed and those being destroyed by the Israeli occupation authorities.  It commends the strenuous efforts exerted by the Palestinian Authority to rebuild and strengthen Palestinian National economy.  2. Invites all concerned bodies to expedite the extension of the envisaged necessary assistance to help the Palestinian 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.  3. Reaffirms the earlier OIC resolutions in favour of the extension of all forms of economic, technical, material and moral support and assistance to the Palestinian people, preferential treatment for Palestinian export products and granting them exemptions from taxes and tariffs.  4. Calls for the necessity of implementing the resolutions of the UN General Assembly on the economic assistance extended to the Palestinian people as well as resolutions of other international organizations and relevant specialized agencies. It also calls for unified efforts during the Fifty-second Session of the UN General Assembly in this respect.  5. Urges the private sector and investors of the OIC Member States to undertake the execution of the economic, industrial, agricultural and housing programmes in the territories of the Palestinian National Authority with a view to supporting and strengthening the Palestinian national economy. 6. Condemns Israel's continuing occupation of the Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the escalation of its arbitrary practices against the Palestinian people in all of the occupied towns and villages, and building an expanionist infrastructure by establishing more settlements and calls for halting these practices.  7. Also Condemns the continuing occupation by Israel of Syrian Golan, South Lebanon and the Western Bekaa Valley, as well as the arbitrary Israeli practices which have resulted in the deterioration of the economic and social conditions of the Syrian and Lebanese people who are under occupation.  8. Expresses 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.  9. Urges the OIC Member States to carry all necessary actions at the international level to exert pressure on Israel to desist from resorting to imposition of the brutal blaockades on the occupied Palestinian territory, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif which result in extremely painful economic effects on the Palestinian people and raise the level of unemployment among the Palestinians.  It also hamperes international efforts aimed at realizing development in the occupied Palestinian territory and the territory of the Palestinian Naitonal Authority.  10. Calls on the Member States and the international community also to extend every necessary assistance to the Lebanese population in South Lebanon and Western Bekka which are daily and permanently exposed to Israeli aggression causing death and material losses and resulting in social hardship which paralyse almost constantly, the economic activities of the region.  11. Calls also on the Member States to coordinate as regards the implementation of the resolutions on the subject.  12. Requests the Secretary General to follow this question and submit appropriate report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.         RESOLUTION NO. 8/8-E(IS) ON ASSISTANCE TO MEMBER STATES STRICKEN BY DROUGHT AND NATURAL CALAMITIES    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 8/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;     Noting with concern the grave situation caused by natural disasters, drought and desertification, and the ensuing damaging effects on economic and social conditions specially in the sectors of agriculture and food, economic and social infrastructures as well as public services and utilities;      Noting with satisfaction the efforts made by some Member States and the Islamic Development Bank which have extended and continue to  extend technical and financial assistance as well as food aid to Member States stricken by drought and natural disasters;     Fully aware that afflicted Member States, belonging as they do to the category of the Least-Developed, cannot by themselves, bear the growing burden of anti-drought and anti-desertification campaign and the implementation of major related projects;  Having considered the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1.  Expresses its gratitude to Member States, which have provided and are still providing assistance and food aid to the Member States affected by drought and natural disasters.  2. Expresses also its gratitude to IDB for its continuing assistance to Member States afflicted by drought and natural disasters and encourages the Bank to continue its assistance in this domain.  3.   Appeals to the International Community also to extend assistance to Member States struck by drought and natural disasters.  4.  Calls upon the Member States and OIC Institutions to extend assistance to OIC countries of Inter-governmental Authority for Development and the Campaign Against Drought (IGAAD) and Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) to enable them to overcome the difficult situation which is threatening them.  5.  Requests the General Secretariat, the IDB and the International Islamic Relief Agency to convene a meeting in coordination with UN Specialised Agencies (particularly the Office of the International Decade for the Prevention of Natural Disasters ("INDR") of the UN Department for Humanitarian Affairs, in the framework of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Prevention, with a view to organizing a meeting of experts entrusted with examining and recommending appropriate measures aimed at preventing and alleviating the effects of natural disasters in Bangladesh and other Member States affected and threatened by natural disasters.  6. Further Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of the previous resolution and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.     RESOLUTION NO. 9/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LOSSES FOR GREAT JAMAHIRIYA AS A RESULT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS NO. 748/92 AND 883/93.    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Having taken note of the negative effects on the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya of the sanctions imposed on it by the Security Council under Resolutions No. 748/1992 and 883/1993, in the economic, cultural and social fields;  Recalling the relevant resolutions adopted by the various fora of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the Organisation of African Unity, the League of Arab States and the Non-Aligned Movement;   - Reaffirms the importance of paying due attention to this issue with a view to alleviating the suffering of the Libyan Arab people.     RESOLUTION NO. 10/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 10/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Condemning the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the premeditated Israeli attacks aimed at destroying the infrastructure of Lebanon and undermining the efforts of the Lebanese Government for national reconstruction;  Appreciating the release of the audacious report of the UN General Secretariat on the Qana massacre. This is the report that exposed Israel's intention to bombared innocent Lebanese civilians who took refuge at the Headquarters of the International Emergency Forces in Southern Lebanon;     Commending the efforts made by the Lebanese Government to achieve stability and security, assert its authority and recover its institutions;     Taking into account the difficulties encountered by the citizens living in the areas occupied by Israel and in neighbouring areas;     Appreciating the efforts made by the Lebanese authorities to reconstruct their country and consolidate the steadfastness of citizens living in areas occupied by Israel and taking into account the necessary requirements in this connection;  Having also taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;    1. Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member Countries and OIC relevant bodies.  2. Condemns repeated Israeli aggressions against Lebanon aimed at subverting the process of national reconstruction launched by the Lebanese Government.  It also condemns the continued Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon.  3. Commends the UN General Secretariat for releasing the report of the Committee of Enquiry on Israel's direct and established responibility for committing the Qana massacre.   4. Affirms the previous resolutions aiming at extending financial, economic and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon in the light of its needs in the economic, technical and training fields.  5. Reiterates the appeal made by the 22nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers to the international community calling for a generous contribution to the International Fund for the Reconstruction of Lebanon to ensure the effectiveness of this Fund.  6. Renews its invitation to the Member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and all international and regional organizations to provide all forms of urgent financial assistance and in kind to Lebanon so that it may rebuild what the Israeli occupation has destroyed and reinforce the steadfastness of the Lebanese in the regions occupied by Israel.  7.   Requests the Secretary General to follow this question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.             RESOLUTION NO. 11/8-E(IS) ON ASSISTANCE TO MUSLIMS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 11/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Guided by the principles and objectives of the OIC Charter which lay stress on the common objectives and destiny of the peoples of the Ummah, as well as their commitment to consolidate international peace and security;  Recalling the previous resolutions adopted by the OIC expressing its Members' full solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina who are still facing a dire situation resulting from the brutal inhuman attacks by the Serbs;  Taking also into account the resolutions adopted by the Extraordinary Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, held in Istanbul and Jeddah and followed by the Special Ministerial Meeting held in Islamabad as well as the 21st and 22nd Meetings of the OIC Foreign Ministers which were held in Karachi and Casablanca respectively and the Seventh OIC Summit, and the Work Pogramme of the 23rd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Conakry on supporting the Dayton Agreement;  Expressing appreciation to the enlarged meeting of the OIC Contact Group held in Serajivo in April 1996 and stressing the principles contained in the Final Document adopted by the Meeting;  Welcoming the resolutions of the enlarged meeting of the Ministers of the OIC Contact Group which was held in Geneva in July 1996, especially those relating to the establishment of the Revolving Fund to be allocated to medium and small projects in Bosnia;   Also expressing its appreciation for the work of the Assistance Mobilisation Group for Bosnia-Herzegovina, formed during the OIC Kuala Lumpur meeting, towards providing humanitarian and economic assistance for concrete rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina;  Having also examined the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;    1.  Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by Member Countries and OIC relevant bodies. It also stresses the importance of the contiunation of the activities undertaken by the OIC Assistance Mobilization Group.  2.  Commends the contributions of the OIC Member States at the Donors Conference for the Rehabilitation of Bosnia which was held in Brussels in April 1996.  3.  Appeals to Member States, Islamic institutions and other donors to make generous donations as well as provide financial aid to enable the early implementation of the IDB Programme aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the Government and people of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina for the reconstruction of the country.  4.  Expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by the OIC Member States and for the commendable efforts of those Islamic and other international humanitarian bodies in providing relief and assistance to the victims of the aggression in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  5.  Urges upon the International Community to take efficient measures to ensure the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina.  6.  Demands that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the political independence of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina be safeguarded and protected along its internationally recognized borders, and support the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is open for the participation of the Bosnian Serbs and which represents a solid basis for a just and lasting solution by being a catalyst for restoring confidence among its peoples.  7.  Requests the OIC Member States, at the same time members of the Peace Implementation Council in Bosnia-Herzegovina and its Coordination Committee to seek directing the biggest part of international assistance for reconstruction of Bosnia to the regions inhabited by Muslims of Bosnia.  8. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.         RESOLUTION NO. 12/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO SOMALIA    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of  Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 12/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;     Deeply concerned at the critical situation in Somalia and expressing the desire for early restoration of peace and order in that sister Member country;  Having also taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;    1.  Expresses appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.  2.  Urges OIC Member States, to provide material and other assistance on an emergency basis to Somalia to end the human suffering in this Muslim country.  3.  Commends those Member States that have already provided aid and assistance to the people of Somalia.  4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.   RESOLUTION NO. 13/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF GUINEA IN THE FACE OF REFUGEE INFLUX FROM LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 13/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Deeply concerned over the negative effects of the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone on the economy, security and environment in the Republic of Guinea as a result of refugee influx from these two countries into Guinea;  Having also considered the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1.  Makes an urgent appeal to the international community and Member States to provide the Republic of Guinea with a substantial financial and material assistance to enable it to overcome this difficult situation resulting from the presence on its national territory, of hundreds of thousands of refugees due to the extension of the armed conflict in Liberia to Sierra Leone and the increasing influx into Guinea of refugees whose majority are Muslims coming from Liberia and Sierra Leone.  2.  Underlines the necessity for such assistance in order to enable the efficient organization of the eventual return of refugees to their respective countries.  3.  Appeals to the Islamic Development Bank to extend financial assistance in the form of grant or soft term loans to the Republic of Guinea to enable the latter build the required social infrastructure for these refugees while reducing the degradation of the environment resulting from the presence of so many refugees.  4.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.   RESOLUTION NO. 14/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 14/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Recalling also Resolutions 57/19-P and 9/20-E adopted by the Nineteenth and Twentieth Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, respectively;  Having heard the statement of  H.E. the President  of the Republic of Sierra Leone on the situation in his country;  Recalling the results of the Parliamentary and Presidential elections in Sierra Leone;  Welcoming the Peace Agreement signed in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire on the 30th of November 1996 between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel group thereby ending the five-year old fratricidal conflict in Sierra Leone which has caused untold damage to the civilian population, and the devastation of the country's social and physical infrastructure;  Considering the very crucial and commendable role played by His Excellency, Mr. Henry Konan Bedie, President of the Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire and the International Community in facilitating the holding of Peace Talks between the Government of the Republic  of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel group which has culminated in the signing of a Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and RUF on the 30th of November 1996 in Abidjan, Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire;  Expressing appreciation for the sustained concern and interest of the leaders of the West African Sub-region, in particular, His Excellency President Lansana Conte of the Republic of Guinea, His Excellency General Sani Abacha of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Flight lieutenant Jerry Rawlings of the Republic of Ghana for peace to prevail in the Republic of Sierra Leone;  Expressing appreciation for the assistance rendered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Arab Republic of Egypt and other friendly nations for the donations of food items, clothing and medicines for the refugees and displaced inhabitants of Sierra Leone;  Considering that the armed conflict in Sierra Leone has caused  considerable damage to life and property and for five consecutive years has disrupted all economic activities particularly in the Mining, Agriculture and Industrial sectors, resulting in substantial loss of revenue to Government and the private sector;   1. Congratulates the Government and the people of Sierra Leone for successfully signing the recent  Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) thereby ending the five-year old conflict in Sierra Leone. 2 Appeals to the Member States and the international community to urgently extend substantial financial and material assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone so as to enable its people to undertake the much needed process of rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of returnees and displaced inhabitants of about 1.5 million. 3. Requests the Secretary-General to use his good offices to accelerate the approved process for project already identified for Sierra Leone. 4. Also requests the Secretary-General to follow-up the implementation of this Resolution and to report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.         RESOLUTION NO. 15/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 15/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;       1.  Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member Countries and OIC relevant bodies.  2.  Expresses its strong support to the people of Albania beset by major economic difficulties at the present phase of their transition towards a market economy.  3.  Urges OIC Member States, Islamic Institutions and International Organizations to grant generous economic assistance to Albania so that the Government of Albania may successfully implement its development programme.  4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.       RESOLUTION NO. 16/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO AFGHANISTAN    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 16/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;     Taking into account that Afghanistan is currently faced by serious constraints due to 17 years of war;     Noting that about 70% to 80% of its economic and social infrastructures has been destroyed;     Aware that over 1.5 million Afghans were killed, about 1.5 million disabled and more than 5 million displaced and took refuge in neighbouring countries;  Recognizing that about 10 million mines were planted in different parts of the country;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member Countries and OIC relevant bodies.  2.  Urges the Member Countries to provide assistance to Afghanistan to solve its problems.  3. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.     RESOLUTION NO. 17/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 17/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;     Aware that the Government of the Republic of Uganda is currently experiencing serious strain on its meagre resources as a result of the influx of refugees from neighbouring countries who flock into the country;     Recognizing that Uganda is offering asylum to large numbers of refugees whose number will increase if the state of unrest continues to escalate;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;    1. Invites Member States, Islamic institutions and international organizations to grant urgent financial and economic  assistance to Uganda so that it may cope with the refugee problems and other related consequences as well as implement its economic, social and cultural programmes.  2. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.     RESOLUTION NO. 18/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 18/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;    Confirming full solidarity of the Member States of the OIC with the Government and people of Azerbaijan at this grave and very critical time of the country's history;     Referring to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions regarding this conflict;     Deploring the Armenian hostilities in the Upper-Karabakh district of Azerbaijan followed by the occupation of about 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory which forced almost one million Azeri people to flee their homes in the face of the brutal attacks and gross violations of human rights by this aggression;      Recognizing the need to demonstrate in more concrete terms the solidarity of the OIC Member Countries with the Government and people of Azerbaijan;      Welcoming and appreciating the assistance extended by some Member Countries and OIC relevant bodies, United Nations institutions and international organizations;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Appeals to the Member States and Islamic institutions to make available to the Government of Azerbaijan the much needed economic and humanitarian assistance with a view to alleviating the suffering of the Azeri people.  2. Calls upon the international organizations to provide urgent humanitarian, financial assistance to Azerbaijan.  3. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.          RESOLUTION NO. 19/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE  KYRGYZ REPUBLIC    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), meeting in its Eighth Session in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Recalling Resolution No. 19/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Expressing its understanding of the situation which has arisen in the  Kyrgyz Republic after  attainment of independence and sovereignty;  Taking into consideration the economic difficulties of the transitional period to the free market economy;  Expressing its sympathy towards the consequences of the natural disasters which struck the territory of Kyrgyz Republic, thus affecting the socio-economic level of the brotherly people;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1.  Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.  2.  Appeals to all Muslims and Islamic financial institutions to be generous and to contribute to the process of overcoming the economic difficulties experienced by Kyrgyz Republic either on bilateral basis or through multilateral and regional organisations so as to enable Kyrgyz Republic to fulfil its economic programme.  3.  Appeals also to the Islamic Development Bank to increase its financial and technical assistance to Kyrgyz Republic.  4.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.     RESOLUTION NO. 20/8-E(IS) ON ASSISTANCE TO THE KASHMIRI PEOPLE    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling all previous resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Conference on assistance to the Kashmiri people particularly Resolution 20/24-E of the Twenty-fourth ICFM;  Expressing deep appreciation for the assistance extended to the Kashmiris by some Member States and relevant OIC bodies;  1. Appeals to Member States and Islamic institutions, such as the Islamic Solidarity Fund and Philanthropists, to contribute generously towards providing relief and humanitarian assistance to the Kashmiri people.  2 Also appeals to Member States and the Islamic Institutions to grant scholarships to the Kashmiri students in different universities and institutions in the OIC countries.  3. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.       RESOLUTION NO. 21/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), meeting in its Eighth Session in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 21/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Taking into consideration the economic difficulties faced by the Republic of Yemen which arose from the burdens of reunification and the big losses caused by the aborted secession attempt which took place in June 1994 as well as the devastating flood which swept Republic of Yemen in 1996.  Appreciating the efforts being exerted by the Government of the Republic of Yemen for the implementation of its policy of economic reform and the success so far achieved in this regard;  Taking into consideration the heavy burdens borne by the Yemeni Government to provide shelter for groups of refugees from neighbouring African countries;  Recalling that Yemen is one of the least developed countries;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;     1.  Expresses its appreciation for the efforts of Yemeni Government in overcoming its economic difficulties and implementing its policy of economic reform as well as the success so far achieved in this regard.  2.  Also Expresses its appreciation for the assistance extended by some of the Member States and by the relevant organs of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.  3.  Calls upon  the Member States and all regional and international organizations to extend all kinds of economic assistance to the Yemeni Government in support of its efforts directed towards the implementation of the policy of the economic reform and overcoming the effects of floods that have devastated Yemen this year.  4.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.        RESOLUTION NO. 22/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF PALESTINE    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference as well as resolutions of the 22nd, 23rd  and 24th Sessions of the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers,  Noting with great interest the role played by the Palestine National Authority in the Palestinian Self-rule regions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with a view to improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people and building up the national economy;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;    1.  Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member States and OIC relevant bodies.  2.  Commends the efforts made by the Palestine National Authority in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions in order to reconstruct what occupation had destroyed, as well as the efforts exerted to build up and consolidate the Palestinian national economy.  3.  Expresses great appreciation for the assistance provided by some Member States to the Palestinian people in order to build up the national economy in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions in the West Bank and the Gaza-Strip.  4.  Urges the speedy granting of the required and approved assistance by the concerned Member States and OIC bodies, with a view to helping the Palestine National Authority and the Palestinian people in the building up of the national economy and the consolidation of their national institutions.  5.  Reaffirms the previous resolutions advocating the provision of all forms of support and assistance as well as economic, technical, material and moral assistance in support of the Palestinian people and the Palestine National Authority and Urges that preferential treatment be accorded to Palestinian products as regards importation and exemption of taxes and customs duties.  6.  Urges businessmen and investors of Member States to contribute to the implementation of economic, industrial, agricultural and housing projects in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions, with a view to building up the national economy and enabling the Palestine National Authority and its national institutions to implement their development programmes, during the coming transitional period, in the various economic, social and health fields.  7.  Appeals to Member States, in view of the obstacles raised by Israel in the face of the Palestinian labour force, to provide work opportunities to this Palestinian labour force, with a view to enhancing the socio-economic status of the Palestinian people and putting an end to unemployment.  8.  Urges the Member States to conclude bilateral agreements with the Palestine Liberation Organization and its National Authority in the economic, commercial and social field, with a view to enhancing the socio-economic status of the Palestinian people on their national soil. 9. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the efforts aiming at implemening the previous resolutions on the support to the State of Palestine and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.           RESOLUTION NO. 23/8-E(IS) ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 23/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Bearing in mind the recent admission of the Republic of Mozambique to the Organization of the Islamic Conference during the Seventh Summit of Heads of States and Governments held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco in December, 1994;  Noting with satisfaction that the process of pacification and democratization in place in Mozambique creates a climate of peace and harmony conducive to a solid platform of a true reconciliation among Mozambicans, a "sine-qua-non" condition for the implementation of economic and social programmes;  Appreciating the efforts being made by the Government of Mozambique in the implementation of the national reconstruction programme;  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;    1. Calls upon all Member States to continue their support to the implementation of the programme of reconstruction of Mozambique.  2. Appeals to the Islamic Development Bank and all Islamic Institutions to provide the necessary financial assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes of Mozambique, particularly those needed to ensure the social reintegration of returnees and internal displaced persons and demobilized combatants as for the demining programme in course in that counrtry.  3. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.           RESOLUTION NO. 24/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO TAJIKISTAN   The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), meeting in its Eighth Session in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Taking into account  the objectives and principles of the OIC Charter as well as members’  commitment to consolidate international peace and security;  Deeply concerned at critical situation which Tajikistan has faced in the light of 5 years of bloody civil war, resulted in the death, injury and displacement of thousands of people as well as destruction of its economic and social infrastructures;  Noting  the return of abaout 200 thousands Tajik refugees to their homeland which necessitates a great financial and technical support;  Recalling the report of the World Food Programme which estimates that 25 per cent of Tajikistan’s population is in dire need of food aid;  Noting with concern the marked spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and diarrhoea, victims of which are especially infants, children and women; 1. Expresses deep appreciation to the assistance extended by some membeer countries. 2. Appeals  to all members and Islamic financial institutions to make their generous contributions to the process of overcoming the economic difficulties experienced by Tajikistan either on bilateral basis or through multilateral and regional organisations so as to enable Tajikistan to fulfil its rehabilitation programmes. 3. Urges the Islamic Development Bank to increase its financial and technical assistance to Tajikistan. 4. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a areport thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.     RESOLUTION NO. 25/8-E(IS) ON ALLEVIATING THE EFFECTS OF FLOODS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS IN SUDAN    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), meeting in its Eighth Session in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution 30/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Noting the devastating natural disaster sufferred by Sudan as a result of floods and torrential rains in many parts of the country,  Realizing the tragic effects involved, including the sweeping away of farms, the destruction of thousands of homes and the wiping out of infrastructures, which, in turn, led to the displacement of tens of thousands of citizens, the shortage of food and agricultural products,  the pollution of environment and the ensuing dangers to public health,  1.  Commends the Member States which have already extended prompt relief, namely: the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran.  2.  Urges Member States to respond to this humanitarian appeal by extending the necessary assistance.  3.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and make a report to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.         RESOLUTION NO. 26/8-E(IS) ON ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9 to 11 Shaban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Affirming the principles and objectives which underscore cooperation and solidarity of the Ummah with its members;  Recalling  that the Republic of Djibouti is sheltering on its territory an important number of refugees and displaced persons representing more than one third of its population, and weighing heavily on  its health and educational infrastructures;  Deeply concerned  at the recent floods causing an important loss in livestock, as well as serious damage to roads and health establishments thus causing cholera and malaria epidemics;  Aware that the Republic of Djibouti has resolved, through dialogue, a three-year internal conflict which had seriously affected its economy;    Conscious that peace should be strengthened through the preservation of social gains;  1.  Makes an urgent appeal  to the Ummah and the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to provide substantial financial and material support to the Republic of Djibouti for the consolidation of peace, the reconstruction of the country and the implementation of its structural adjustment programme.  2.  Calls on the Ummah and the General Secretariat of the OIC to assist the Republic of Djibouti in its struggle against the disastrous consequences of the recent flood at both the social and economic levels.  3.  Requests the Secretary General to follow up the issue and  submit a report thereon to the next Islamic Summit Conference.

RESOLUTION NO. 27/8-E(IS) ON ACTIVITIES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION (COMCEC)    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 2/6-E(IS) of the Sixth Islamic Summit Conference, held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal on 9-11 December 1991 on the activities of the COMCEC mandating it to formulate new Strategies for the enhancement of the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among OIC Member States and to take appropriate action for its implementation;  Recalling resolution No. 8/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference, held in Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco, from 11 to 13 Rajab 1415H (13-15 December 1994)  which endorsed the Strategy  and  the Plan of Action;  Recalling Resolution No. 24/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Recalling the resolution of the Ministerial level meetings in different areas of cooperation held under the auspices of the COMCEC.  Also recalling the Resolutions adopted at the thirteen previous sessions of the COMCEC initiating effective action in economic cooperation among Member countries, particularly in the area of trade;  Further recalling the deliberations of the  World Food Summit held in Rome from 13 to 17 November, 1996 and considering the crucial importance for the survival of humankind including the well-being of the people of the Islamic Ummah, of the principles and commitments embodied in Rome declaration on World Food Security and the Plan of Action of the World Food Summit.      Noting with appreciation the efforts of the General Secretariat, subsidiary organs, affiliated and specialized institutions of OIC, working in the field of economy and trade, to implement the Resolutions of the COMCEC and underlining the pivotal role played by the Ankara Centre in the preparation of the New Plan of Action;      Recognizing the importance for the Member Countries of the new economic configurations emerging at the global level particularly from the creation of regional economic groupings and signing of the Uruguay Round Agreements and creation of  the World Trade Organization and its subsequent Agreements particularly "Information Technology Agreement" and "Telecom Pact";  Appreciating that starting with its Eleventh Session, COMCEC serves as a platform where the Ministers of Economy could exchange views on current world economic issues and, that the topic "implications on external trade of Member countries of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade Negotiations", "Privatization Experiences in Member Countries" and "Implications of Regional Economic Groupings particularly the European Union on the Economies of Member States" were the themes for the 11th, 12th  and 13th sessions of the COMCEC, respectively.  Having taken note of the recommendations of the  Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;   1. Expresses satisfaction that the Islamic Development Bank has successfully organised a Coordination Meeting for Member States to consult among themselves and better prepare for the WTO Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore during the period 9-13 December 1996 and to adopt collectively a common stand regarding the issues raised in the Agenda of that meeting, as resolved by the 12th Session of the COMCEC. 2. Appreciates the technical assistance programmes being designed by the Islamic Development Bank to assist member countries which are either members of the WTO or in the process of  accession to the Organization, and the role of the Bank in calling for consultative meetings of member countries and  the Seminars and Workshops it organizes for this purpose. 3. Notes with appreciation that the Strategy for Economic  and Commercial Cooperation adopted by the  COMCEC allows for cooperation among sub-groups of Member countries and is based on the principles giving emphasis to private sector, economic liberalization, integration with the world economy, sanctity of the economic, political, legal and constitutional structures of the Member Countries and their international obligations. 4. Also notes with appreciation that the New Plan of Action is a general and flexible policy document open for improvement during its implementation in accordance with the provisions stipulated in its chapter on Follow-up and Implementation. 5. Appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in organizing Private Sector Meetings as directed by the COMCEC for an effective implementation of the Plan of Action.  6. Also appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for organizing the Fourth Private Sector Meeting in Karachi from 27-29 October 1997. 7. Welcomes the offer of the Republic of Lebanon to host the 7th Islamic Trade Fair and that of the UAE to host the 8th Islamic Trade Fair in the years 1998 and 2000 respectively. 8. Emphasizes the need to urgently implement the New Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member Countries of the OIC, in compliance with the principles and operational modalities of the Strategy and the procedures set forth in its chapter on Follow-up and Implementation. 9. Requests the Member States to take appropriate measures including necessary cooperation, coordination and consultation among themselves to make efforts with the required possible economic and technical support from international community particularly from the developed countries and relevant international organizations and financial institutions to increase their food production capacity with a view to arriving at national food security as well as enhancing the purchasing power of their people. 10. Invites the Member States to host sectoral meetings in the area of cooperation listed in the Plan of Action. 11. Welcomes the offer of the Arab Republic of Egypt to host two sectoral experts group meetings in the area of "Transport and Communications" and "Food, Agriculture and Rural Development" of the Plan of Action. 12. Notes with appreciation the hosting of the sectoral expert group meeting in the area of "Money, Finance and Capital Flows" by the government of the Republic of Turkey, on 1-3 September 1997 in Istanbul. 13. Notes with appreciation the hosting of a sectoral expert group meeting on foreign trade, within the framework of the implementation of the Plan of Action by the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on 24-25 October 1997 in Karachi. 14. Thanks  the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting the Third OIC Ministerial Meeting on Posts and Telecommunications from 8-11 July 1996 and calls upon the Follow-up Committee to monitor implementation of the relevant resolutions and the Tehran Declaration. 15. Invites IDB to continue its active support in view of ensuring effective and urgent implementation of the New Plan of Action. 16. Welcomes the organization of  an International Seminar on "Human Resources Development for Sustained Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation in the Member States of the OIC" by the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT) in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh in September 1998 in Dhaka. 17. Also Welcomes the hosting of Seminar-Workshop by the Republic of Senegal in cooperation with IDB to familiarize the African member states with the Plan of Action, and recommends that similar seminars be held in other regions and sub-regions of OIC. 18. Recognizes that the Exchange of Views organized during the annual sessions of the COMCEC would be utilized to coordinate the positions of the Member States vis-a-vis major world economic issues. 19. Notes with appreciation the offer of the Republic of Gabon to organise in February 1998 a sub-regional seminar  for the OIC States of Central and East Africa on "the role of IDB in the promotion of the private sector" in cooperation with IDB and the other concerned institutions of the OIC. 20. Welcomes the offer of the Republic of Burkina Faso to host in 1998 a regional workshop on Industry for East, West and Central African OIC member states in cooperation with the IDB and other related OIC institutions. 21. Notes with appreciation the offer of the government of the Republic of Turkey to host an Expert Group Meeting in the area of Technology and Technical Cooperation in May 1998. 22. Welcomes the offer of the government of the Republic of Indonesia to host a Ministerial Meeting on Tourism to be preceded by an Expert Group Meeting on Tourism within the framework of the COMCEC and Plan of Action. 23. Notes with appreciation the offer of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host an experts' group meeting in 1998 on health and sanitary issues to be followed by a ministerial meeting on the same topics. 24. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of the resolutions adopted by COMCEC and to continue extending to the latter every necessary assistance and fulfil its tasks and report thereon to the next session of the Islamic Summit.         RESOLUTION NO. 28/8-E(IS) ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 28/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No. 25/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers,  Also recalling that tourism has been identified as a priority area for cooperation in the OIC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States adopted by the 7th Islamic Summit Conference, held in Casablanca in December 1995;      Convinced that tourism forms a main pivot in economic development, cultural exchange and rapprochement between nations;  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  Having noted with appreciation the offer of the Republic of Indonesia to host a Ministerial Meeting and an Expert Group Meeting on Tourism, and urging Member States to take part in these meetings. 1. Invites Member States to cooperate in the following areas: Provision and exchange of publicity and advertising materials on tourism in different languages, Organizing special tourism and gastronomy weeks and popular art exhibitions in the Member States, Production and exchange of documentary films on main archeological landmarks in the Member States, Organizing group travel among Member States, to strengthen bonds among their people, Encouraging tourist investments in Member States and directing investors to realize tourist projects in these States, Facilitating contacts among experienced tourist offices in Member States. Facilitating establishment of data network and electronic exchange of information on tourism and its related services in OIC Member States.  2. Requests the Secretary General to follow up this matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.           RESOLUTION NO. 29/24-E (IS) ON STATUS OF THE SIGNING AND RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS AND STATUTES ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 18/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No. 26/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourt Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers,      Having reviewed the developments in respect of signature and/or ratification of the (i) Agreement on Promotion, Protection and Guarantee of Investments among Member States, (ii) General Agreement on Economic, Technical and Commercial Cooperation among Member States, (iii) Framework  Agreement on the Establishment of the Trade Preferential System among OIC Member States, (iv) Statute of the Islamic Civil Aviation Council, (v) Islamic States Telecommunications Union, (vi) Agreement on Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit;  Having also taken cognizance of the resolutions issued by the Thirteenth Session of COMCEC on the matter;  Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs; 1. Expresses satisfaction at the efforts of the General Secretariat, of the IDB and COMCEC to speed up the implementation of the Agreements and Statutes aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among Member States. 2. Also expresses satisfaction over the initiatives taken by COMCEC to effect the signing of the Agreements/Statutes that fall within the framework of cooperation among Member States and recommends that this practice be pursued. 3. Notes with satisfaction that 16 Member States have already signed the Framework Agreement and that Seven have ratified it and urges those who have not yet done so, to do  it as soon as possible so as to enable the required negotiations to start. 4. Calls upon Member States which have not yet signed and/or ratified the above mentioned Agreements/Statutes to do so, at their earliest and also urges Member States that have ratified to take follow up actions and inform the General Secretariat about the progress of implementation. 5. Notes with satisfaction that the Agreements for the establishment of the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit have come into effect as of 1 August 1994. 6. Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the IDB for its efforts to establish the Corporation. 7. Invites Member States which have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Agreement of the Corporation and pay their respective subscriptions to its capital to make it possible to draw the expected benefits at the widest scale possible within the OIC system. 8. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.            RESOLUTION NO. 30/8-E(IS) ON REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBSIDIARY ORGANS ACTIVE IN THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE FIELDS.   The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Recalling Resolution No. 19/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference;  Also recalling Resolution No. 27/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on the activities of the Subsidiary Organs of the OIC, namely;  the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRTCIC), Ankara;  the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), Casablanca; the Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhaka; respectively;  Having taken note with satisfaction of the activity reports submitted by the representatives of the above-mentioned subsidiary organs;   Appreciating the increasing number of joint activities among the OIC organs and agencies;      Expressing its appreciation at the role played by the subsidiary organs in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States;  Also expressing appreciation for the role played by the Subsidiary Organs in the elaboration of the New Strategy and the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among OIC Member States;  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;  1. Commends the role which the Ankara, Casablanca and Dhaka Centres are playing each in their respective fields.  2. Urges the Member States to actively and effectively participate in the work of these organs and expeditiously respond to the questionnaires circulated by them, and closely follow up their documents and studies so as to achieve maximum benefit from these organs in the area of economic cooperation among the Member States.  3. Encourages these organs to intensify contacts with international and regional institutions particularly those working in the framework of the United Nations and others, such as Bretton Woods institutions and to benefit from the studies and reports produced by these institutions.  4. Urges the Member States, which have not done so thus far, to settle their regular mandatory contributions to the budgets of these bodies, and to act for the settlement of their arrears, if any, at the earliest in view of the current financial difficulties being faced by these organs.  5. Notes that the Member States are to benefit from the special services offered by the subsidiary organs, above and beyond the tasks assigned to them in their work programmes, on a contractual basis.  6. Requests the Secretary General  to circulate among Member States the reports of the OIC/UN Cooperation Meetings so far as these organizations are concerned.  7. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the question and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.             RESOLUTION NO. 31/8-E(IS) ON SUPPORT FOR THE ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB)    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).  Having taken note of the Resolution No. 6/6-(IS) of the Sixth Islamic Summit Conference;      Recalling Resolution No. 20/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference; and Resolution No. 28/24-E of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Having noted with appreciation of the activity report of the Islamic Development Bank on the subject;  Having noted the recommendations of the Thirteenth Session of the COMCEC;      Noting with satisfaction that the Islamic Development Bank continues to expand its field of operation and activity concerning project financing,  trade import and export financing, technical assistance, technical cooperation, special assistance and other fields of cooperation such as food security;      Noting with appreciation that the IDB has played an active role in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Plan of Action adopted by the  Third Islamic Summit as well as of the various decisions of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC);      Also noting with satisfaction that within the framework of its commitments aimed at meeting its Member States' needs, the IDB has had to elaborate strategies of new programmes some of which were initiated under the auspices of COMCEC for the promotion of inter-Islamic trade;  Further Noting with satisfaction that the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) commenced its operations in July 1995, and expressing thanks and  and appreciation to IDB for its efforts in successfully finalizing the establishment of the Corporation;  Having taken cognizance of the Resolutions of the Thirteenth Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), held in Istanbul, from 12-15 November 1996;    Having taken note also of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs; 1. Expresses its deep satisfaction for the devotion and efficiency with which the IDB President and his assistants are ensuring the good functioning of this institution which continues making an invaluable contribution to the development and progress of Muslim populations. 2. Calls on the Islamic Development Bank to keep up its beneficial action and increase the necessary resources for augmenting its services to the Member States, and to the Islamic Ummah at large. 3. Congratulates the Islamic Development Bank on having set up the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit. 4. Calls 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, programmes and operations. 5. Appeals to the Member States who have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Articles of Agreement of the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit  and to pay their respective shares to its capital so that its benefits would be extended to as wide an OIC area as possible. 6. Requests the General Secretariat, the IDB, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade to jointly organise seminars on regional basis on the various schemes approved by the COMCEC namely the Longer Term Trade Financing System, the Islamic Export Credit and Investment Guarantee Corporation, the Framework Agreement on Trade Preferential System among OIC Member States and the Islamic Clearing Union with a view of ensuring efficient and speedy implementation of these schemes for the benefit of business community of the Islamic Ummah. 7. Invites the Member States which have not yet done so to subscribe to the second capital increase of the IDB and to settle their outstanding contributions and other financial commitments. 8. Calls upon the Member States to lend their support to the Bank so as to enable it to fulfil its obligations and commitments towards fostering economic development and social progress of the Member States. 9. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.          RESOLUTION NO. 32/8-E(IS) ON AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS OF THE OIC OPERATING IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMY AND COMMERCE    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9-11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997).      Recalling Resolution No. 21/7-E(IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference and Resolution No. 29/24-E of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Taking cognizance of the activities being undertaken by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI); Islamic Shipowners Association (ISA) and the International Association of Islamic Banks (IAIB);    Expressing its appreciation for the role played by the affiliated institutions in the implementation of the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States;      Also expressing appreciation for the role played by the affiliated institutions in the elaboration of the new strategy of the COMCEC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation Among Member States;  Confirming the important role that Private Sector has to play in the development of Member States and promotion of Intra-Islamic Cooperation;      Appreciating the role played by these three institutions in their respective fields of action;  Having taken cognizance of the Resolutions of the Thirteenth Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC);  Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twentieth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;   1. Notes with appreciation the important role which the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Islamic Shipowners Association and the International Association of Islamic Banks are playing in their respective fields. 2. Expresses thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Export Promotion Bureau, Board of Investment and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry for hosting the Fourth Private Sector Meeting, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, which was held from 27-29 October 1997 in Karachi, Pakistan. 3. Takes note with appreciation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Fourth Private Sector Meeting. 4. Congratulates the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) for its important initiative aimed at maintaining contacts with businessmen and promoting socioeconomic development in Member States. 5. Appeals to the government of Member States to encourage their Federations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to develop a framework of cooperation with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and contribute to its programs to enhance trade and investment among Member States. 6. Appreciates the offer of the Republic of Lebanon and UAE to host the Fifth and Seventh Private Sector Meetings in 1998 and the year 2000 respectively. 7. Expresses thanks to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for extending consistant support to the Shipowners Association, giving donations and hosting its Headquarters. 8. Expresses its thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the 7th and 8th Session of the Executive Council and  General Assembly of the Islamic Shipowners Association respectively and for endorsing the establishment of  the Islamic Shipping Comapny and the Cooperative Information System. 9. Also commends the initiative of the Islamic  Shipowners Association for establishing the Islamic Shipping Company and a Cooperative Information System. 10. Urges the Member States which have not done so yet, to sign the Statute of the Islamic Shipowners Association. 11. Appeals to Member States to continue to extend their support and assistance to the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Islamic Shipowners Association, and the International Association of Islamic Banks.   12 Invites Member States and the Private Sector, the shipping companies and private individuals in the Islamic countries to contribute to the capaital of the Islamic Shipping Company and to encourage the treatment of the company’s ships on equal footing with national ships at the Member States’ seaports. 13.. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the matter and submit a report thereon to the next Session of the Islamic Summit.            RESOLUTION NO. 33/8-E(IS) ON ISLAMIC COMMON MARKET    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation) held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 8 to 10 Shabaan 1418H (9-11 December 1997) ,  Recalling Resolutions 1/24-E, 2/24-E and 6/24-E adopted by the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;  Taking note that the process of globalization and economic liberalization could offer new opportunities and challenges for all developing countries including OIC member states;  Realizing the existence of vast natural, human and capital resources in the Islamic World which could contribute considerably to the sustained economic growth and sustainable development of the Islamic Countries and to the ultimate objective of establishment of an Islamic Common Market;  Recognizing that recent developments in the global and domestic economic environment and emerging complementaries among developing countries could contribute towards their economic cooperation, collaboration and integration, including among the Islamic Countries ;  Recognizing also that the inter-regional, regional and sub-regional cooperation among Islamic Countries is an important element of a development strategy and an essential contribution towards the sustained economic growth and sustainable development of Islamic Countries ;  Welcoming the efforts of a number of  OIC Member States which have made notable progress in building their potentialities and strengthening their competitiveness on the international markets through active participation in the  Global  Trade System and attracion of more investments.  Expressing concern that many Islamic Countries have been marginalized in the international economic system, among others, by lack and / weakness of institutional arrangements which are necessary for expansion of their foreign trade and participation in the international financial markets ;   1.  Emphasizes the importance of implementation of the Strategy and Plan of Action of COMCEC; Agreement on Promotion, Protection and Guarantee of Investments among Member States; General Agreement on Economic, Technical and Commercial Cooperation among Member States; Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the Trade Preferential System among Member States; and Agreement on Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, for strengthening economic and commercial cooperation among Member States for realization of the ultimate objective of establishment of an Islamic Common market. 2.  Reiterates  the need for specific arrangements among  OIC Member States to take necessary steps to attain their desirable share in the global economic and trading system, including through analyzing the implications of establishment of an Islamic Common Market in this respect. 3.  Expresses desire for  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. 4.  Invites Member States to formulate concrete proposals for cooperation and coordination in setting up centers of excellence in areas which they are able to unfold potentials for expansion to trade  and investment among themselves to develop cooperation in various necessary areas which could facilitate realization of an Islamic Common Market among  Member States. 5. Urges related bodies and institutions, in the OIC, concerned regional and national institutions, and public and private sectors in Islamic Countries to study  implications of establishing an Islamic Common Market among  Member States,  and requests the Member States to provide the necessary information for making such studies. 6.  Urges also the Member States to encourage any initiative by their private sector for expansion of economic, financial, trade and investment cooperation with other Islamic Countries. 7.  Stresses the importance of trade fairs and establishment of a network of trade points in Member States for facilitating the expansion of trade and investment among them in an expeditious manner, with potential contribution towards the objective of establishing an Islamic Common Market. 8.  Requests the Secretary General to set up an expert group from Member States to study the implications of establishing an Islamic Common Market, to follow-up this question and submit a report thereon to the next session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.       RESOLUTION NO. 34/8-E (IS) ON PREPARING THE ISLAMIC UMMAH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY    The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 9 to 11 Shaban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),  Taking into consideration the relevant paragraph of the Resolution No. (1) of the 13th Session of the COMCEC;  Also taking into consideration the Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member States approved by the 10th  Session of the COMCEC and endorsed by the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference;  Noting that the IDB document on "preparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century in the fields of economic, commercial and financial cooperation" is a long term strategic framework document that provides a long-term vision, which lends strength and direction to the implementation of the OIC  Plan of  Action;  1. Appreciates the initiative of IDB to prepare the document on "peparation of the Ummah for the 21st Century in the fields of  economic, commercial and financial cooperation".  2. Expresses its appreciation for the content of the document and its call on the Ummah to face challenges posed by the 21st Century.  3. Calls upon Member States to cooperate in future studies to explore possibilities of cooperative actions to face challenges of globalization.  4. Urges  Member States and OIC  institutions to implement diligently the OIC Plan of Action to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation.  5. Calls upon the IDB in consultation with other OIC Organs and relevant Islamic institutions to draw the needed implementation modalities to translate recommendations of the IDB document into practical programmes with qualitative and quantitative objectives in the areas of human resource development; expansion of trade and investment among Member States; securing basic needs such as health, education and food; in a coordinated manner. Participation of public and private sectors and utilization of facilities of the competent international organizations and institutions  could have contribution towads these objectives.    6. Requests the OIC Standing Committees and calls upon the OIC Institutions to  explore the challenges of the 21st century each contributing to its respective field of competence, and to delineate possible responses by the Ummah for these challenges.  7.  Recommends IDB to convene, sectoral meetings for exporters and importers of    the   Member States, an