OIC Press Release

Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Dr. Abdelouahed BELKEZIZ took note of the contributions of the Islamic Solidarity Fund towards financing symposia and conferences that aim to spotlight Islam and the Islamic civilization and culture in their true glowing light, in an attempt to refute the numerous falsities peddled against Islam and Muslims. He particularly valued the material contribution set aside by the Fund for the struggling Palestinian people, as well as for development and humanitarian projects. Just as he expressed appreciation for the Fund's contribution to the issues relating to opening serious and constructive dialogue with other civilizations, in consonance with the idea of dialogue of civilizations espoused by the Organization and which has received widespread international response.

This was contained in Dr. Belkeziz's statement to the opening of the Forty-eighth Session of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund, which began on the morning of Saturday 1 Dhul Qa'ada 1423 H (4 January 2003) at the new temporary headquarters of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

The Secretary General commended the efforts and activities of the Islamic Solidarity Fund in the area of extending assistance to various projects in Member States and to Muslim minorities in non-Member States. He also commended the Fund's response to humanitarian calls in times of emergencies and natural disasters. Dr. Belkeziz singled out for deep appreciation and commendation the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdulaziz, for his generous annual donations to the Fund's budget; and the State of Qatar for donating to the Fund in the 2001-2002 budget. The Secretary General renewed his appeal to Member States, their governments, foundations and societies -- each depending on its capacity -- to support the Fund generously so that it can attain the capital needed for its endowments. Such act, Dr. Belkeziz said would embody the Islamic brotherhood, joint responsibility and Muslim solidarity; and enable the Fund to accomplish its noble solidarity message.

The Secretary General called upon those in charge of the Fund's affairs, on the occasion of its Silver Jublee, to take stock and review the Fund's mechanisms in order to find out those thing that have proved positive through practical experience. He also welcomed the idea of publishing a special booklet to mark the Twenty-fifth Anniversary in a manner that would heighten the very important role played by the Fund.

Following the statement by the Secretary General the forty-eighth session ofthe Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund began its proceedings. The Session's agenda contained many issues including a study of the report of special activities carried out in implementation of the resolutions of the Forty-seventh Session of the Permanent Council. It also includes an examination of the current financial situation of the Fund and its endowments, ratification of the final account for 2001/2002 fiscal year, and ratification of the report of the Emergency committee. Besides the agenda includes a discussion on extending assistance to some Islamic bodies in order to support their development, social, cultural and humanitarian projects.