OIC summit rejects extremism, terrorism
* Calls for dialogue and educational reform to promote tolerance
* Leaders united in combating terrorism to defend Islam’s image
MECCA: The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Thursday rejected extremism and urged member states to fight terrorism in every possible manner. The OIC also pledged to develop an educational curriculum to promote tolerance, understanding, dialogue and diversity.
A joint communique issued here at the end of two-day meeting of kings, head of states and governments from the 57-member organisation adopted the Mecca Declaration and a 10-year Programme of Action. The meeting gave its full support to Kashmir, promising political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. It said the Kashmiri people should be allowed to decide their future and asked the parties concerned to respect human rights.
The summit said the Palestinian issue was its “central concern” and urged Israeli forces to withdraw from Palestinian lands occupied since 1967, the Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanese lands. They also stressed the importance of preserving Jerusalem’s Islamic and historic identity. Member states were also urged to cooperate with the international community to dismantle Jewish settlements and stop the construction of Israel’s separation wall.
The OIC proposed the establishment of a free-trade zone for its member states and emphasised the importance of increasing trade among Muslim nations. The meeting welcomed the proposal to form an international Islamic institution to finance commerce. It said that member states should allocate resources to preserve Al Aqsa Mosque, support Palestinian institutions and establish an Al Aqsa University in Jerusalem.
The summit praised Iraq’s national reconciliation conference and denounced terrorist attacks against Iraqis. It reaffirmed its support for the Iraqi political process and reconstruction efforts.
The OIC supported the Somali government in its efforts to restore security and stability in the country and denounced Armenia’s “aggression” against Azerbaijan. It also supported the Turkish Cypriot people to achieve a comprehensive solution through the UN. The leaders reiterated their approval of Sudan’s peace agreement and the resolution issued by the 10th OIC conference to establish a fund for the country’s reconstruction.
The conference proposed establishing an independent Islamic human rights institution to monitor the human rights situation in member states.
Earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal told reporters that Muslim leaders were united in the need to combat terrorism and defend Islam’s image. “All leaders agree on combating terrorism and extremism and stressing the moderate nature of Islam,” said Faisal. He said leaders of Muslim countries, at their two-day meeting in Mecca, stressed the need to stop blaming outside forces for problems in the Muslim world and focus on cooperation.
Later, the leaders performed Tawwaf together and entered Kabbah to pray for Muslims. They also performed the requisite seven rounds of the sacred building. agencies |
