OIC Press Release

Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz, Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference declared that he is following with deep concern the tension currently pervading Indo-Pakistani relations, a tension which has recently started on a seriously preoccupying trail.

The Secretary General commended the Republic of Pakistan for its condemnation of the terrorist attack which targeted the Indian Parliament on 13 December, and its proposal for the convening of a neutral investigation committee to examine the issue and the facts surrounding it.

The Secretary General appealed to both parties to demonstrate restraint and to resort to wisdom and engage in a diplomatic dispassionate dialogue for the achievement of a peaceful resolution of the outstanding differences between the two countries.

The Secretary General went on to indicate that time is now ripe and opportune for these differences to be dealt with in a peaceful manner through a fresh approach which would seek to address the root causes of the problems, on the way to a lasting solution that would be in line and conformity with the principles of international law and with the relevant UN resolutions.

He further stated that resorting to arms and to the use of force will never resolve the problems, but would rather further aggravate hostility and animosity between the two parties and lead to human, economic and social tragedies of colossal dimension that would cause untold suffering and prejudice for both countries' citizens as well as for the world at large, particularly if we recall that the two conflicting parties possess nuclear power and the necessary delivery systems thereof.

The Secretary General expressed his trust in the wisdom of the authorities in both countries such as to forestall and avoid any regrettable act, and his wish for a constructive dialogue to be initiated between the two parties involved such as to salvage the situation and help achieve appropriate solutions.