OIC condemns Iran's interference in region's affairs

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OIC condemns Irans interference in regions affairs
Leaders and representatives at the 13th Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, Summit in Istanbul.

Istanbul - The summit rejected Iran's inflammatory statements on the execution of judicial decisions against the perpetrators of terrorist crimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

By Wam

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Published: Fri 15 Apr 2016, 8:43 PM

Last updated: Sat 16 Apr 2016, 9:21 AM

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has deplored Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other Member States including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism.
This came in the final communique which was issued at the end of the OIC's 13th summit, held in Istanbul under the theme 'Unity and Solidarity for Justice and Peace'), and was chaired by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey.
The summit rejected Iran's inflammatory statements on the execution of judicial decisions against the perpetrators of terrorist crimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, considering those statements a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a contravention of the United Nations Charter, the OIC Charter and of all international covenants.
It also condemned Hezbollah for conducting terrorist activities in Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen and for supporting terrorist movements and groups undermining the security and stability of OIC Member States.
The full text of the communique follows:

1. The Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held their Summit (13th
Islamic Summit titled 'Unity and Solidarity for Justice and Peace') in
Istanbul, Republic of Turkey. The Summit Conference was chaired by
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey.

2. The Conference expressed its appreciation to the Arab Republic of
Egypt for its competent Chairmanship of the 12th Islamic Summit and
wise leadership for the OIC.

3. The Conference emphasised the centrality of the cause of Palestine
and Al Quds Sharif for the Muslim Ummah. It reaffirmed its principled
support for the right of the Palestinian people to regain their
inalienable national rights, including the right to self-determination
and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian
state on the territory occupied since June 1967, with Al Quds Sharif
as its capital. It also reaffirmed the right of Palestinian refugees
to return to their homes in accordance with International Law and
Resolution 194 (III) adopted by the UN General Assembly on 11/12/
1948.

4. The Conference reaffirmed the need for the early convening of an
International Peace Conference to set mechanisms to provide
international protection for the Palestinian people and to end the
Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967
including East Jerusalem, in implementation of the relevant UN
Resolutions and the Arab peace initiative. Therefore, the Conference
called for continued action to seek the adoption of a UN Security
Council resolution calling for an end to the Israeli occupation within
a timetable for its implementation, and reaffirmed the full support
for the efforts of the State of Palestine to accede to international
treaties and organizations with a view to consolidating the legal
personality of the State of Palestine at the international level.

5. The Conference commended the efforts deployed by His Majesty King
Mohamed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee to protect the Islamic
and Christian holy sites in Al Quds Ash-Shareef in the face of the
measures being taken by the Israeli occupation authorities aimed at
judaising the holy city. It also lauded the role of the Bayt Mal Al
Quds Agency of the Al Quds Committee through the execution of
development projects and activities for the inhabitants of the holy
city and support for their steadfastness. It called on Member States
to increase support for the Agency to enable it continue its work.

6. The Conference also underlined the need for the Ministerial Contact
Group on Al Quds Al Sharif, under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of
Morocco whose monarch chairs the Al Quds Committee to continue its
efforts and actions to contact influential international parties and
to deliver the OIC message and demands regarding the city of Al Quds
al-Sharif. It, therefore, reiterated the adoption of the Strategic
Plan on the Development of Al Quds al-Sharif, and called on all Member
States to provide financial resources necessary for its
implementation.

7. The Conference commended the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah
II ibn Al Hussein (King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) in
protecting the city of Al Quds and its Holy Sites, in the context of
the Hashemite custodianship over the Muslim and Christian Holy Sites
in Jerusalem. It further commends the efforts of the Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordan in confronting the Israeli violations on the Holy Sites, in
particular Al Aqsa Mosque/ Al Haram Al Sharif, and the Israeli
attempts to change the status character of the Holy City and its
identity. It reaffirms its rejection of all Israeli attempts to
undermine the Hashemite custodianship. The meeting welcomed the
important agreement signed between His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al
Hussein (King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) the custodian of the
Holy Sites in city of Al Quds and President Mahmoud Abbas (President
of the State of Palestine) in Amman on 31st March 2013, which
reaffirms the historic Hashemite custodianship over the Holy Sites in
the city of Al Quds and aims to protect Al Aqsa Mosque/ Al Haram Al
Sharif, Holy sites, and provide it with the possible legal protection.

8. The Conference commended the Republic of Indonesia for hosting the
Extraordinary Summit on Palestine in Jakarta on 6-7 March 2016. The
Conference reiterated support for the struggle of the Palestinian
people to realize an independent State of Palestine with Al Quds Al
Sharif as its capital as reflected through the adoption of the outcome
documents of the Summit, namely the Jakarta Declaration and OIC
Resolution.

9. The Conference thanked the Republic of Senegal for its continued
action in favor of the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed its support
for all the actions it takes as chair of the United Nations Committee
on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

10. The Conference welcomed the membership of Turkey in OIC Al Quds Committee.

11. The Conference reiterated its support for Lebanon in completing
the liberation of all its territories from Israeli occupation through
all legitimate means; it emphasised the need for Israel's withdrawal
from Shebaa Farms, Kfarchouba Hills and the Lebanese part of Al
Ghajar. It called for the full implementation of resolution 1701
(2016); it strongly condemned the continuing Israeli violations of
Lebanon's sovereignty by land, sea and air, including espionage
networks planted in Lebanon. It expressed its support for Lebanon in
its right to utilize its petroleum and gas resources in the exclusive
economic zone. It underscored the right of Palestinian refugees to
return to their nation and to reject any form of settlement.

12. The Conference welcomed the ongoing dialogue between Lebanese
political parties to overcome the differences, reduce political
tension, advance national conciliation and coexistence, in respect,
follow up and implementation of the decisions of the national dialogue
adopted by the dialogue table of the Parliament and the national
dialogue body in the republican palace in Ba'bada. It applauded the
sacrifices made by the Lebanese army in the war against terrorist and
ex-communicating organizations. It urged Member States to provide
every support to boost the army's capacity and enable them to
discharge the duties entrusted to them being a pillar for ensuring,
security, stability and national peace in Lebanon. It commended the
ongoing support provided by Arab and Islamic countries, at the
forefront of which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

13. The Conference expressed its appreciation for Lebanon's efforts on
the issue of displaced Syrians by hosting them despite limited
capabilities. It emphasized the need to support and assist Lebanon in
this area, to share the burden and numbers with it and stop the
increase of those burdens and numbers. It stressed that this presence
can only be temporary given that it is a structural and existential
threat to Lebanon and that all efforts possible must be made to secure
their return to their homes as soon as possible. It emphasized the
need to preserve the unique Lebanese and pluralistic formula based on
equality between Muslims and Christians, coexistence, inter-religious
dialogue and acceptance of others, and to hold presidential elections
in accordance with the constitution and in implementation of the
principle of rotation of power as dictated by the nature of the
democratic system.

14. The Conference strongly condemned the Israeli policy rejecting
compliance with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) on the Occupied
Golan Heights and its policy of annexation and construction of
colonial settlements, confiscation of territories, diversion of water
sources and imposition of Israeli citizenship on Syrian nationals. It
demanded full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan to the
4 June 1967 borders, in accordance with Security Council resolutions
242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of land for peace and the
terms of reference of the Madrid Peace Conference and the Arab Peace
Initiative adopted by the Arab Summit in Beirut on 28 March 2002.

15. The Conference reiterated the need to compel Israel to comply
forthwith with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative
to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Times of War dated 12 August
1949 and to apply those provisions to Syrian detainees in the occupied
Golan. It also called for Israel's release of all Syrian detainees who
are natives of the occupied Golan, some of whom have been detained for
more than 25 years.

16. The Conference reiterated its principled position on condemnation
of the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of
Azerbaijan, reaffirmed that acquisition of territory by use of force
is inadmissible under the Charter of the United Nations and
international law, and urged for strict implementation of UN Security
Council resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993)
and for immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the armed
forces of the Republic of Armenia from the Nagorno-Karabakh region and
other occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The
Conference called for the resolution of the conflict on the basis of
the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the
internationally-recognized borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The
Conference also expressed its grave concern by the continuing arms
supply to the aggressor, unlawful actions aimed at changing the
demographic, cultural and physical character of the occupied
territories, including by destruction and misappropriation of cultural
heritage and sacred sites, illegal economic and other activities and
interference with the public and private property rights in the
Nagorno-Karabakh region and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
In that regard, the Conference urged Member States to take effective
measures, including through national legislation, that would prevent
any arms supply to the aggressor from or via their territories, any
activities by any natural and legal persons operating on their
territories against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan, including the participation in or facilitation of any
unlawful activity in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and other occupied
territories of Azerbaijan, as well as any action which would help
maintain the occupation. The Conference reaffirmed its principled
support for the efforts of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including
within the UN General Assembly, aimed at restoring its territorial
integrity and sovereignty.

17. The Conference condemned in the strongest terms the continuous
attacks carried out by the Armenian armed forces in the occupied
territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a result of which
civilian population suffered, mosques have been attacked, praying
people died and social and economic infrastructure have been
destroyed. The Conference supported Azerbaijan's efforts in defeating
these attacks and defending its peaceful population. The Conference
stressed the necessity to further increase pressure on Armenia by
political, economic and other coercive means in order to bring the
agressor in compliance with the OIC demands and decisions. The
Conference decided to establish a Contact Group on the aggression of
the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan within the
OIC at the level of Foreign Ministers and to convene its first meeting
on the margins of Istanbul Summit.

18. The Conference reaffirmed its strong support for the Afghan
National Unity Government established following the Presidential
elections in 2014, and urged the OIC Member States and the
international community to continue their assistance and support to
the people and Government of Afghanistan in their efforts to fight
terrorism, counter the drug trafficking, achieve security, stability,
as well as comprehensive and sustainable development.

19. The Conference welcomed and supported Afghan-led and Afghan-owned
Peace and Reconciliation efforts for reaching lasting peace and
stability in Afghanistan and the region. The Conference further
supported the efforts and initiatives of the Secretary General
including the convening of an International Ulema Conference in order
for the OIC to assume a more active role in national reconciliation
process as well as in helping restoration of peace and security in
Afghanistan.

20. The Conference also reiterated the importance of enhanced regional
cooperation for ensuring sustained peace and stability in Afghanistan
and beyond and in this context commend the progress made by the Heart
of Asia-Istanbul Process since its inception, which proved to be a
useful platform to address the challenges which Afghanistan and the
region face, with a spirit of responsibility and ownership. The
Conference welcomed in this regard the establishment in January 2016
of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group of Afghanistan, China,
Pakistan and the United States of America on the Afghan-led and
Afghan-owned Peace and Reconciliation Process with a view to achieving
lasting peace and security in Afghanistan and the region.

21. The Conference reaffirmed its principled support for the people of
Jammu and Kashmir for the realisation of their legitimate right to
self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and
aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It further reaffirmed
that Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India
and its resolution is indispensable for bringing peace in South Asia.

22. The Conference called on India to implement numerous UN
resolutions on Kashmir which declare that the final disposition of the
State of Jammu and Kashmir would be made in accordance with the will
of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and
impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United
Nations. It further reminded the international community of its
obligation to ensure implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir and
fulfill the promise made with the people of Jammu and Kashmir 68 year
ago.

23. The Conference affirmed its support to the wide-spread indigenous
movement of the people of the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK)
for their right to self-determination. It urged that freedom struggle
must not be equated with terrorism.

24. The Conference expressed concern at the indiscriminate use of
force and gross violations of human rights committed in IOK by Indian
security forces which have resulted in killing thousands of innocent
and unarmed civilians as well as injuring hundreds of others including
women, children and elderly, most recently the killing of a 22 year
old woman, Ms. Shaista Hameed in Pulwama on 14 February 2016.

25. The Conference welcomed the establishment of a standing mechanism
by the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) for
monitoring the human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and
Kashmir. The Conference called upon India to allow the OIC Fact
Finding Mission and the international human rights groups and
humanitarian organizations to visit IOK. The Conference endorsed the
recommendations of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. It took
note of the Memorandum presented by the True Representatives of the
Kashmiri People to the Contact Group at its recent meeting.

26. The Conference called on the Islamic Educational Scientific and
Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Research Center for Islamic
History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) to undertake activities to protect
holy sites in Kashmir and preserve cultural rights and Islamic
heritage. The Conference appealed to the Member States and Muslim
institutions to grant scholarships to the Kashmiri students in
deferent universities and institutions in OIC countries.

27. The Conference reaffirmed all previous support resolutions of the
Islamic Conferences on the question of Cyprus which express firm
support for the rightful cause of the Muslim Turkish Cypriots and its
solidarity with the constituent Turkish Cypriot State. It also
expressed its support to the UN comprehensive settlement negotiations
in Cyprus which was resumed on 11 February 2014 based on the Joint
Declaration adopted by the two leaders which envisaged a federation
composed of two constituent states of equal status. The Conference,
while further expressing its solidarity with the constituent Turkish
Cypriot State and its appreciation for their constructive efforts to
attain a just and mutually acceptable settlement, called upon all
Member States to strengthen effective solidarity with the Muslim
Turkish Cypriots, closely associating with them, and with a view to
helping them materially and politically to overcome the inhuman
isolation which has been imposed upon them, to increase and expand
their relations in all fields.

28. The Conference reaffirmed its solidarity with the Government and
people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It called upon all political leaders
in Bosnia and Herzegovina to join their forces together in expediting
the reform process towards building a better future of the country and
its people. It called upon all Member States to intensify their
cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina particularly to intensify
their economic ties with the country for the well-being and prosperity
of the country and its people.

29. The Conference reiterated OIC's support and cooperation towards
Kosovo and its people and recalled the Resolution No. 18/42-POL
adopted by the 42nd CFM in Kuwait which called upon Member States to
consider recognizing the independence of Kosovo in accordance with
their free sovereign right and their respective national legislations.
The Conference also called upon Member States to support Kosovo in
different international Fora.

30. The Conference stressed the need for the cooperative relations
between Islamic States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to be based on
the principle of good-neighborliness, non-interference in their
domestic affairs, respect for their independence and territorial
sovereignty, resolving differences by peaceful means in accordance
with the OIC and the UN charters and the principles of international
law, and refraining from the use or threat of force.

31. The Conference condemned the aggressions against the missions of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tehran and Mashhad in Iran, which
constitute a flagrant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and
international law which guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic
missions.

32. The Conference rejected Iran's inflammatory statements on the
execution of judicial decisions against the perpetrators of terrorist
crimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, considering those statements a
blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and a contravention of the United Nations Charter, the OIC
Charter and of all international covenants.

33. The Conference deplored Iran's interference in the internal
affairs of the States of the region and other Member States including
Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for
terrorism.

34. The Conference underscored the need to shun the sectarian and
denominational agenda as it carries destructive impacts and serious
repercussions for Member States' security and stability and for
international peace and security. It stressed the importance of
reinforcing relations of good neighborliness among the Member States
for the good interest of peoples, consistent with the OIC Charter.

35. The Conference noted with satisfaction the progress made since the
signing on 15 May and 20 July 2015 of the Algiers Peace Agreement for
peace and reconciliation in Mali as a good basis for comprehensive and
sustainable solutions to the conflict in north Mali and pledged the
determination of the OIC as one of its guarantors to actively support
the Malian parties in the critical implementation phase. It called on
the parties to engage constructively in this process by respecting the
ceasefire and the Government by adopting various political, social and
economic measures to build confidence, in order to isolate the
terrorist groups, organized criminal gangs and other enemies of peace.
The Conference warned spoilers to desist from their negative
activities or face severe sanctions.

36. The Conference requested the Member States and OIC financial
institutions particularly the IDB to contribute to implementation of
the agreement and to the long-term development of north Mali. It also
called on them to massively extend the necessary assistance for the
socio-economic development and reconstruction of the northern regions.
It tasked the Secretary General to initiate necessary actions that may
lead to the creation of the Trust Fund as decided by the 12th Islamic
Summit. If further endorsed the outcomes of the Meeting of the OIC
Contact Group on Mali held on the sideline of the Summit.

37. The Conference noted with satisfaction the steady progress being
made by Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) under President Hassan
Sheikh Mohamoud and reiterated its full support for the peace building
endeavors of the FGS including its outreach efforts with the region in
order to achieve comprehensive national reconciliation to lay the
basis for durable peace in Somalia and implement all the outstanding
tasks towards achieving the goals of "Vision 2016" and beyond. The
Conference commended the endeavors of the Secretary General to
contribute to national reconciliation in Somalia, and welcomed the
transformation of the OIC Humanitarian Office into a development
office.

38. The Conference strongly condemned all acts of terrorism and
violent extremism perpetrated by the remnants of the Al Shabaab
militants who continue to seek to destabilize the country and the
region and emphasised that such heinous acts of criminality negate the
well-known Islamic values of moderation and the protection of the
sanctity of human life. The Conference called on the militants to heed
reason and abandon violence by joining the peace building and
reconciliation process.

39. The Conference recalled the Six-Pillar Plan of the FGS and
expressed its full support to the Plan which seeks to address the
current challenges facing the country. It urged the Member States and
the international community to continue to provide in a coordinated
and sustained manner their full support for the implementation of the
Plan consistent with the obligations of both the international
community and Somalia in the reconstruction process.

40. The Conference welcomed Somalia's remarkable transformation in the
areas of security, and federal state building processes, and the
latest decision on the election model for 2016 elections reached as a
result of the Somali-led nation-wide and inclusive consultation
process. It underlined the importance of setting a political road map
for universal suffrage by 2020.

41. The Conference commended highly the consent of the State of Kuwait
to host a donors' conference to support the education sector of the
Federal Republic of Somalia. It affirmed the importance of supporting
and upgrading this sector aimed at guaranteeing security and promoting
development and re-construction in the Federal Republic of Somalia.

42. The Conference also commended the Republic of Turkey for hosting
the 6th Somalia High-level Partnership Forum on 23-24 February 2016 in
Istanbul and urged Member States to support Somalia more actively in
the international fora and increase their assistance to Somalia in
order to enhance the humanitarian situation, security, stability and
economic recovery in the country.

43. The Conference urged Member States which have not done so to open
embassies in Somalia to help strengthen bilateral ties between Somalia
and Member States, and called on them to be more active in the
international fora regarding Somalia's future.

44. The Conference commended the overall engagement of the OIC, the
endeavors of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General, countries in
the region as well as the larger international community since the
outbreak of the conflict in the Central African Republic CAR and
expressed satisfaction with the progress made in peace building and
national reconciliation. It welcomed the successful conclusion of the
political transition and reaffirmed the determination of the OIC to
continue to support the new authorities address the challenges of
sustainable development in the country.

45. The Conference reviewed the situation in Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea
and expressed satisfaction for the successful elections which have
consolidated stability, democracy and good governance. It also
congratulated Burkina Faso for the successful conclusion of the
political transition and the restoration of constitutional order.

46. The Conference further expressed its full solidarity with Lake
Chad Basin countries of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroun and Chad which
continue to face grave security challenges and vicious insurgency
arising from the violent Boko Haram extremism and terrorism. It
appealed to all the Member States and larger international community
to bring all the necessary assistance to these countries through the
Multinational Joint Task Force to defeat and eradicate the menace of
terrorism as well as contribute to alleviate the dire humanitarian
situation prevailing in the region. In this context, it welcomed the
recent donors' conference held on 01 February 2016 at the African
Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

47. The Conference welcomed the decision of the Government of the
Islamic Republic of the Gambia to officially make its country an
Islamic State/Republic. It therefore invited the Arab League to
advance Arab cooperation with the Islamic Republic of the Gambia in
the framework of Arab-African cooperation and Islamic solidarity.

48. The Conference welcomed the role of His Highness Amir of the State
of Qatar in resolving the conflict between the Republic of Djibouti
and Eretria which recently led to the release of four Djiboutian
prisoners after 8 years of incarceration during which Eretria had
denied holding them. The Conference supported the continued mediation
by His Highness Amir of the State of Qatar to resolve the border
dispute between the two countries through a just and peaceful solution
based on respect for the principle of good neighbourliness, the
territorial integrity of the Republic of Djibouti, and the sanctity of
the internationally recognized borders. The Conference praised the
role of the Republic of Djibouti since the outbreak of the conflict
committed to the resolution by peaceful means.

49. The Conference expressed serious concern over the ongoing violence
and bloodshed in the Syrian Arab Republic, and stressed the need to
preserve Syria's unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial
integrity. It reaffirmed its support for a political settlement of the
conflict based on the Geneva Communique and supported the political
process under the auspices of the UN, with a view to implementing a
Syrian-led and Syrian owned political transition that would allow
building a new Syrian State based on a pluralist, non-sectarian,
democratic and civilian system where the principles of equality before
the law, rule of law and respect for human rights prevail.

50. The Conference also appreciated and welcomed national contribution
by OIC Member States in resolving the crisis in Syria and in restoring
peace in this country.

51. The Conference welcomed the unanimous adoption of the UN Security
Council Resolution No. 2254 on Syria endorsing an international
roadmap for a peace process in Syria. Adoption of the resolution
showed the global unity on a conflict that has claimed almost 300,000
lives. The Conference stressed the need to implement this resolution.

52. The Conference expressed its hope that the negotiations of the
Syrian parties starting on 13 April 2016 in Geneva would lead to
constructive and positive outcomes that will help in resolving the
Syrian crisis as soon as possible. It commended in this regard the
efforts of the United Nations envoy Staffande Mistura in encouraging
political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition.

53. The Conference reiterated its appreciation to the neighboring
countries notably Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey for
generously hosting of Syrian refugees, and commended also other
friendly States for the support extended to these refugees.

54. The Conference called on the international community and OIC
Member States to support Syrian refugees and countries hosting them as
soon as possible, and to develop resettlement programmes for Syrian
refugees in order to alleviate their plights and that of the hosting
States.

55. The conference commended the sincere efforts by the State of
Kuwait to host three international donor conferences to support the
humanitarian situation in Syria in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and its
effective participation in chairing the 4th donor conference held
recently in the British capital, London, on 4th February 2016 in
partnership with United Kingdom, the Republic of Germany, Kingdom of
Norway, and United Nations in response to the serious humanitarian
crisis facing the innocent brotherly Syrians. It expressed deep
gratitude to all states, organizations and donor institutions which
pledged to donate funds in excess of USD 11 billion to achieve the
desired objectives of this conference, and invited states and others
organizations to contribute to providing assistance to the Syrian
People.

56. The Conference congratulated His Highness the Amir of Kuwait,
Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on having been named
Humanitarian Leader by the UN Secretary General in September 2014 in
recognition of the significant role that His Highness is playing in
the humanitarian domain.

57. The Conference welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council
Resolution No. 2259 on Libya outlining the transitional task of Libyan
authorities.

58. The Conference welcomed the signature on 17 December 2015 of the
Libyan Political Agreement of Skhirat, Morocco to form a Government of
National Accord consisting of the Presidency Council and Cabinet
supported by other institutions of state. It also welcomed formation
of the Presidency Council and Government of National Accord.

59. The Conference requested OIC Member States to work with the Libyan
authorities and UNSMIL to develop a coordinated package of support to
build the capacity of the Government of National Accord, in line with
Libyan priorities and in response to requests for assistance.

60. The Conference stressed the importance of peaceful democratic
transition and the adoption of a new constitution that guarantees
freedoms, the rule of law, smooth transfer of power through full
participation of all the components of the Libyan people and the
building of a new democratic Libya.

61. The Conference further called on all countries to refrain from
interfering into the internal affairs of Libya, including the supply
of arms to armed groups in violation of Security Council resolutions,
using mass media to incite to violence and attempts to undermine the
political process.

62. The Conference stressed its objection to any military intervention
in Libya, for its dire consequences on this country and the region. It
also stressed that any military action directed to combat terrorism
should be upon the request of the Government of National Accord, in
conformity with the provisions of the UN Charter, in the light of
potential repercussions on Libya and the security and stability of
neighboring states, and the region in general.

63. The Conference commended the mechanism of Libya's neighboring
countries and its contribution to the agreement reached in Skhirat,
Morocco, and its support for the Libyan parties to engage in political
dialogue and consensus. The Conference commended the 8th session of
the meeting of neighbouring states convened and hosted by Tunisia on
21 and 22 March 2016 and its outcomes supporting the political
resolution track in Libya.

64. The Conference welcomed the arrival in the capital Tripoli of the
Presidential Council of the National Accord Government, as an
important step in the implementation of the provisions of the
political agreement, and called on the Parliament, as the sole
legislative body, to honor its obligations as per the political
agreement to allow Libyan officials to assume their responsibilities
in administering the country's affairs and engaging with the new
Government as the only legitimate government of the Libyan people, and
support its efforts in combating terrorism.

65. The Conference welcomed the steps made in Tunisia on the
democratic transition process, especially the adoption of a new
consensual constitution and the success in the organization of
presidential and legislative elections, and reiterated support for
Tunisia at this stage of its history.

66. The Conference congratulated Tunisia, represented by the National
Dialogue Quartet, for the winning of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize and
hailed the role of the Quartet in supporting dialogue and harmony
between political parties which enabled Tunisia to achieve peaceful
transfer of power.

67. The Conference recalled the resolution 42/42-P on crimes
perpetrated by the terrorist entity Daesh and expressed its full
support to the Iraqi Government in its efforts to eradicate this
terrorist group and restore the territories it occupies. It called
upon Member States to contribute to the rehabilitation of the
liberated areas. It also called upon the Secretary General to continue
his efforts and convene Makkah-II Conference in order to promote the
National reconciliation in Iraq.

68. The Conference reaffirmed Iraq's role in countering Daesh and in
bringing lasting peace and stability to the region. In this regard,
the Conference expressed its support to Iraq in its efforts to achieve
political unity, stability, and security.

69. The Conference condemned the criminal act perpetrated by Daesh
terrorist gangs of using chemical weapons (mustard gas) against the
civilian citizens in Tazet town in Kirkuk province, Iraq, as a crime
against humanity.

70. The Conference recalled the Ministerial Statement issued by the
OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the "Qatari hostages in the
Republic of Iraq" which condemned the action and described it as a
terrorist act and flagrant violation of international law and relevant
resolutions of the Security Council, particularly resolution 2133
(2014). It requested the Government of Iraq to assume its
responsibilities, release the hostages and bring the perpetrators to
justice. It also emphasized its full solidarity with the Government of
the State of Qatar in all the measures it takes in this regard. It
requested the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of
this Statement.

71. The Conference expressed its deep concern over the situation in
Fallujah as a result of Daesh control. The OIC called on the Iraqi
Government to take necessary measures and give due attention to the
serious humanitarian situation in Al Anbar Province, especially the
conditions of the inhabitants of Falluja, and to work earnestly for
providing safe corridors to the besieged population. The Conference
also called upon the Member States and humanitarian NGOs to support
the Iraqi Government for its efforts providing urgent necessary
assistance to relieve the civilians inside the city.

72. The Conference reiterated continued support for the constitutional
legitimacy in Yemen represented by President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi,
President of the Republic of Yemen, and for his national efforts to
achieve security, political and economic stability in Yemen and to
resume of the political process towards a political solution based on
the full implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and
its implementation mechanism and the outputs of the Yemeni national
Dialogue Conference, and consistent with international legitimacy
resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015).

73. The Conference emphasized commitment to relevant resolutions
adopted by the United Nations Security Council, particularly
resolution 2201 (2015), which support constitutional legitimacy in
Yemen, condemn and sanction those hindering or undermining the
political process, and Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) which
called, under Chapter VII, on the Houthis to withdraw their forces
from all areas they have seized, and decided to ban supply of weapons
to them; as well as the relevant resolutions adopted by the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and
the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf.

74. The Conference reiterated support to the outcome of the
ministerial-level extraordinary Conference at the OIC Headquarters in
Jeddah under the chairmanship of H.E. Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad
Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
State of Kuwait, which Chaired the 42ndSession of the Council of
Foreign Ministers, on Tuesday 16 June 2015 (29 Shaaban 1436 H.) upon
the request of the Republic of Yemen.

75. The Conference expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the
State of Kuwait for accepting to host the conference of Yemeni parties
on 18 April 2016 under the auspices of the United Nations. It
commended in this regard the efforts of the Envoy of the UN Secretary
General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad and the continuous efforts of the
State of Kuwait in support of the humanitarian situation in Yemen and
the push to achieve security and stability in this country.

76. The Conference welcomed the OIC ongoing efforts to convene a
conference to provide humanitarian and development assistance to Yemen
as soon as possible with a view to mobilizing the needed emergency
resources to address the critical situation in Yemen and the
requisites of the next phase in coordination with the Yemeni
Government and regional and international partners including Custodian
of the Two Holy Mosques' Centre for Humanitarian Action and Relief,
and the UN and its humanitarian and development organs.

77. The Conference reiterated the support of Member States for the
Sudan in its efforts to confront its economic and financial
difficulties, and called on the international community to write off
Sudan's external debts. It further rejected the unilateral economic
sanctions imposed on Sudan, which negatively affected the development
and prosperity of the people of the Sudan. In this regard, it called
for an immediate lifting of those unjustified sanctions, and appealed
to Member States and OIC financial institutions to contribute to
providing all forms of support and assistance to the Sudan to enable
it overcome the critical economic situation. It also called for
removing the Sudan from the US list of terrorism-sponsoring States.

78. The Conference reiterated its full solidarity with the Sudan for
the maintenance of security, stability, respect for its unity,
sovereignty and territorial integrity; expressed its total rejection
of all forms of foreign interference in Sudan's affairs, especially
the decision of the International Criminal Court of 04/03/2009, and
its allegations against President Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir and
called for the Court's decision to be permanently rescinded.

79. The Conference reaffirmed its full support for the Sudan and
respect for its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It
supported strongly the National Dialogue Process as well as other
political and economic reforms initiated by the Government of the
Sudan, as a crucial step towards fostering peace, stability and
development. In this regard, it encouraged all the Sudanese parties,
including armed movements, to participate in the said process. It
reiterated its support to the Doha Peace Process on Darfur aiming at
establishing peace, security and development of the Darfur region.

80. The Conference urged the Sudan and South Sudan to maintain good
neighbourliness and seek to resolve peacefully all outstanding issues
between them through dialogue and negotiation. In this context, the
Conference welcomed the Sudan's recent decision to open its borders
with South Sudan.

81. The Conference commended the steps taken in implementation of
Darfur Peace Agreement signed on July 14, 2011 between the Government
of the Sudan and Liberation and Justice Movement in Doha-Qatar. It
called upon the non-signatory rebel and holdout groups to the Doha
Agreement to join the process. It further called upon the OIC General
Secretariat and Member States to follow up the implementation of the
outcome of the International Donors Conference for the reconstruction
and peace building in Darfur. It expressed satisfaction that the
referendum on Darfur's administrative status held on April 11-13, 2016
in a peaceful manner.

82. The Conference called for renewed efforts to end continued
discrimination and denial of political, economic and civil rights of
the Rohingya Muslim community mainly in the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
It called upon the new Government of Myanmar to take necessary
measures to protect the basic rights of the Rohingya Muslim community
including their basic right to citizenship. It also called upon the
Government of Myanmar to allow easy access (in cooperation with all
related parties) to humanitarian assistance towards the Rohingya
Muslim community. It further called upon international community to
continue working with the Government of Myanmar for protecting
minorities in its territories. The Conference expressed support for
the Secretary General's work plan, and the efforts of his Special
Envoy for Myanmar and continued engagement of the OIC Ministerial
Contact Group on Myanmar for resolving the problem. It welcomed ASEAN
Member States' firm commitment to help resolve this issue and
expressed hope that with the new Government, the situation will
improve. The Conference called upon the new Government to launch a
comprehensive reconciliation process that includes all components of
the Rohingya community including those who lost their nationality and
all internally displaced people and refugees as well as others in
irregular situations in or outside Myanmar.

83. The Conference called upon the Government of Myanmar to restore
the citizenship of Rohingya Muslims, deprived of their nationality,
with all associated rights and allow and facilitate their return home,
in safety and dignity of all internally-displaced Rohingyas and those
Rohingyas who are forced into irregular movement outside the country.
More to follow...


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