PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 20 September 1999

The Fifteenth Session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent concluded its meetings on Sunday 19^th September, 1999, held at the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

The Committee began its Session with an opening address by His Excellency Dr. Azeddine Laraki, the OIC Secretary General, which was delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Mohammad Saleh Zaimi, the Director of the Cabinet, in which he stressed the necessity of "raising the standard of Joint Islamic Action in the field of relief from the humanitarian aspect and promoting it in order to realize the good of Muslim societies and develop their potentialities".

The Secretary General said that "the Islamic Ummah is in dire need of the services of a specialized mechanism that would coordinate Joint Islamic Action in the field of relief, prepare its tools, develop its methodologies and highlight its standing at the Islamic and international levels".

Dr. Laraki also mentioned that "it would be useful for Red Crescent Societies and Organizations active in the humanitarian field to coordinate their efforts and actions together with the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent for the promotion of an organized and an integrated Islamic action".

The Secretary General underlined the need to make use of the fact that a number of States have recently joined the OIC, in favor of the Committee and called for intensifying contacts with the other Islamic States and urging them to join the Committee.

The Committee members thrashed out during their deliberations, the various agenda items before issuing a set of recommendations which laid particular emphasis, overall, on the need to invigorate the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent and called for contributions on the part of the Islamic world in the field of humanitarian action.

The Committee's proceedings were attended by representatives from Turkey, Libya, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Guinea, Iran and Mali in addition to the OIC General Secretariat.

It is worth noting that the ICIC is a specialized body acting within the OIC framework, contributing towards the extension of medical and humanitarian relief such as alleviate the effects of any wars and natural catastrophes that may faced by member States.

The Committee, as is known, has its headquarters in the city of Benghazi, Libyan Jamahiriya.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 8 August 1999

While expressing its deep regret for the heavy human and material casualties sustained by the Muslim Afghan people, the devastation and destruction inflicted on them, the OIC reminds all warring Afghan factions that the final outcome of such acts of violence can not be but further devastation and destruction brought about to the country by the hands of its own sons.

The bitter experience, the use of discretion and logic proved to all parties that the Afghan problem can not be solved through military means, and that the current military escalation will only lead to the destruction of Afghanistan's infrastructure and the elimination of its basic and material elements.

Proceeding from its Islamic obligations, and underlining the need to stop the bloodshed and fighting among one country's sons, the OIC expresses the wish that all parties in Afghanistan desist fighting refer to discretion and consciousness and to go back to negotiations sponsored by the UN and all parties concerned with the Afghan issue.

Hopeful that the Afghan factions will give a positive response to this appeal, the OIC expresses full preparedness to fully cooperate in searching for a durable solution that will ensure the legitimate rights of all Afghan people and restore security and stability all over Afghanistan.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 17 July 1999

His Excellency Dr. Azeddine Laraki, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference expresses his deep regret and concern over the decision of the US Congress issued recently against the Sudan in which it calls the US President Bill Clinton to impose an air embargo against the south of the Sudan and supporting the rebels movement in the south and the opposition in the north politically, financially and militarily.

The Secretary General appeals to the US President and Government, particularly the US Congress, to reconsider this decision. He reaffirmed that its implementation will lead to negative implications on the conditions of citizens in the south of the Sudan and that it will further aggravate the tragedies and dangers to which they are exposed because of the war as aviation constitutes the sole means being currently used in transporting food and medical assistance to these areas. In addition, the call to support specific parties in the Sudanese conflict will further complicate the crisis and aggravate the war in the south and will also increase the numbers of the displaced and refugees.

While recalling the resolutions adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 28 June to 1 July 1999, on the Sudan, the Secretary General invites, on this occasion the Member States and the international community, and in particular the UN and its Security Council to support the efforts exerted by the Sudan to realize its aspirations of peace and security, preserve its territorial integrity and improve its relations with its neighbours so that it may assume its natural position in the international community and play an effective role at the regional and international levels.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 27 June 1999

The City of Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso, will be witnessing, with the Grace of Allah, the launch, on the 14th of Rabiul Awal 1420H (28 June 1999), of the proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, due to continue until the 18th of Rabiul Awal 1420H (2 July 1999).

The Conference will be inaugurated by H.E. President Blaise Compaore, President of the Republic of Burkina-Faso. This will be followed by a statement to be delivered by the Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jaber Al Thani, in his capacity as Chairman of the Twenty-fifth Session of the ICFM, after which an address will be made by the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Dr. Azeddine Laraki.

The Foreign Ministers of the OIC Member States will address a number of issues that are on their agenda for this Conference, including political, legal and economic affairs as well as matters relating to information, Muslim minorities and communities, science, technology and culture in addition to a number of organic and statutory issues relating to the operating mechanisms of the OIC and its subsidiary organs and specialized and affiliated institutions, along with all issues relevant to preparation of the Islamic Ummah to enter the Twenty-first Century. During the session, consideration will also be given to the draft resolutions and recommendations that were debated at the level of the senior officials preparatory meeting for the 26th ICFM, through four specialized committees: the Committee for Political and Information Affairs, the Committee for Economic and Social Affairs, the Committee for Cultural and Islamic Affairs, and the Committee for Administrative and Financial Affairs, pr ior to their submission to Their Excellencies the Ministers for adoption.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 16 June 1999

On Wednesday the 16th of June 1999, His Excellency Muhammed Khatemi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Islamic Summit Conference, received in Tehran His Excellency Dr. Azeddine Laraki, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, who briefed His Excellency the President on the latest OIC activities and the current preparations to hold the 26th Session of the OIC Conference of Foreign Ministers from the 28th of this month to the 2nd of July 1999 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

His Excellency, the Chairman of the OIC Summit Conference took the opportunity to commend the efforts exerted by the Secretary General of the OIC in order to enhance the performance of the OIC and energize its role on both the Islamic and international fronts, thereby making a positive impact not only on unifying the feelings of the Islamic Ummah despite its differences of denomination, but also on the positive change brought about in the image of Islam and on bringing to the fore the qualities of Muslims as tolerant people who are ready to engage in a civilized dialogue with others.

The Secretary General of the OIC took part yesterday in the inauguration of the Founding Conference of The Organization of Islamic Parliaments in response to the invitation of Mr. Ali Akbar Natiq Nouri, Chairman of the Islamic Consultative Council, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In his address to this Conference which witnesses the birth of the Union that will rally the Parliamentary and Consultative Councils of OIC Member States, His Excellency the Secretary General stressed that this initiative constituted a momentous occasion, that the Islamic Ummah must feel proud of as it occurs as a follow-up of the ongoing efforts of the OIC to bolster the role of Islamic solidarity and to serve the national interest of Islamic States and hence facilitate communication among the peoples of the Islamic Ummah in addition to erasing all illusions, misconceptions, and lies that were prevailing in the minds of some, and throwing the door wide open to a meeting of minds and hearts in a spirit of understanding and wisdom.

His Excellency emphasized that the various areas of joint Islamic action have under the Chairmanship of His Excellency President Khatemi enjoyed greater expansion and popularity with Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 8 June 1999

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has mustered all its resources and used all channels at its disposal to help find a quick and just settlement of the crisis experienced by the Muslim inhabitants of the Province of Kosova, the organization's Secretary-General told the first meeting of the ministerial follow-up committee stemming from the 4th session of the Islamic Information Ministers Conference (IIMC) which opened in Dakar, Senegal, Tuesday.

Likewise, the OIC issued a flurry of statements denouncing the ethnic cleansing policy targeting Muslims in the province, he added. Dr. Laraki said the OIC also despatched a contact group it had set up to the majority of the capitals concerned for talks with officials there. The organization also gave financial assistance to Kosova refugees to help them the difficulties they were experiencing during their ordeal.

Dr. Laraki said "OIC member states played a significant role in this connection. In fact, a number of Islamic states extended intensive humanitarian aid. They equipped refugee camps, mobilized medical doctors and teachers and sent food and medicines." But, he pointed out, despite all those efforts which required millions of dollars, the organization and its member states were portrayed as if they were trailing behind the events so much so that some criticism came from within the Islamic world itself.

The OIC chief said that, in his view, such aimful contributions were neither seen nor priced properly and objectively, as they should have been, because of the limited Islamic Information action in highlighting all of the measures that had been taken. Islamic Information action, he added, was limited when it came to making inroads in the international Information area to highlight and affirm the Muslims' presence and solidarity with their brethren everywhere. In other words, the Islamic world's capabilities in the field of Information, its technology and networks remained limited when compared with giant strides made by the West.

Dr. Laraki urged Islamic states to turn Information into a common denominator in their economic, cultural and social policies to publicize whatever they were doing and make the Islamic world know about it and about the role of our glorious Islamic religion and rich culture in further building Islamic civilization and bring about prosperity and welfare for humanity. He stressed that there were plenty of domains which Islamic Information ought to enter forcefully and play its part therein to serve the interests of Islamic countries wherein suffering was not confined to the Muslims of Kosova who constituted a vivid and tangible example making it a must to show the various facets of the way in which "we shoulder our responsibilities."

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 6 June 1999

The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference H.E. Dr. Azeddine Laraki received a reply cable of thanks from H.E. President Abdul Aziz Boutafliqa of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, in response to a congratulatory cable sent by the Secretary General on the occasion of electing Mr. Boutafliqa as President of the Democratic Republic of Algeria.

In his cable, the Algerian President underlined the high spirit with which Dr. Laraki performs his role in serving the Ummah. He also highlighted the ceaseless efforts exerted by the OIC in support of the causes of Islam and Muslims at international fora. He emphasized Algeria's continuous support for these efforts aimed at strengthening the Islamic organization so as to occupy an appropriate place to which the peoples of the Islamic Ummah aspire.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 7 June 1999

Taking part in the meeting are the committee's member states, elected at the end of the 4th session of the IIMC held in Dakar in November 1997, namely: the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Tunisia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Senegal, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Kuwait, Malaysia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the OIC Secretariat and its two specialized Information agencies -- the International Islamic News Agency (IINA) and the Islamic States Broadcasting Organization (ISBO), attending as observers. Also present are the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as invitees.

Senegalese President Abdou Diouf is expected to deliver an address on this occasion. OIC Secretary-General Dr. Azeddine Laraki will also deliver a speech in which he will deal with the Information structures and covenants regarding joint Islamic Information action among the Organization's member states and the roadblocks standing in the way of the implementation of many a programme designed to achieve more positive results in terms of the correction of the wrong image of Islam and facing the ferocious onslaught and false and malicious description of Muslims.

Participants in the meeting will discuss the Information Strategy for Islamic Countries and the extent to which Islamic states are responding to that strategy as reflected in their Information policies, particularly the Information and Communication Strategy adopted in 1996 by the Standing Committee on Information and Culture, an off-shoot of the OIC known in French as COMIAC. They will also follow-up implementation of the decisions of the 4th IICM session in addition to a host of Information issues of interest to the Islamic world, including the Information Code of Ethics, the Islam Vision project, the production of a documentary film on Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Islamic Programme for the Development of Communication.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 1 June 1999

The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference is following with deep concern the tension on the frontiers between Pakistan and India, which has been growing over recent days to a serious level which may herald its eruption into an armed conflict between the two countries for no other reason but Pakistan's support for the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination and to control over their own future. The Secretary General launched an appeal for self-restraint and invites India to keep up the peace-process which took shape through the Lahore Declaration signed by the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Vajpayee and by the Pakistani Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif. In this connection, he also has paid tribute to the Pakistani Government's initiative in sending its Foreign Minister to New Delhi, to explore ways and means to de-escalate the situation.

The Secretary General also calls upon the United Nations to pay a greater role in Kashmir so as to put an end to the escalating conflict in the region, in accordance with the United Nations principles and Charter.

The Secretary General reiterates the OIC's consistent support for the cause of the Kashmiri people in favour of their self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and with resolutions and declarations issued by the OIC's Summit and Ministerial Conferences.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 9 May 1999

The Islamic Symposium for Dialogue Among the Contemporary Civilizations held in Tehran from 17 to 19 Muharram 1420H (3 to 5 May 1999) crowned up its deliberations with adopting the Tehran Declaration reflecting all generated ideas and recommendations.

The participants in the symposium unanimously agreed that the world is currently going through a real crisis on account of the prevalent violence sparked by materialistic civilizations, with some quarters dragging their feet with regard to the renunciation of the arms-race, with the spreading of corruption and degradation of the family and social structure, abuse of the environment on land, sea and the atmosphere, along with disputed access to modern technology and imbalance in the achievement of the aspired economic development for all, all of which being serious setbacks which put in jeopardy the continued existence of the human kind.

The participants refuted those voices which, under erroneous scientific slogans theorize on hostility towards Islam or herald conflict among civilizations, and adopted the concept of elaborating a universal convention for inter-civilizational dialogue through which high values and moral principles which form a common denominator between civilizations, may be consecrated such as to constitute a real reference for international conduct in the twenty first century community, with the provision that it should lead to a practical ten-year action programme.

The Tehran Declaration on inter-civilizational dialogue addressed seven areas that focused on general principles of dialogue and its approaches, mechanisms and financing as well as to the areas of its application and the substance of the culture it will generate, all through the participation of the OIC States party to the UN Programme for the Year for Dialogue "Among Civilizations".

In his statement at the inaugural session of the symposium, Dr. Azeddine Laraki, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference had called for the conception of universal convention on dialogue among contemporary civilizations that would lay out the requisite strategy for the aspired dialogue with a practical ten-year action programme to be adopted at the level of the UN General Assembly.

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PRESS RELEASE

5 May 1999

    The representatives of Heads of State and Government of OIC member states participating in the Islamic Symposium on Dialogue among Civilizations, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, 3-5 may 1999,

    Recalling relevant OIC resolutions and declarations, and in particular the relevant provisions of the Tehran Declaration adopted by the Eighth Islamic Summit,

    Recalling further the United Nations General Assembly resolution 53/22, designating the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations,

    Guided by the noble Islamic teachings and values on human dignity and equality, tolerance, peace and justice for humankind,  and promotion of virtues and proscription of vice and evil,
 
     Drawing upon the Islamic principles of celebration of human diversity, recognition of diversified sources of knowledge, promotion of dialogue and mutual understanding, genuine mutual respect in human interchanges, and encouragement of courteous and civilized discourse based on reason and logic,
 
     Reaffirming the commitment of their Governments to promote dialogue and understanding among various cultures and civilizations, aimed at reaching a global consensus to build a new order for the next millennium founded in faith as well as common moral and ethical values of contemporary civilizations,

    Expressing their profound appreciation for the initiative of President Khatami, the Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit, to proclaim the year 2001 as the UN Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, as well as for convening the Islamic Symposium on Dialogue among Civilizations as a first step to coordinate the efforts of the OIC in launching dialogue with contemporary civilizations,

    Noting with appreciation the efforts of the Secretary-General of the OIC in this regard, and having reviewed with satisfaction his report on the subject,

    1.   Decide to adopt the following guidelines for dialogue among civilizations;

    2.  Request the Secretary-General of the OIC to submit this declaration for endorsement to the Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit and to the 26th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers for appropriate action.
 

 A. General principles of dialogue among civilizations

    1.  Respect for the dignity and equality of all human beings without distinctions of any kind and of nations large and small;

    2.  Genuine acceptance of cultural diversity as a permanent feature of human society and a cherished asset for the advancement and welfare of humanity at large;

    3. Mutual respect and tolerance for the views and values of various cultures and civilizations, as well as the right of members of all civilizations to preserve their cultural heritage and values, and rejection of desecration of moral, religious or cultural values, sanctities and sanctuaries;

    4. Recognition of diversified sources of knowledge throughout time and space, and the imperative of drawing upon the areas of strengths, richness and wisdom of each civilization in a genuine process of mutual enrichment;

    5. Rejection of attempts for cultural domination and imposition as well as doctrines and practices promoting confrontation and clash between civilizations;

    6. Search for common grounds between and within various civilizations in order to face common global challenges;

    7. Acceptance of cooperation and search for understanding as the appropriate mechanism for the promotion of common universal values as well as for the suppression of global threats;

    8. Commitment to participation of all peoples and nations, without any discrimination, in their own domestic as well as global decision-making and value distribution processes;

    9. Compliance with principles of justice, equity, peace and solidarity  as well as fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter;
 

B.  Areas of dialogue among civilizations

1. Responding to the common longing of humanity for faith and ethics;
2. Enhancement of mutual understanding and knowledge about various civilizations;
3. Cooperation and mutual enrichment in various fields of human endeavor and achievement: scientific, technological, cultural, social, political, economic, security....
4. Promotion of the culture of tolerance and respect for diversity;
5. Cooperation to arrest threats to global peace, security and well being: environmental degradation, conflicts, arms, drugs, terrorism,...
6. Confidence-building at regional and global levels;
7. Promotion and protection of human rights and human responsibility, including the rights of minorities and migrants to maintain their cultural identity and observe their values and traditions;
8. Promotion and protection of the rights and dignity of women, safeguarding the institution of family, and protection of the vulnerable segments of the human population: the children, the youth and the elderly.
 

C. Participants in dialogue

    1. Representatives of contemporary civilizations should be enabled to participate in the process of dialogue, mutual understanding and mutual enrichment;

    2. Scholars, thinkers, intellectuals, scientists, economists, and people of arts and culture are the primary engines for the initiation and sustaining of dialogue;

    3. Governments and their representatives should play the primary role in encouraging and facilitating dialogue among civilizations;

    4. Representatives of civil society can play an instrumental role in promoting the culture of dialogue within various societies and should also participate in such dialogue;

    5. International organizations, particularly the United Nations system, provide suitable frameworks for promotion, initiation and sustaining of dialogue;

    6. The Organization of the Islamic Conference must play a leading role in promoting the culture of dialogue within the Islamic world and at the global level through adoption of innovative initiatives in this regard.
 

D. Promotion of the culture of dialogue among civilizations

    1. Engagement of the governments and civil societies of member-states, non-governmental organizations inside and outside the Islamic world, educational and cultural bodies as well as the Secretariat of the OIC and affiliated and subsidiary bodies  to promote dialogue and tolerance as the new paradigm of international relations, which must be applied both within the Islamic world as well as in the global scene at large;

    2. Holding and sponsorship of conferences and symposia designed to encourage dialogue and promote mutual understanding and tolerance among contemporary  civilizations;

    3. Production, individually or jointly, of various cultural products, including books, articles, documentaries  and audio-visual products, projecting the true message of Islam and depicting from the numerous historical instances  of constructive interaction between Islamic and other civilizations;

    4. Encouraging civil society and non-governmental organizations to develop cultural and educational programs fostering understanding among civilization;

    5. Incorporating programs designed to enhance understanding and tolerance of various cultures and civilizations in the educational curricula, including the teaching of various languages;

    6. Enhancing inter-cultural studies and exchanges at institutions of higher learning;

    7. Utilizing the technology revolution, through audio, video, printed  press and multimedia technology, to disseminate the message of dialogue and understanding throughout the globe;

    8. Utilizing historical and cultural tourism as an instrument of dialogue and understanding among civilizations;

    9. Conducting studies on ways and means of enhancing exchange, interaction and understanding among various cultures.
 

E. Application of dialogue among civilizations to critical areas of international relations

    1. Determination of various actors at the international scene to build a global order based on inclusion, dialogue, mutual understanding and respect instead of the outdated doctrines of exclusion, rivalry, power politics and selfish pursuit of narrow interests;

    2. Non-resort to war and the threat or use of force in international relations, except in self-defense;

    3. Global commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with principles of justice and international law;

    4. The imperative of respect for justice and the rule of law in international relations and rejection of policies of discrimination and double standard;

    5. Recognition of the right of peoples under alien domination or foreign occupation to self-determination;

    6. The speedy withdrawal of Israel, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolution and international law, from the occupied Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese territories, in particular Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and enabling the Palestinians to establish their independent states with its capital Al-Quds Al-Sharif, which has historically been and should once again become  the cradle of dialogue and the epitome  of tolerance, inclusion and understanding;

    7. Commitment to a world free from all weapons of mass destruction, through global cooperation to eradicate these weapons and prevent their proliferation without any discrimination between states;

    8. Eradication of the global menaces of all forms and manifestations of terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking through serious, comprehensive and non-discriminatory global cooperation;

    9. Application of the principles of equity, transparency and democratic representation in various global institutions.

 
F. Contribution of OIC Member-State to the programs of the UN Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations

    1. The OIC shall take the initiative in inviting other contemporary civilizations to join in a search for common moral and ethical values for a new global order based on dialogue, inclusion and mutual enrichment;

    2. A draft Universal Declaration of Dialogue Among Civilizations shall be prepared, incorporating such common moral and ethical values including those enumerated in this document.  The draft shall be submitted after consultation with various interested states and international organizations to the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly for adoption during the commemoration of the UN Year of Dialogue among Civilizations in 2001;

    3. The declaration should be accompanied by a 10 year program of action to be followed at the national, regional and global level in order to promote and institutionalize dialogue among civilizations and a new global order based on such paradigm;

    4. The member-states and the OIC Secretariat shall take initiatives in line with recommendations in section d above and report these activities undertaken in pursuit of promoting dialogue to the United Nations Secretary-General in accordance with paragraph 3 of the GA resolution 53/22;

    5. This document shall be communicated to the United Nations and other international and regional organizations for circulation among their respective  member states.
 

G. Methodology, mechanisms, structures and financing of the dialogue
 
    1. The OIC shall be guided by fundamental Islamic precepts, including the principles enumerated above, in its quest to promote the culture of dialogue and to engage representatives of other contemporary civilizations in dialogue;

    2. Member-States would be encouraged to establish permanent national committees to promote dialogue;

    3. The Secretary-General of the OIC shall designate a focal point within the Secretariat to actively pursue dialogue among civilizations;

    4. The OIC shall also draw upon the resources and potentials of existing national bodies dealing with this issue in various member-states through regular consultations and coordination of activities;

    5. A high level group of governmental experts shall be convened through consultations of the Chairman of the Eighth Summit with member-states and the Secretary-General of the Conference in order to prepare and negotiate the above documents in close cooperation with Permanent Representatives of OIC member-states at the UN headquarters in New York;

    6. The work of the OIC on dialogue among civilizations shall be pursued in an open-ended and transparent fashion.
 

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 3 May 1999

We seek to prepare a universal convention for dialogue among human civilizations, says Dr. Azeddine LARAKI at the inauguration of "the Islamic symposium on dialogue with civilizations".

"I call on the entire human race to agree on 'a universal cultural strategy' in which moral values govern all policies, programmes, laws and international relations".

This invitation was included in the statement delivered today, Monday 3rd May, 1999, by H.E. Dr. Azeddine LARAKI, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference at the inauguration of the "Islamic symposium on dialogue with civilizations" being held in Tehran. The Secretary General went on to add that he "does not foresee any other way out for the human race from its current impasse".

At the outset of his statement, Dr. LARAKI recalled that the convening of this symposium comes in pursuance to the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly at its latest session relating to the observance of the year 2000 as a year of dialogue among civilizations. The said resolution was adopted at the request made by Islamic and non-Islamic states in response to the initiative of the Islamic republic of Iran. In this context, he pointed out that the European Union also expressed, in many occasions and at different levels, its desire to initiate a dialogue with the Organization of the Islamic Conference with the aim of establishing a framework for relations of cooperation between the two parties. And that the OIC has responded positively. He also indicated that the latter is preparing for discussions on finding the required formula for supporting the means of dialogue and cooperation between the institutions of the two organizations.

At the conclusion of his statement, the Secretary General proposed that the concerned parties seek to consider the preparation of "a universal convention for dialogue among civilizations" through which a strategy for the pursued dialogue may be determined and an executive programme of action may be elaborated leading to the establishment of international cooperation on the basis of common denominators of supreme principles and noble moral values of all human civilizations including our Islamic civilization.

Prior to that, Dr. Kamal Kharazi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, had attended the opening of the Symposium by delivering a speech in which he pointed out in particular the advantages of an idea of holding a meeting on a dialogue with civilizations which was enthusiastically received. He stated that holding such a dialogue was an imperative that would enhance mutual understanding, strengthen amicable bonds among peoples and between Governments as long as it led to the appraisal of other civilizations and cultures, with give and take samples of arguments designed to address the "others" within a context of full understanding and hence prevent any feeling of superiority of one civilization over another and any belittling of the dignity of others.

Around thirty delegations from Islamic States are participating at this Symposium, composed of senior authorities on such issues as the dialogue with civilizations.

The Symposium will proceed with its activities until Wednesday 5 May 1999.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 3 May 1999

Upon his arrival in Tehran on Saturday May 1st, 1999, H.E. Dr. Azeddine Laraki, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, had a busy schedule during which he was received by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. Sayed Mohamad Khatami, Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference, and had a working session with Dr. Kamal Kharazi, Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During his meeting with the Secretary General, President Khatami stated that the problems and challenges facing the Islamic Ummah are varied and complex, and that their solutions exist in Islamic societies, if Muslims properly utilize their capabilities.

President Khatami also referred to the violation of the basic rights, forcible expulsion and genocide suffered by the people of Kosova. In this connection, he underlined the commendable efforts made by the OIC Contact Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosova in order to find a just settlement of this crisis.

As for the Islamic Symposium on the Dialogue with Civilizations to be held on Monday, 3rd of May 1999, President Khatami expressed his satisfaction for the response of the leaders of OIC Member States to his initiative to hold this symposium and also for the high level participation therein.

In this context, the OIC Secretary General paid tribute to the Chairman of the 8th Islamic Summit Conference for the outstanding role he has been performing in strengthening joint Islamic action. He reiterated that the 8th Islamic Summit Conference constituted a positive turning point in Islamic relations.

Dr. Azeddine Laraki stated that the Islamic Symposium on Dialogue with Civilizations would allow Muslims to consult and coordinate their positions concerning the principles, themes and methodology of the dialogue prior to engaging in dialogue with the others.

Earlier, the Secretary General had a working session at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Kamal Kharazi. In this session, the two sides discussed the topic of "Dialogue with Civilizations", initially proposed by President Khatami at the international level which would allow the OIC to take the lead in this respect.

The Iranian Foreign Minister commended the achievements of the OIC and the good performance of the General Secretariat since Dr. Laraki assumed the responsibilities of his office.

The two sides also agreed to hold a press conference at the conclusion of the Symposium.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 26 April 1999

His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Dr. Azeddine Laraki and His Excellency the Vice-President of the Republic of South Africa Mr. Thabo Mbeki opened the International Symposium on the "Role of Islam in Developmental Policy in Subssaharan Africa" in Johannesburg on Saturday evening, April 24, 1999.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, His Excellency the Secretary General emphasized that holding this meeting in South Africa, aims, in particular, at keeping in memory the history of South Africa and the struggle of its people of freedom and equality. He highlighted that Muslims join all races in the country, irrespective of their beliefs, through the basic human rules of interaction between human-beings. He stressed the importance of economic development which is the basis of every political action, and alluded to the unique experiment of South Africa which is rooted in the historical struggle of the country that keeps the door wide-open for all its citizens to engage together in the process of reconstruction and development. His Excellency Mr. Thabo Mbeki, Vice-President of the Republic of South Africa, told the inaugural session that the presence of Muslims in South Africa had been, from the beginning, and incentive to liberation from racism and slavery. He affirmed that all South African nationals, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation, were equal and enjoyed the same level of rights.

His Excellency the Secretary General earlier met Mr. Ahmad Kathrada, Adviser to the President of South Africa, and a Muslim member of parliament. He discussed with them the role of Muslims in the development and evolution of South Africa as well as a number of issues of interest to Muslims worldwide.

His Excellency the Secretary General conferred with Mr. Abdullah Omar, the Minister of Justice in South Africa. Talks dealt with the condition of Muslims there. The two sides dwelt on the importance of the Symposium at this stage where all efforts are made to let all Muslims speak like one man and close their ranks.

Likewise, His Excellency the Secretary General had a meeting with His Excellency Jose Ibrahin Abboud, Justice Minister of the Republic of Mozambique. Discussions touched upon Mozambique's role in the OIC and the ways and means to support Muslims in that country.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 24 April 1999

H.E. Dr. Azeddine LARAKI, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, started on Thursday April the 22nd, 1999 a visit to the Republic of South Africa to participate in the inauguration of an international symposium entitled "The Role of Islam in Development Policy in the African Subsahara". He was received at the Johannesburg Airport by a number of officials from the Foreign Ministry of South Africa and representatives of a number of Islamic societies therein.

H.E. the Secretary General began his activities with a working lunch with the South African Foreign Minister H.E. Alfred Nzo and the Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Aziz Bahad. The two parties considered a number of issues of common concern including aspects of future cooperation between South Africa and the OIC in political, economic and cultural fields. They also discussed the means of coordination between the OIC and the Non-Aligned Movement currently chaired by South Africa.

H.E. the Secretary General pointed out that the OIC welcomes the cooperation with the Republic of South Africa within the framework of the prevailing laws in the latter. He stressed that the objectives of the symposium include uniting Muslims in the Republic of South Africa and urging them to actively contribute to the construction, progress and prosperity of their country.

H.E. the Foreign Minister of South Africa indicated that H.E. President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and his government highly appreciate the major role played by Muslims of South Africa in the development of the country.

The above-mentioned symposium will be inaugurated in Johannesburg on Saturday evening the 24th of April 1999 by the South African Vice-President H.E. Tambo Mbeike and H.E. the Secretary General.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 21 April 1999

The Meeting of Senior Officials Preparatory to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers concluded its proceedings Wednesday, 5 Muharram 1420H, corresponding to 21 April 1999. It adopted a number of resolutions and recommendations which will be submitted to the Twenty-sixth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, scheduled to be held in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, during the summer of this year.

The meeting, chaired by Mr. Oumar Diawara, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, examined draft resolutions, included in its agenda. Some additions and amendments proposed by heads of delegation of Islamic States were introduced aimed at further strengthening the effectiveness and vigour of the resolutions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, for example, addition of paragraphs calling for condemning the barbaric actions committed by the Serbs against the innocent Muslim inhabitants of Kosova. It also calls for halting the processes of ethnic genocide carried out by Serbian authorities against the inhabitants of the region as well as for the immediate Serbian withdrawal from Kosova and approval of the Rambouillet agreement.

The meeting recalled the call of the OIC Secretary General Dr. Azeddine Laraki to the United Nations to assume its responsibilities and basic role in establishing peace, restoring stability to the Balkans, and ensuring the safety and security of Kosovar refugees to enable them to return to their homeland in dignity and safety.

A new item has been added to the Agenda concerning the current situation of the OIC and the means of reform including the Four-year Sectoral Programme of Action. The Meeting requested the General Secretariat to prepare a report highlighting the various activities of the Organization, including efforts exerted to protect the rights of Muslim Communities and Minorities in non-OIC member States.

The Meeting commended the report submitted by the Secretary General on Cooperation between the OIC and other Regional and International Organizations in various fields. It expressed appreciation of the adequate information contained in the report on the activities of the Organization.

In the context of Statutory and General Questions, the Meeting recommended adoption of five draft resolutions relating to lending support to persons nominated for international posts; they are: "Dr. Ghazi Al Gosaibi for the post of Director General of UNESCO; renewal of the mandate of Dr. Jacques Diouf as the Director General of FAO; Dr. Aoun Al Khasawneh for the post of Judge at the International Court of Justice; Ambassador Osman Al-Sayed Fadl for the post of Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity for East Africa Region; and General Mohammad Abbas Mansour for the post of Member of the International Committee for Drug Control".

The participants listened to the intervention of Mr. Nur Misuari, Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, in which he presented the problems hampering implementation of the provisions of the Peace Agreement reached between the Philippines Government and the Front.

The Meeting adopted a number of resolutions pertaining to Political, Legal, Information and Muslim Minorities & Communities affairs in non-OIC member States.

The participants in the Senior Officials Preparatory Meeting addressed a cable of thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, in which they expressed their gratitude for the generous and unlimited support which the OIC has been receiving from his gracious person (May Allah protect him) and from is wise Government.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 18 April 1999

In pursuance of the positive role played by Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) with regard to the cause of Kosovo's Albanians; and to help face the humanitarian tragedy which the Province's inhabitants are subjected to, Dr. Azeddine Laraki, the OIC Secretary-General has decided that US $ 150,000 from the resources of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) -- an offshoot of the Organization -- be allocated to assist Kosovo's refugees.

This decision was in response to calls made by several humanitarian organizations and bodies to support the population of the Province of Kosovo in their ordeal. It was also in line with the moral support constantly lent by the OIC as part of the international community's endeavours to stop the ongoing bloodshed in the Province.

A representative of the OIC Secretary-General will hand over the funds to those in charge of relief and humanitarian assistance, in Tirana, the capital of the Republic of Albania.

The Islamic Solidarity Fund had already financed the construction of a mosque in the Albanian capital which is now open to worshippers. The mosque's complex includes a school, a clinic and a vocational training center. It will be officially inaugurated on June 17, 1999. The ceremony will be attended by H.E. Dr. Laraki and ISF officials.

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PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 18 April 1999

Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Dr. Azeddine Laraki addressed a group of successive issues and events at the Islamic and international levels, especially in the Middle East and the Balkans, which the OIC accords most attention and seeks to promote at all international fora. Foremost among those issues are Al-Quds, the rights of the Palestinian people and the Kosovo crisis. He appealed to the international community to compel non-peace-loving parties to put an end to their belligerence and positively respond to the voice of right and justice, and abide by the resolution of international legality.

In the speech of H.E. Dr. Azeddine Laraki, delivered on his behalf by the OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Ambassador Ibrahim Bakr, at the opening session of the Senior Officials Meeting preparatory to the Twenty-sixth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, he reiterated OIC consistent support for the struggle of the Palestinian people until they restore their inalienable national rights, and called for intensifying efforts to assist the Kosovar refugees to overcome their ordeal as well exerting serious endeavours, in collaboration with the UN and the Security Council, for halting the forcible exodus of the Kosovars and for their expeditious return to their homeland. He also reviewed the conclusions of the meeting of the OIC Contact Group, held recently in Geneva, and recalled that the position of the Islamic Group is to call on the Security Council to act, in collaboration with the relevant parties, to restore peace and security in the Balkans, and bring perpetrators of atrocities against people of Kosova to justice.

As regards the Lockerbie crisis, Dr. Laraki welcomed the recent positive developments relating to the agreement of the Libyan Jamahiriya to hand over the two suspects for a fair trial in Holland, following the agreement of the three Western States involved to give the guarantees requested by Libya. The Secretary General lauded, in this respect, the active diplomatic efforts and the successful mediation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, as an OIC contribution towards alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Libyan people. He congratulated the Libyan President Muamar Qadhafi for his wisdom and patience to overcome the crisis resulting from blockade against his country and people.

In the opening session of the 4-day meeting, organized by the OIC General Secretariat, beginning on Sunday 2 Muharram 1420H, the Secretary General addressed also the situation in Afghanistan where civil strife is still raging, and recalled the joint OIC-UN efforts which succeeded in convincing the two sides to sit at the negotiating table in Islamabad. He renewed the call to the concerned Afghan parties to uphold the values of brotherhood and tolerance and to have the will to finally settle this crisis in the interest of the Afghan people.

Concerning international terrorism, Dr. Laraki pointed out that it has become a phenomenon which certain big powers in the world try to link with certain States and to link also it with national liberation movements, although States of the Islamic world have declared their renunciation of extremism and terrorism in all its forms. He stated that the OIC sees the necessity of convening an international conference to define terrorism and differentiate between the latter and peoples' struggle for freedom.

In conclusion, the OIC Secretary General expressed sincere thanks to H.E. Sheikh Hamad Ibn Jassim AL Thani, Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar for his good efforts during his chairmanship of the 25th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. He wished the meeting success in realizing its objective.

After-wards, head of delegation of Burkina Faso Ambassador Omar Jawara was elected Chairman of the meeting which is preparatory to the 26th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers scheduled to be held in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, next May. The delegates of Palestine and Iran were also elected as Vice-Chairmen, and the delegate of Qatar as Rapporteur. The Chairman of the meeting delivered a statement after which the Session was adjourned.

The meeting will discuss a number of issues which are to be submitted to the Foreign Ministers Conference. It will also review resolutions and recommendations adopted by the past conferences of the Foreign Ministers as well as the progress made to implement them. The meeting will discuss also organizational, statutory and general issues.

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Dr. Laraki at Al-Quds Conference:We Look forward to the Prevailing of Peace In the Land of Peace.

     The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Dr. Azeddine Laraki reaffirmed the importance of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the essential and primary cause of the Islamic Ummah as well as a focus of the attention of the OIC which persistently addresses the issue of Al-Quds at all levels of international fora. The OIC is fully convinced of the place occupied by the Holy City in the hearts of all believers all over the world and its significance to cultural and human heritage.

     In his address to the Seventh International Conference on the Future of Arab-Al-Quds, organized by the Arab-European Studies Centre in Casablanca from 23 to 25 February 1999, the OIC Secretary General reviewed the history of Al-Quds since its establishment by the Jebuseans, the succession of rulers and empires until it came under Islamic rule in the age of the just Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). The Secretary General stressed that the city enjoyed security and justice under this rule and became a meeting place of nations, civilizations and the three revealed religions-Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He highlighted the unique cultural and religions fabric of Al-Quds, which has been subjected, since the second half of the nineteenth century, to Zionist settlement invasion, aimed at preventing the projection of any Palestinian nationalist manifestations, on the one hand, and intensifying Jewish presence, by the creation of a new fait accompli and changing the geographic and demographic features of Al-Quds, on the other.

     The OIC Secretary General defined the basic facts for strengthening the mechanism of Al-Quds Conference which stipulates the illegality of any decisions, arrangements or practices carried out by the occupation authorities in Al-Quds as they are null and avoid.

     Dr. Laraki stressed that action to relieve the Holy City of its present predicament is to double all international efforts to realize a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East, and to compel Israel to honour its obligations, especially agreements concluded and signed within the framework of the peace process.

     His Excellency expressed hope in a future in which peace would prevail in the land of peace and in the restoration of Al-Quds, once again, as a centre for the propagation of values advocated by the apostles. He prayed to God to realize the assembly of Muslims within the walls of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, after its liberation from occupation.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 1 February 1999.

His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Dr. Azeddine Laraki, will begin on February 1st, 1999 an African tour involving five OIC Member States: Benin, Togo, Guinea, Gambia and Mauritania.

The tour comes within the context of constant OIC attention towards the Muslim States and peoples of Africa and the political, economic and social problems which they face as well as their pursuit to integrate into the atmosphere of globalisation aimed at safeguarding their vital interests and enabling them to grow and establish their societies according to the standards of modern development.

Dr. Laraki will conduct with the leaders of these States a series of talks aimed at sounding their ideas on the various current international and regional issues.

The Secretary General will also exchange views with his hosts on the role which may be assumed by the OIC on the ground in order to serve the interests of Muslim African States which constitute one of the biggest regional groups of the OIC and a pillar of development for the Islamic Ummah.

In this context the Office of the Secretary General stated that this tour will be followed by another one in mid-May 1999 to include Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 27 January 1999.

The proceedings of the Twenty second Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural ande Social Affairs ended up yesterday, Tuesday in Jeddah. The closing session was presided over by Mr. Oumar Diawara, Ambassador of Burkina Faso in Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation of the said country, given the fact that Burkina Faso would be hosting next May the 26th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. The Commission met as a Joint General Assembly of the OIC subsidiary organs to review the activities reports submitted by the subsidiary organs.

The Commission took note the activities reports (1997/98) on the budgets and actions programmes of the subsidiary organs for the financial years 1998/99 and 1999/2000 as approved by their respective Board of Directors. It recommended their submission to the Permanent Finance Committee for adoption.

The Commission adopted the draft recommendations relating to Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs as well as that of Science and Technology before submitting them to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers for approval.

The Commission noted the management of the Special account aimed at supporting the joint cultural activities within the implementation of the cultural strategy of the Islamic world as approved by the Second Islamic Conference of Ministers of Culture held in November 1998, in Rabat, is entrusted to the Islamic Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). It is an account allocated to grants, aids and voluntary donations.

The Commission expressed its appreciation to the subsidiary organs for the positive results they achieved despite the financial difficulties facing them. It stressed the need for Member States to honour their financial obligations to the Subsidiary organs and avoid accumulating their arrears, which is the root cause of the current financial crisis being experienced by these organs. The Commission expressed its thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as other Member States for their support to the subsidiary organs.

The Commission also requested the subsidiary organs to continue streamlining their expenditure so as to improve their financial situation.

The Commission further recommended the intensification or coordination efforts between the General Secretariat, the subsidiary organs and the specialised and affiliated institutions with a view to finalizing the multilateral and quadrennial draft plan of action aimed at strengthening cooperation among Member States.

The Commission took note of the report of the meeting between the UN and the OIC held from 13 to 15 July 1998 at the UN Headquarters in Geneva and which reviewed the various aspects of cooperation between the specialized institutions of each of the two organizations and working in the political, economic, cultural and scientific.

Lastly, the Commission sent a telegram of thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and another message of congratulations to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the celebration of the centenary of the establishment of the Kingdom.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 8 March 1999.

     The OIC Governmental Expert Group on the Security and Solidarity of the Islamic States, held its Third Meeting at the Headquarters of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah.

     Dr. Azeddine Laraki, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference extended in his address to the Meeting, delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Ibrahim Bakr, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, his most sincere thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah preserve him for his gracious solicitude and his diligent pursuit of the causes of the Islamic Ummah and dedicated interest in the Organization's efforts, as well as for the generous hospitality which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consistently offers to the Organization's hosts and participants in its meetings.

     The Secretary General reiterated that, proceeding from its firm belief in the importance of this subject, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, has been diligently active in developing the concept of the Islamic States' security and solidarity, a subject which is intimately related to the issues of stability, good neighbourliness, non-interference in other State's domestic affairs and resorting to dialogue in the settlement of disputes, as well as to the importance of establishing zones free of nuclear and mass destruction weapons and to the joint endeavour for the establishment of genuine peace not only in the Islamic world but across the globe. The Secretary General called attention to the developments that have been witnessed by the world in the wake of the cold war and which led to the emergence of various tension zones and multiple disputes such as the situations that prevailed recently in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the situation currently witnessed in Kosovo, which makes it incumbent upon all of us to accord greater attention to the consolidation of cooperation and solidarity among the Islamic States and peoples, and which simultaneously commands that the OIC Member States extend their fervent support to the role that can be played by the Organization with regard to peace and security issues.

     At the end of its session the Governmental Expert Group on the Islamic States' security and solidarity agreed to resume its proceedings on 28 and 29 Dhul Qadah 1419 (16-17 March 1999).

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 9 March 1999.

     President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Mohammad Khatami received Monday morning, March 8, 1999, His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Dr. Azeddine Laraki.

     The meeting comes within the framework of the regular discussions conducted by His Excellency the Secretary General with President Khatami, Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference. The two sides reviewed subjects of concern to the OIC, including dialogue between civilizations and activities planned in this context, international developments, especially in Kosovo, and Islamic efforts aimed at unifying the Islamic ranks in international fora.

     His Excellency the Secretary General held prolonged sessions on Sunday with His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Kamal Kharazi, on issues of concern to the OIC.

     His Excellency the Secretary General leaves today - Tuesday for Rabat, to participate in the meeting of the Board of Trustees of Bait Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 7 March 1999.

     His Excellency Dr. Azeddine Laraki, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, who is on a three-day official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, received, yesterday at his residence in Tehran, His Excellency Mr. Lakhdar Ibrahimi, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General to Afghanistan and discussed with him the recent developments of the Afghan issue. They reviewed also the efforts aimed at bringing together the various Afghan factions in Ashkabad on Wednesday, March 10, 1999.

     Dr. Laraki confirmed the interest of the OIC to continue the existing close cooperation between the OIC and the UN in order to solve the Afghan issue in accordance with the relevant Security Council and OIC resolutions.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 15 March 1999.

     The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has received with great satisfaction news reports on the positive results achieved by the first round of negotiations which took place in Ashkabad, capital of Turkmenistan, between Taliban and the Afghan opposition.

     The agreement, providing for power-sharing and the exchange of prisoners, follows efforts exerted by the OIC in close collaboration with the UN, through their joint delegations to Afghanistan as well as continuous coordination at all international fora and conferences concerning the Afghan issue.

     Availing itself of this opportunity, the OIC calls on all parties to uphold the principles of forgiveness and condonation, overcome the bitterness of the past, and renew the will to settle this crisis amicably, in order to serve the higher interests of the Muslim Afghan people and to restore peace and stability in the region.

PRESS RELEASE

7 April 1999.

     The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OIC Contact Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo meeting on 7 April 1999 in Geneva to review the recent developments in Kosovo:

1. Guided by principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the Charter of OIC, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights, the Convention of the Rights of the Child, the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977, as well as, other instruments of international humanitarian law;
2. Take note of the Statement of the OIC Contact Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo in New York;
3. Urge the immediate implementation of the elements contained in the draft resolution of the OIC on the situation of human rights in Kosovo presented before the 55th Session of the Commission on Human Rights which stipulates that:

-     the Kosovars must be allowed to freely determine their own political future,

-     strongly condemns the policy of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the Serbian authorities against Albanian Kosovars,

-     demands an immediate halt to all repressive actions undertaken in Kosovo by the Serbian authorities and the immediate withdrawal of the Serbian military and paramilitary forces from Kosovo,

-     calls upon the international community to bring to international criminal justice the perpetrators of ethnic cleansing and all other crimes against humanity in Kosovo,

-     demands also that the Serbian authorities immediately sign and implement the Rambouillet Accords,

-     appeals to the international community to extend all humanitarian assistance to the refugees and internally displaced persons in and outside Kosovo,

4. Regret that the Security Council has been unable to discharge its responsibility in this case, in accordance with the UN Charter and reiterate that the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council shall act on behalf of the members of the United Nations;
5. Express their solidarity with the Kosovars and Bosniac national minority in Sanjak region;
6. Decide to establish contacts with all parties concerned at the appropriate time and further enhance their cooperation with the International Contact Group and its members as well as Kosovo political leadership with the view to promote a peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the Kosovo crisis and to dispatch a high-level delegation for talks with them;
7. Undertake to contribute to the monitoring and peacekeeping operations in Kosovo as part of international peacekeeping effort;
8. Appreciate all the assistance being provided by the OIC countries to Kosovars and refugees, including the receipt of thousands of refugees from Kosovo and provision of humanitarian assistance to them;
9. While appreciating the efforts being made, appeal to the international community to extend all humanitarian assistance to the refugees and internally displaced persons in and outside Kosovo with the view to alleviate their suffering and request the neighbouring countries and the international community to continue to receive the Kosovar refugees;
10. Underscore the right of all refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their homes in safety and honour, preventing any measures taken by the Serbian authorities to evacuate the region from its original people and, in this context, demand that compensation and reparation be given to all the victims of the Serbian repression by the Serbian authorities;
11. Decide to urgently mobilize humanitarian assistance for the Kosovar victims, including refugees and internally displaced persons;
12. Decide also to set up a co-ordination group of the Permanent Representatives of the OIC Contact Group in Geneva to coordinate OIC assistance to Kosovo and interact with the humanitarian agencies involved to be briefed on actions taken by the concerned agencies.
13. Strongly appeal to all OIC members and international community as a whole to stay firm to their commitments regarding the full implementation of all aspects of the Peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly unimpeded implementation of the Annex VII - Return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes of origin;
14. Support the present efforts of the Office of the High Representative and SFOR to protect the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina in its all aspects.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 31 March 1999.

     The Organization of the Islamic Conference Contact Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosova, at its meeting held at the Ambassadorial level on 26 March 1999, expressed its deep regret over the failure of the peace efforts to persuade the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to accept a political solution to the issue of Kosova. Indeed, the international community has done its utmost for more than a year to find a peaceful solution to the Kosova conflict, as reflected, among others, in the letter dated 14 March 1999 from the Secretary-General of the OIC to the President of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). The Contact Group noted that the efforts of the international community, at least, brought about the signature of the Kosovar Albanian representatives. The Contact Group also recalled its position on the situation in Kosova as contained, in particular, in UN Security Council documents S/1998/923 dated 6 October 1998 and S/1999/76 dated 26 January 1999.

     The Contact Group noted with grave concern that the Belgrade regime under President Milosevic not only has persistently refused to engage seriously in the search for a political solution but has conducted military operations and is continuing to do so against the civilian population in Kosova, forcing thousands and thousands out of their homes, burning entire villages, committing the crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing, in contravention of the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions and international humanitarian law. The Contact Group took note of the fact that in view of the failure of all diplomatic efforts, due to the intransigence of the Belgrade authorities, a decisive international action was necessary to prevent humanitarian catastrophe and further violations of human rights in Kosova.

     The OIC Contact Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosova would have wished that the crisis in Kosova could be dealt with in an effective manner by the Security Council. It is regrettable that the Security Council has been unable to discharge its responsibility in this case in accordance with the United Nations Charter. The Contact Group reiterated that the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council shall act on behalf of the Members of the United Nations.

     The Contact Group expressed its serious concern about the fact that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) has unleashed its war machine against its own civilians, engaged, most recently, in military aggression against its neighbours, blatantly violated the provisions of international law and numerous Security Council resolutions and refuses to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The OIC Contact Group reiterates its position that the mandate of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia covers the crimes committed on the territory of Kosova and the Tribunal should bring those responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law to justice.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 8 April 1999.

     During his participation in the deliberations of the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, Dr. Azeddine LARAKI, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, has undertaken intensive activities which he initiated with the delivery of an address to the Commission in which he focused on one single subject, namely the devastating human tragedy afflicting the people of the Kosovo province and the blatant violations of their basic rights. Dr. Azeddine Laraki stressed that his emphasis exclusively on this issue is an expression of the deep concern and preoccupation felt by the Islamic Ummah over the future of the Muslims of Kosovo and its persistent keenness to accord the issue effective attention and to evolve practical steps to ensure the return of the displaced people to their homes. He pointed out that if the military intervention is indeed meant to thwart the vicious racist policy followed by the Serbian forces, the international community must avoid falling in the trap laid down by the Serbian scheming regime which may seek to take advantage of the gracious initiatives offered to host the displaced people, as an excuse for it to empty this European region of its Muslim citizens and prevent them from returning to their homeland.

     In a statement to the meeting which the OIC Contact Group on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo held at ministerial level, to consider the situation in Kosovo, Dr. Azeddine LARAKI summed up the general conceptual approaches reached by the Group in this respect for an effective contribution towards the lifting of the injustice that has befallen the Muslims of Kosovo and the protection of their basic rights. These approaches are in order of priority: intensifying the humanitarian aid to the refugees and to the people who have been displaced both within and outside Kosovo - putting an end to the forcible migration of the people of Kosovo away from their original fatherland in order to facilitate their return to their homes - concentrating efforts and interventions on the parties concerned with the issue, namely the Serbian regime, the North Atlantic Alliance, the European Union and Russia - ensuring the return of the United Nations and the UN Security Council to the fulfilment of their role in the establishment of peace and security in the region - conceiving a peace plan that would ensure lasting security and stability for the Muslims of Kosovo inside their own homeland and spare them any new tragedy - putting on trial the perpetrators of the crimes faced by the people of Kosovo.

     Dr. Azeddine LARAKI, held talks on the same day, with Kamal Kharrazi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Mr. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General. The talks focused on the issue of the Muslims of Kosovo and ways to stop the bloodshed faced by them. The same issue formed the focal point of attention during the consultations which Dr. Azeddine LARAKI had with Madam Mary Robinson, the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights.

PRESS RELEASE

Jeddah: 12 April 1999.

     At the close of its Fourth Meeting held on 10 and 11 April 1999 at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah and devoted to the study of the situation of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States, the Governmental Expert Group of the OIC Member States has recommended coordination of Islamic efforts to help Muslim communities and minorities hold fast to their religious and cultural identity, and that a new emphasis be placed on safeguarding those communities and minorities' rights by the countries that host them, on the basis of the commitment to the principles of international law and observance of territorial sovereignty.

     The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Azeddine Laraki, in the statement delivered to the meeting on his behalf of Ambassador Ibrahim Bakr, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, welcomed the participants and wished them every success in the achievement of positive results conducive to the establishment of the proper rules that may serve the interest of Muslim minorities.

     His Excellency noted that the situation of Muslim minorities across the world is unsatisfactory, which makes it incumbent on the Islamic world to seriously ponder ways and means to ensure a life in dignity for that segment, at par with the rest of the citizens of the states where they live or reside.

     Subsequently the Expert Group having examined ways and means to implement the resolution adopted by the Twenty-third Islamic Conference which was held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea in December 1995, calling for the study of the situation of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States, reached a number of resolutions and recommendations including in particular:

-     Developing a sophisticated data-base such as to help the General Secretariat fulfil the task assigned to it with regard to Muslim communities and minorities, in a manner that meets the OIC's goals and objectives.

-     Evolving a formula for cooperation between the OIC and the Governments of the States that host these Muslim minorities with a view to improving their conditions and preserving their religious and cultural identity.

-     Continuing the efforts exerted by Member States and the General Secretariat with the Governments of the non-OIC Member States where the rights of the Muslim communities and minorities are violated, with a view to promoting the said states to adopt the immediate necessary steps to put an end to such violations and ensure that the situation is set right.

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PRESS RELEASE

13 April 1999.

The Commission on Human Rights,

Guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the international covenants and conventions on human rights, the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and the Additional Protocols thereto of 1977, as well as other instruments of international humanitarian law,

Expressing deep concern at the continued campaign of repression and the gross and systematic violations of the human rights of the Kosovars following the revocation of autonomy by the Serbian authorities,

Strongly condemning the policy of ethnic cleansing against the Kosovars being perpetrated by the Belgrade and Serbian authorities,

Condemning also the massive military operations launched by the Serbian authorities against the unarmed civilians in Kosovo, resulting in large-scale killings, systematic and planned massacres, destruction of homes and property, and forced mass exoduses to neighbouring countries, as well as internal displacement,

Alarmed by the reports of recent enforced and involuntary disappearances of large numbers of Kosovars, as well as by reports of detention and execution of several members of the Kosovar political leadership,

Recognizing that the people of Kosovo must be allowed to determine freely their own future as envisaged in the provisions of the Rambouillet agreement,

1. Condemns strongly the widespread and systematic practice of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the Belgrade and Serbian authorities against the Kosovars, and the risk of destabilization of neighbouring countries;

2. Demands an immediate halt to all repressive actions undertaken in Kosovo by the Serbian authorities which have led to further ethnic cleansing in the region, massive criminal violations of international human rights and humanitarian law inflicted against the Kosovars, including summary executions, mass forced exoduses, destruction of personal identity documents, records, homes and property, as well as their agricultural capacity, with the aim of preventing their return, and also demands the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Belgrade army and the Serbian military and paramilitary forces from Kosovo;

3. Calls upon the international community and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to bring to justice the perpetrators of international war crimes and crimes against humanity, in particular those responsible for acts of ethnic cleansing and identity elimination in Kosovo;

4. Demands that the Serbian authorities immediately sign, and implement all aspects of the Rambouillet agreement;

5. Welcomes the decision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in view of the gravity of the situation, to dispatch human rights monitors immediately to the region to assess the human rights and humanitarian crisis caused by the Serbian policy and practice of ethnic cleansing and to ensure compliance with international human rights and international humanitarian law;

6. Appeals to the international community, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to extend urgently humanitarian assistance to refugees from Kosovo and the internally displaced, and in this context commends the efforts being made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;

7. Underscores the right of all refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their homes in safety and honour;

8. Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the Commission on Human Rights urgently on the situation of human rights and the humanitarian crisis relating to Kosovo and on the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution.

PRESS RELEASE

30 April 1999.

The Commission on Human Rights,

Recalling that all States have pledged themselves, under the Charter of the United Nations, to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,

Reaffirming that discrimination against human beings on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirming also the call of the World Conference on Human Rights for all Governments to take all appropriate measures, in compliance with their international obligations and with due regard to their respective legal systems, to counter intolerance and related violence based on religion or belief, including practices of discrimination against women and including desecration of religious sites, recognizing that every individual has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, expression and religion,

Alarmed at the serious instances of intolerance, discrimination and acts of violence based on religion or belief, including acts of violence, intimidation and coercion motivated by religious extremism, occurring in many parts of the world and threatening the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Underlining the importance of creating conditions to foster greater harmony and tolerance within and among societies and conscious of the importance of education in ensuring tolerance of and respect for religion and belief,

Welcoming the designation by the General Assembly of the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations,

Expressing its appreciation in this context of the joint efforts of the member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in organizing the seminar entitled "Enriching the Universality of Human Rights: Islamic Perspectives on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights" on 9 and 10 November 1998,

Emphasizing that non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and communities have an important role to play in the promotion of tolerance and the protection of freedom of religion or belief,

1. Expresses deep concern at negative stereotyping of religions;

2. Also expresses deep concern that Islam is frequently and wrongly associated with human rights violations and with terrorism;

3. Expresses its concern at any role in which the print, audio-visual or electronic media or any other means is used to incite acts of violence, xenophobia or related intolerance and discrimination towards Islam and any other religion;

4. Expresses its appreciation of the efforts of many countries and societies to combat ignorance of and intolerance towards Islam;

5. Urges all States, within their national legal framework, in conformity with international human rights instruments to take all appropriate measures to combat hatred, discrimination, intolerance and acts of violence, intimidation and coercion motivated by religious intolerance, including attacks on religious places, and to encourage understanding, tolerance and respect in matters relating to freedom of religion or belief;

6. Invites the High Commissioner, in the context of the preparations for the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, to consider the holding of seminars to promote a dialogue among cultures, thus contributing to the understanding of the universality of human rights;

7. Calls upon the Special Rapporteurs on religious intolerance and on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to take into account the provisions of the present resolution when reporting to the Commission on Human Rights at its fifty-sixth session;

8. Decides to remain seized of the matter at its fifty-sixth session.