Palestine question/Jerusalem-Final communiqué of the Islamic Summit Conference – Letter from Iran (excerpts)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECURITY COUNCIL

Fifty-third session Fifty-third year

Items 20 (b)-(d), 24, 26, 30, 39,

  40, 41, 42, 45, 46, 51, 52, 54,

  57, 59, 63, 68, 69, 70, 72 (k),

  (l), (q) and (s), 75, 77, 84,

  85, 87, 94 (a) and (d), 96, 97,

  100, 101, 103, 105, 106, 107,

  109, 113 (a) and (b) and 157 of

  the preliminary list*

STRENGTHENING OF THE COORDINATION OF

  HUMANITARIAN AND DISASTER RELIEF

  ASSISTANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS,

  INCLUDING SPECIAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE:

  SPECIAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO

  INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES OR REGIONS;

  EMERGENCY INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR

  PEACE, NORMALCY AND RECONSTRUCTION OF

  WAR-STRICKEN AFGHANISTAN; ASSISTANCE

  TO THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS NEW

  AGENDA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA

  IN THE 1990S, INCLUDING MEASURES AND

  RECOMMENDATIONS AGREED UPON AT ITS

  MID-TERM REVIEW

COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS

  AND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC

  CONFERENCE

UNITED NATIONS REFORM:  MEASURES

  AND PROPOSALS

QUESTION OF PALESTINE

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

ASSISTANCE IN MINE CLEARANCE

THE SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN AND ITS

  IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE

  AND SECURITY

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL

  DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

ELIMINATION OF COERCIVE ECONOMIC

  MEASURES AS A MEANS OF POLITICAL

  AND ECONOMIC COMPULSION

DECLARATION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS

  OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE

  ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY ON THE

  AERIAL AND NAVAL MILITARY ATTACK

  AGAINST THE SOCIALIST PEOPLE'S

  LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA BY THE

  PRESENT UNITED STATES ADMINISTRATION

  IN APRIL 1986

CONSEQUENCES OF THE IRAQI OCCUPATION

  OF AND AGGRESSION AGAINST KUWAIT

QUESTION OF THE COMORIAN ISLAND

  OF MAYOTTE

QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION

  ON AND INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP

  OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND RELATED

  MATTERS

QUESTION OF CYPRUS

ESTABLISHMENT OF A NUCLEAR-WEAPON-FREE

  ZONE IN THE REGION OF THE MIDDLE EAST

ESTABLISHMENT OF A NUCLEAR-WEAPON-FREE

  ZONE IN SOUTH ASIA

CONCLUSION OF EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL

  ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSURE NON-NUCLEAR-

  WEAPON STATES AGAINST THE USE OR

  THREAT OF USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

GENERAL AND COMPLETE DISARMAMENT:

  CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS BANNING

  ANTI-PERSONNEL LANDMINES; PROHIBITION

  OF THE DUMPING OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES;

  REGIONAL DISARMAMENT; ESTABLISHMENT

  OF A NUCLEAR-WEAPON-FREE ZONE IN

  CENTRAL ASIA

THE RISK OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN

  THE MIDDLE EAST

STRENGTHENING OF SECURITY AND

  COOPERATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

  REGION

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS

  AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN

  THE NEAR EAST

REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO

  INVESTIGATE ISRAELI PRACTICES

  AFFECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE

  PALESTINIAN PEOPLE AND OTHER ARABS

  OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

QUESTIONS RELATING TO INFORMATION

MACROECONOMIC POLICY QUESTIONS:

  TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT; EXTERNAL DEBT

  CRISIS AND DEVELOPMENT

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND

  INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

PERMANENT SOVEREIGNTY OF THE

  PALESTINIAN PEOPLE IN THE OCCUPIED

  PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING

  JERUSALEM, AND OF THE ARAB POPULATION

  IN THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN OVER

  THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRST UNITED

  NATIONS DECADE FOR THE ERADICATION

  OF POVERTY

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING QUESTIONS

  RELATING TO THE WORLD SOCIAL

  SITUATION AND TO YOUTH, AGEING,

  DISABLED PERSONS AND THE FAMILY

INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL

ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OUTCOME OF THE

  FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS

  OF CHILDREN

HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS:  IMPLEMENTATION

  OF HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS; HUMAN

  RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING

  ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING

  THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN

  RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS

MEASURES TO ELIMINATE INTERNATIONAL

  TERRORISM

Letter dated 23 February 1998 from the Chargé d'affaires a.i.

of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to

the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I have the honour to transmit to you herewith the texts of the Final Communiqué (annex I), the Tehran Declaration (annex II), the Tehran Vision Statement (annex III), and resolutions (annexes IV-VIII) of the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held at Tehran from 9 to 11 December 1997.

I should be grateful if you would have the text of the present letter and its

annexes** circulated as a document of the fifty-third session of the General  Assembly under items 20 (b) to (d), 24, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45, 46, 51, 52, 54, 57, 59, 63, 68, 69, 70, 72, 72 (k), (l), (q) and (s), 75, 77, 84, 85, 87, 94 (a) and (d), 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 105, 106, 107, 109, 113 (a) and (b) and 157 of the preliminary list, and of the Security Council.

(Signed)  Majid TAKHT-RAVANCHI  

Ambassador       

Chargé d'affaires a.i.

_________________

    *A/53/50.

       **The annexes are being circulated in the languages of submission only.

ANNEX  I I

Tehran Declaration

The Eighth Islamic Summit Conference

The Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation

Sha'aban, 1418-December 1997

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

And thus We have made you a justly balanced nation that you may be the

bearers of witness to the people and (that) the Apostle may be a bearer of

witness to you. (Quran, II: 143)

The Kings, Heads of State and Government of the Member-States of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, assembled at the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference, the Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation, held in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran, from 8 to 10 Sha'aban 1418H, corresponding to 9-11 December, 1997,

Stressing their full adherence to Al-Tawhid and the religion of Islam, as the foundation for man's true freedom in keeping with the teaching of Islam which provide a delicate balance between spiritual and material dimensions of human life, and between liberty and salvation, based on tolerance and compassion, wisdom and justice,

Affirming their strong determination to realize the purposes and principles of the Charter of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, in particular as regards the unity and solidarity of the Islamic Ummah, safeguarding of Islamic values and principles,

Determined to realize the legitimate aspirations of Islamic nations and peoples for peace and security as well as comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development through active participation and the realization of the fundamental right to self-determination of peoples under colonial or alien domination or foreign occupation,

Recognizing the importance of presenting the identity of the Islamic Ummah and of holding fast to their tradition and historical heritage as the main factor in cementing the fabric of the society and enhancing social stability,

Emphasizing the imperative of positive interaction, dialogue and understanding among cultures and religions; and rejecting the theories of clash and conflict which breed mistrust and diminish the grounds for peaceful interaction among nations,

Noting the changing international environment and the enormous capabilities and potentials of the Islamic Ummah to play a constructive role in shaping a more just, equitable and peaceful global order,

Expressing their full confidence that Iran, under the leadership of His Eminence Ayatollah Khamene'i and the Presidency of His Excellency Khatami, will lead the OIC during the Chairmanship of President Khatami in the most able and constructive manner, further enhancing the role and participation of the Organisation in international affairs, in accordance with the purposes end principles of the OIC.

SOLIDARITY AND SECURITY IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD

1. Pledge solemnly to promote solidarity, peace and security within the Islamic world as their top priority, and to pursue consultations for security cooperation, and entrust the Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Solidarity and Security of Islamic States to study and recommend appropriate strategies and practical measures to achieve this objective.

2. Reaffirm their resolve to consolidate cooperation and coordination among the Member States and their expectation from all regional Organisations within the Islamic world to take effective practical measures in order to expand cooperation in all fields.

3. Emphasize that the establishment of Islamic Common Market constitutes a significant step towards strengthening Islamic solidarity; and enhancing the share of the Islamic world in global trade.

4. Condemn the continued occupation by Israel of Palestinian and other Arab territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and Southern Lebanon; salute the steadfastness of the Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian peoples in their resistance to the Israeli occupation; reaffirming all relevant OIC resolutions, call for the liberation of all occupied Arab territories and restoration of the usurped rights of the Palestinian people; condemn the expansionist policies and practices by Israel, such as the establishment and expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as acts to change the demographic and geographic status of the Holy City of Al-Quds and emphasize the need for Israel to desist from state-terrorism which it continues to practice in utter disregard for all legal and moral principles; urge reconsideration of any military cooperation with Israel with the objective of renouncing it due to the danger it poses to the security of Islamic countries; call for making the Middle East a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons, and the necessity for Israel to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty and to put all its nuclear installations under IAEA safeguards.

5. Underline their resolve and determination to regain the Holy City of Al-Quds and Masjid Al-Aqsa and to restore the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, the exercise of the right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and property and the attainment and exercise of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of the independent and sovereign Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and their right to leave and return freely to their country.

6. Stress their solidarity with the Muslim people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and underscore their confidence that the Ministerial Contact Group will continue to actively pursue the process of peace and reconstruction.

7. Deplore continuation of conflict and violence in Afghanistan, and express their full support for inter-Afghan dialogue, formation of a broad-based government, and activities at the regional and international level to stop the bloodshed and to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan.

8. Express their rejection of the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against Republic of Azerbaijan, and call on the complete withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories and early and peaceful resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

9. Reiterate their full support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the realization of their right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions.

10. Appeals to the Security Council to lift the sanctions imposed on Libya talking into consideration the latter's positive initiatives and the proposals made by Regional Organisations.

11. Reiterate also their full support to the Turkish Muslim Community of Cyprus for the realization of their legitimate rights.

12. Strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while distinguishing terrorism from the struggle of peoples against colonial or alien domination or foreign occupation and their right for self-determination, emphasize that the killing of innocent people is forbidden in Islam; reiterate their commitment to the provisions of the OIC Code of Conduct for combating international terrorism, and their resolve to intensify their efforts to conclude a treaty on this issue, and call on the international community to deny asylum to terrorists, assist in bringing them to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent or to dismantle support networks helpful in any form to terrorism.

13. Pledge their commitment to extend full support to Muslim communities and minorities in non-Muslim countries in collaboration with their governments, and call upon all States to ensure their religious, political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights.

REVIVAL OF THE ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION AND IDENTITY

14. Consider the revival of the Islamic civilization a peaceful global reality; expresstheir concern at tendencies to portray Islam as a threat to the world and emphasize that the Islamic civilization is firmly and historically grounded in peaceful coexistence, cooperation and mutual understanding among civilizations, as well as constructive discourse with other religions and thoughts.

15. Reaffirm the need to establish understanding and interaction among various cultures, in line with the Islamic teachings of tolerance, justice end peace, denounce various manifestations of cultural invasion, disregard for religious and cultural values of other nations particularly as regards Divine values and principles, and call for the speedy conclusion of an internationally binding document to prevent insult against sacred values, principles and beliefs in accordance with existing decisions.

16. Entrust "the Group of Experts on the Image of Islam" to formulate and recommend pragmatic and constructive steps to counter negative propaganda, to remove and rectify misunderstandings, and to present the true image of Islam, the religion of peace, the liberty and salvation.

17. Welcome the increasing inclination towards the flourishing message of Islam in the world, and decide to take advantage of the technological achievements in the field of information and communications in order to present the rich culture and eternal principles of Islam to mankind.

COMPREHENSIVE, BALANCED AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

18. Consider sustainable and balanced development in the moral, political, social, economic, cultural and scientific fields as vital for the Islamic world, and inspired by the noble principles and values of Islam, reaffirm their unwavering determination to ensure exchange of ideas and experience and the fullest participation of all segments of the Islamic Ummah in various activities of the society; reiterate their support for the aims and principles of "the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam", and decide to consider appropriate action to ensure respect for this declaration.

19. Invite the Member States to make a collective effort towards substantial increase in trade and investments within the Islamic world and to put in place instruments including those decided within the context of COMCEC in order to expand the existing exchange of goods and services and transfer of technology and expertise.

20. Emphasize their full respect for the dignity and the rights of Muslim women and enhancement of their role in all aspect of social life in accordance with Islamic principles, and call on the General Secretariat to encourage and coordinate participation of women in the relevant activities of the OIC.

21. Underline the need for coordination among the Member-States to enhance their role and participation in the global economic system and the international economic decision-making processes; reject, at the same time, unilateralism and extraterritorial application of domestic law or sanctions, and urge ail States to consider the so-called D'Amato Law as null and void.

22. Stress the need for environmental cooperation among Islamic countries in various fields at the bilateral, regional and international levels to achieve sustained economic growth and sustainable development, and for mobilizing necessary financial and institutional resources towards implementing national programmes for the protection of the environment, as well as for collaboration and coordination of positions regarding these issues in international fora.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

23. Welcome the participation of the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Kofi Annan, at the Tehran Summit as a sign of excellent relation and cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC, invite the UN Secretary-General to pursue reform of the United Nations in a manner that ensures maximum democratization of the decision making within the UN system, and stress, in this context, on the need for a more effective and equitable role and representation of the OIC membership in the UN organs particularly the Security Council.

24. Emphasize that effective, constructive and meaningful participation of Islamic countries in the management of international affairs is essential for maintaining peace and security in the world, and establishing the new world order on the basis of equality, justice and promoting morality and Divine values and, in this connection, call upon the General Secretariat to facilitate effective consultation and coordination among Islamic countries in all international fore.

STRENGTHENING THE ORGANISATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE

25. Recognize that concerted measures to strengthen and revitalize the Organisation of the Islamic Conference is also imperative, and express their determination to provide all necessary support with strong conviction to the ongoing process of reform and restructuring of the Organisation to reach higher levels of efficiency and competence and enhance its effectiveness, operationalize and implement its decisions, and to constantly adapt the Organisation with evolving international circumstances; mandate the "Open-ended Expert Group", in coordination with the Secretary General and the Chairman of the Organisation, to study this issue faith a view to achieving practical solutions.

12. Urge the Member States to accelerate the completion of the ratification procedure for the International Islamic Court of Justice, and further coordination amongst parliamentarians of the Islamic States in the relevant international fora.

FOLLOW-UP

27. Request the Chairman of the Summit Conference to carry out regular and substantive consultations with member-states and take all necessary measures to pursue the implementation of this Declaration with the cooperation of the Secretary General.

EIGHTH ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE

TEHRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

 DECEMBER 11, 1997

RESOLUTION NO. 1/8-P (IS)

ON THE

QUESTION OF PALESTINE AND THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT

The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 9 -11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December, 1997),

Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the Question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict contained in Document No. (IS/8-97/PIL/D.3);

Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;

Pursuant to the resolutions of the Islamic Conferences on the Cause of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict;

Recalling the resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, especially Resolutions 242; 338; 465; 476 and 478, and the Resolutions of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the other occupied Arab territories;

Reaffirming the commitment of Islamic States to realizing just and comprehensive peace in the region, and upholding peace as a strategic option;

Expressing its strong condemnation of Israel's continuing repressive and terrorist measures and practices, its continued policy of colonization, expansion of existing settlements, confiscation of land and properties, deportation and mass reprisal against Palestinian and Arab citizens in all occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, its siege of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the desecration of Islamic and Christian Holy Shrines;

Condemning the continuous Israeli aggression against Lebanese territories and the civilian population;

Emphasizing that the Israeli policies, practices and expansionist designs, do not only threaten the Arab states and the peace process but also threaten the Islamic States and endanger international peace and security;

Holding Israel responsible for the haulting of the Middle East Peace Process along all tracks as a result of the intransigence of the Israeli government and its evasion of the principles on which the peace process has been built especially Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425 as well as the "Land for Peace" formula and its non-compliance with all the agreements concluded in this regard.

Expressing deep concert, over the alarming situation resulting from the hindering by Israel of efforts exerted to reach a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestine cause and the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 425, as well as the principle of "Land for Peace" and the realisation of the national and political legitimate rights of the Palestinian people;

Commending the efforts made by the Palestine Liberation Organization throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, for the reconstruction of what had been destroyed by the Israeli occupation, as well as the efforts exerted by its National Authority for the rehabilitation of the Palestinian national economy and its consolidation, on the way to the establishment of the Palestinian State on its national territory;

Determined to support these efforts through all possible means;

1. Reaffirms all the resolutions of the Islamic Conference relating to the question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.

2. Reaffirms also that the Cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the prime cause of all Muslims, and expresses its full solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization in its just struggle for ending Israeli occupation, exercising its sovereignty over its territories and building the Palestinian national institutions on the land of Palestine, with a view to realizing the imprescriptible and inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return, to self-determination and to the establishment of their independent State on their national soil, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

3. Calls on Member States to further strengthen their solidarity with the Palestinian people, and continue to support their just and legitimate struggle for ending Israeli occupation and achieving all their goals of freedom and independence.

4. Reaffirms its support for the Middle East Peace Process and the implementation of all the agreements signed in this context among the parties concerned and the commitments made in accordance with the underpinnings of the Madrid Peace Conference, and in accordance with the UN Charter and the UN resolutions, in particular Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the land-for-peace principle which demand Israel's withdrawal from all the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the occupied Syrian Golan back to 4th June 1967 borderline, the occupied Lebanese territory back to internationally recognised borders and the realization of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people.

5. Reaffirms that Al-Quds Al-Sharif forms an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied in 1967 and whatever is applicable to other occupied Palestinian territories also applies to it, in implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly and calls for combining efforts to restore Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty as the capital of the State of Palestine, so as to ensure peace and security in the region.

6. Calls on the international community, in particular the Two Sponsors of the Peace Process to pressure Israel into complying with the resolutions of the international legitimacy, and implementing the UN General Assembly resolution No. 1012 dated 24.4.1997 and No. EST 10/3, dated 15/7/1997 regarding haulting the building of a new settlement at Jebel Abu Ghneim as well as all other settlement activity, including expansion of existing settlements, building side roads, confiscating land adjacent to settlements, and activities which constitute a violation of international resolutions. It also requests Member States to make efforts to get the UN General Assembly to take necessary steps in accordance with the "United For Peace" resolution in the event Israel fails to comply with the two aforementioned resolutions.

7. Requests the UN Security Council to revitalize the International Commission on Supervision and Control to prevent colonization in Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the occupied Palestinian and Arab Territories in accordance with its resolution 446.

8. Urges the international community and all states that extend economic and financial assistance to Israel, in particular the United States of America, and the States of European Union, as well as international donor institutions and funds, to cease assistance which is used by Israel to implement its colonialist and expansionist designs in the occupied Arab territories and the Occupied Syrian Golan.

9. Rejects attempts to disregard the obligations of the transitional phase and jump to the negotiations on the final status, and demands the faithful and honest implementation of all the remaining items of the transitional phase agreements concluded between the PLO and Israel.

10. Affirms that Israel's disregard for the principles and underpinnings of the peace process, backtracking on the commitments, pledges and agreements made in the framework; of this process, procrastination and evasion have seriously undermined the peace process and holds the Israeli government responsible for this situation.

11. Strongly condemns the Israeli crimes which harm the religious sentiments of Muslims and Christians, and which contradict religious, human and moral values.

12. Urges Islamic States which have begun to take steps towards establishing relations with Israel within the framework of the peace process to reconsider their relationships with Israel, including the closing of missions and offices until Israel abides by the UN resolutions and implement the agreements, obligations and commitments arrived at by the parties to the peace process, in accordance with the principles adopted by the Madrid Conference, the OSLO Accord and the other agreements concluded with the PLO, as well as obligations and commitments arrived at with the Arab parties on all tracks during the peace talks.

13. Calls for action within UN and international institutions and fora to compel to release the detainees; return the deportees; halt the methods of mass punishment; cease the confiscation of lands and properties and the demolition of homes; also cease any actions that threaten life and the environment in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

14. Calls for a more effective UN action to ensure the success of the Middle East peace process, for a reaffirmation of the continued UN responsibility for the cause of Palestine until a just and comprehensive solution to all its aspects is found, a solution that puts an end to occupation and fulfills the imprescriptible and inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people including their right to return to their land, self-determination and the establishment of their independent State on their territory with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

15. Urges all States and concerned parties to extend their support to the international programme on economic, social and cultural development in the occupied Palestinian territories to avail the Palestinian people of the necessary approved assistance for the reconstruction of its national economy and to back up its national institutions and enable it to establish its independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

16. Affirms the need to intensify the efforts being made for holding a meeting of the high contracting panics to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, regarding the protection of civilians during the time of war aimed at taking the necessary enforcement measures to ensure the application of the Convention to the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

17. Calls for abiding by the provisions of the Islamic Boycott against Israel and to consider the legislation, rules and provisions governing the Boycott "the General Principles of the Boycott, Islamic law, the Internal Regulations and Sessional Meetings of the Regional Offices" as part of the current national legislations, and set up the necessary offices and mechanisms to serve that end.

18. Strongly condemns Israel's continuing occupation of Southern Lebanon and the Nested Biqa'h region, its arbitrary practices and military acts of aggression against the Lebanese citizens and against the Palestinian refugees in their camps in Lebanon; calls upon the UN Security Council to take the necessary measures to put an immediate end to these acts of aggression; calls for the implementation of the Security Council resolution on Lebanon, especially Resolution 495 (1978), Israel's immediate, total and unconditional withdrawal from the Lebanese territory. It affirms its resolve to maintain the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders.

19. Strongly condemns the policy of Israel in refusing to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981), and in imposing its jurisdiction, its laws and its administration on the occupied Syrian Golan, as well as Israel's policies of annexation, establishment of settlements, expropriation of lands, diversion of water resources and imposition of Israeli nationality on Syrian citizens. It considers that all those measures are null and void, and constitute a violation of the rules and principles of international law, relating to occupation and war and particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. It demands the complete withdrawal of Israel from the entire occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of 4 June 1967.

20. Calls on the international community and the Security Council to compel Israel to comply with U.N. Resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 487(1981), to accede to the treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to implement General Assembly and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions calling for the subjection of all Israeli atomic facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System, to obtain Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to submit a full report on its capabilities end stockpile of nuclear weapons and ammunition to the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the establishment of a  zone free from weapons of mass destruction, and primarily nuclear weapons in the Middle East region, a fundamental factor for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

21. Reaffirms the continued responsibility of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to carry on fulfilling the tasks assigned to it for the benefit of all the Palestinian citizens wherever they may be living in accordance with the resolution of the UN General Assembly in this regard, and calls upon the Member States to request the UN Secretary- General to see to it that the Conciliation Committee undertakes in collaboration with the Relief Agency and the concerned States the preparation of a comprehensive inventory of Palestinian refugees and their property and come out with a integrated conception for the settlement of their problems on the basis of their right to return to their homeland Palestine accordance with the UN Resolution No. 194. It further calls on all states to provide more assistance towards the Agency's budget so as to enable it continue providing its services.

22. Requests the Secretary General to take necessary measures for continuing and strengthening contacts and coordination on the question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the League of Arab States, the Organization of African Unity, the Non-Aligned Movement, the European Union, and the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies and expresses its appreciation for their all supportive stands and assistance for the just struggle of the Palestinian people.

23. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference.

RESOLUTION NO. 218-P (IS)

ON THE

CITY OF AL-QUDS AL-SHARIF

The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 9 -11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December, 1997),

Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the Question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, contained in Document No. (IS/8-97/PIL/D.3);

Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference;

Pursuant to the Islamic resolutions which reaffirm that the issue of Al-Quds Al-Sharif constitutes the essence of the Palestinian cause which forms the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that no comprehensive and just peace can be achieved without the return of Al-Quds Al-Sharif to the Palestinian sovereignty, as the capital of the State of Palestine;

Recalling the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, in particular resolutions 465, 476 and 478 on the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif;

Reaffirming the resolutions of the Tenth Extraordinary Session of the United Nations General Assembly No. 10/2 and No.EST-10/3 dated 24.4.1997 and 15.7.1997, respectively on the illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Al-Quds and the other occupied Palestinian territories;

Expressing its deep concern at the escalation of Israel's acts of aggression against the Holy Places in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and other Palestinian cities and violation of their sanctity;

Reiterating all Security Council Resolutions on Al-Quds including 681 which provides for the applicability of all the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 concerning the protection of civilians in times of war to the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif;

Strongly condemning all illegal Israeli measures and practices, which also contravene all international resolutions and laws, carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities in Al-Quds Al-Sharif aimed at judaizing the Holy City and obliterating its Arab and Islamic landmarks;

Commending the constant efforts made by the Al-Quds Committee under the Chairmanship of His Majesty King Hassan II, King of Morocco;

Commending also the continuous efforts made by all the Islamic Member States to defend the sanctity of the Islamic places in the city of the Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to safeguard their Arabic identity and their Islamic character, and protect them from Zionist misuse and judaization plans;

Commending the contribution of His Majesty King Hussein Bin Talal, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to the renovation work carried out in the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Holy Dome of the Rock;

1. Reaffirms all the resolutions adopted by the relevant Islamic Conferences including the Third Islamic Summit Conference on Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the recommendations and decisions of the Al-Quds Committee at its previous sessions.

2. Reaffirms that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without an Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian and Arab territories foremost of which Al-Quds Al-Sharif as it forms an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and that whatever is applicable to the rest of the occupied territories applies to it in implementation of UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

2. Urges action to halt all practices and measures undertaken by the Israeli occupation authorities in Al-Quds Al-Sharif aimed at altering the geographic and demographic conditions and violating the sanctity of the Islamic and Christian shrines in order to judaize the Holy City. It calls for combined efforts to restore Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty as the capital of the State of Palestine so as to ensure peace and security in the region.

4. Invites the Member States to continue their support to the Palestine Liberation Organization in the ongoing negotiations for the transfer of all powers and responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories including the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to the Palestinian National Authority, to support the steadfastness of the citizens of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to establish developmental economic, cultural, social and architectural projects and construct housing units for them, to restore their existing houses and to support the national Palestinian institutions in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

5. Invites States of the world to refrain from having any dealings with the Israeli occupation authorities which might be interpreted in any way by those authorities as an implicit recognition of the "fait accompli" imposed by the proclamation of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel.

6. Further invites the international community, and in particular the two co-sponsors of the Peace Conference, to compel Israel not to effect any geographical or demographical alterations in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transitional period and to refrain from any action or measure that may affect the outcome of the negotiations on the final status of the City, adhere to the relevant international resolutions, lift the siege imposed on Al-Quds Al-Sharif, ensure the freedom of worship therein, and refrain from destroying houses, withdrawing identity cards of Palestinian citizens and emptying Al-Quds Al-Sharif of its Arab citizens.

7. Reaffirms that all legislative, administrative and colonization measures aimed at altering the legal status of the Holy City are null and void and contrary to the resolutions of international legality, and to international agreements, conventions and norms, as well as to the agreements signed between the Palestinian and Israeli parties. It calls on the international community, in particular the two co-sponsors of the peace process, to pressure Israel into complying with the resolutions of the international legality and implement General Assembly resolution ES-10/3 of 15/7/1997 regarding the cessation of building work on a Jewish settlement at Jebel Abu Ghuneim as well as all other settlement activity, including expansion of existing settlements, building of side roads, confiscating land adjacent to settlements and related activities, which constitute a violation of the Security Council resolutions.

8. Strongly condemns Israel's persistence in the excavation works around Al-Haram Al-Quds Al-Sharif especially the opening of a tunnel in Al-Quds Al-Sharif which endangers the Islamic and Christian holy shrines especially the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. It appears to the international community to compel Israel to close down this tunnel in accordance with resolution 1073 of the Security Council.

9. Strongly condemns the Israeli Supreme Court's decisions, particularly the decision adopted on 25.7.1996 allowing Jews to pray in the precinct of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and the decision issued on 23.9.1993, claiming the Blessed Mosque of Al-Aqsa as part of the territory of the State of Israel, andconsiders it as premediated provocations aimed at opening the way for the Zionist extremist organizations to continue their violations against the sanctity of the Blessed Mosque of Al-Aqsa to establish their presence in its precincts, and to continue looting the religious, historical and cultural relics in Al-Quds and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

10. Strongly condemns Israel for the orders it has issued for closing the Palestinian institutions in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and preventing them from operating freely, and considers such arbitrary measures as a continued violation of the agreements concluded between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israeli parties within the framework of the peace process, as well as a blatant violation of international conventions and agreements, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and a breach of the principles and underpinnings of the Madrid Peace Process.

11. Calls upon all States to adhere to Security Council Resolution No. 478 (1980) which invites the member States to uphold the provisions of the said resolution and refrain from transferring their diplomatic missions to the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Takes note with appreciation of the general response of the states of the World to this resolution and their compliance with it.

19. Condemns the decision of the US House of Representatives to recognize Al-Quds as the united capital of Israel and to transfer the INS Embassy from Tel Aviv to Al-Quds, and considers it a serious provocation to the sentiments of Muslims and all believers in the world, as well as a blatant violation of the principles of international legality and the stand of the international community, and a glaring contradiction to the role of the United States of America as a sponsor of the peace process, besides being an encouragement to Israel to pursue its aggressive expansionist policy; and calls on the US Administration to adhere to Security Council Resolution No. 478.

13. Commends the efforts made by Al-Quds Committee, under the chairmanship of His Majesty King Hassan II, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Morocco, affirms all resolutions adopted by the Committee and urges Member States to apply them.

14. Expresses its satisfaction with the commencement of the work of the Al-Quds Fund and welcomes the measures taken by His Majesty King Hassan II, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee with regard to the appointment of an Executive Director of the Fund and his assistant, and to the setting up of an Administrative Division for the Agency and its headquarters in Casablanca.

15. Emphasises the need to continue coordination action and by Member States with regional and international organizations for the implementation of the international resolutions adopted by United Nations and its specialized agencies, in particular UNESCO, and also coordination with the League of Arab States, and the holding of conferences to promote the cause of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and highlight the dangers surrounding it.

16. Invites the Vatican, the Eastern and other Christian Churches to take part in the resistance against the Judaization of Al-Quds Al-Sharif out of respect for the spiritual dimension of all religions, for the sake of peaceful coexistence among them, and in compliance with Security council resolution No. 242 of 22/11/1967 which demands that Israel withdraw from the part occupied in 1967 including the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as well as the other Security Council resolutions in particular:

– No. 465 of 1/3/1980 which affirms the illegality of building Israeli settlements in that part and demands their dismantlement and removal;

– No. 476 of 30/6/1980 which affirms that all measures that have changed the features of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its geographical, demographic and historical status are null and void and must be rescinded in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council;

– and No. 478 of 20/8/1980 which decided not to recognize the "Basic Law" and other Israeli acts that aim to change the features and status of Al-Quds.  It also decided to call on the states that had established diplomatic missions in Al-Quds to withdraw those missions from the holy city.  It further called for the support of the inhabitants of Al-Quds Al-Sharif so they can resist the judaization measures aimed at uprooting them from their city.

17. Calls upon the Security Council to take necessary measures that ensure compliance with its resolutions on Al-Quds in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter.

18. Reaffirms the resolutions of earlier Islamic Conferences which call for the support of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the consolidation of the steadfastness of its citizens, and also calls for the support of Baitul Mal of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and Al-Quds Fund.

19. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the Ninth session of the Islamic Summit Conference.

RESOLUTI0N NO. 5/8-P(IS)

0N

AL-QUDS FUND AND ITS WAQF

The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, Participation) held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 8 to 10 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),

Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference;

Referring to all the Islamic Resolutions adopted on Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf;

Reaffirming the principle of consolidating Islamic solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just and legitimate struggle;

Paying tribute to Member States that regularly fulfill their obligations and make donations to Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf;

Appreciating the significance of the vital role played by Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf to support the steadfastness and Jihad of the Palestinian people within the occupied Palestinian territories, and particularly the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif;

Noting with deep concern Israel's continued pursuit of its aggressive, expansionist and settlement policy;

Commending the positive role played by the Governing Board of Al-Quds Fund in quest of financial resources to promote the Fund and its Waqf;

1. Reaffirms all previous relevant resolutions adopted by successive Islamic Conferences.

2. Reiterates all recommendations and resolutions of the earlier meetings of the Governing Board of Al-Quds Fund.

3. Expresses its profound thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the continued support to Al-Quds Fund, which falls within the framework of their consistent solicitude towards the foremost cause of the Islamic Ummah, namely the cause of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Palestine. It commends the annual appeal made by H.R.H. Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Province of Riyadh and Chairman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Supreme Committee for the Welfare of the Palestinian Freedom Fighters, to citizens and residents to make donations to Al-Quds Fund. It urges Member States to continue their donations campaign in favour of Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf, together with the appropriate directives to the public and other media to conduct a special campaign for this purpose.

4. Calls upon Member States to continue their support to the Palestine Liberation Organisation, especially at this decisive stage, for the consolidation of its national authority over all occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, capital of the independent Palestinian State, and to extend all forms of support to the Palestinian people so they can build their institutions and national economy.

5. Commends the positive role played by Al-Quds Fund in supporting the steadfastness and boosting the struggle of the Palestinian people.

6. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution.

RESOLUTI0N No. 6/8-P(IS)

ON THE

CURRENT SITUATION OF THE PEACE PROCESS

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue, and Participation), held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 9 to 11 Sha'aban 1418H (9-11 December 1997),

Referring to the declaration on the current situation of the peace process in the Middle East issued by the Twenty-Fourth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 98 Rajab to 3 Sha'aban 1417H (9-12 December 1996) as well as to the declaration on the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Arab-Israeli conflict issued by the Extraordinary Meeting of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 13 Dhul Qaada 1417H (23/3/l997), and to the Final Declaration issued by the 16th Session of Al-Quds Committee held in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, on 17 Dhul Qaada 1417H (27/3/1997);

Having examined the serious and urgent situation entailed by the policies of the incumbent Israeli government which are hostile to peace;

1. Reaffirms its continued solidarity with the Palestinian people for the recovery of its legitimate and inalienable national rights, including its right to return, to self-determination, and to the establishment of its independent state on its national territory, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

2. Reaffirms its full support to the peace process in the Middle East and its commitment to the foundations and principles of the peace process, and demands that Israel respect and implement the commitments, obligations and agreements reached within the framework of the process in accordance with the principles adopted at the Madrid Conference and consistent with the United Nations Resolutions, in particular Security Council Resolutions No. 242, 338 and 475, and the land-for-peace formula which guarantees Israeli withdrawal from all Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Golan Heights of Syria, to the lines of 4 June 1967, and from occupied Southern Lebanon and the Western Bikaa occupied to the internationally recognized borders.

3. Calls on the co-sponsors of the peace process and the international community to be wary of the grave dangers resulting from Israel's pursuance of positions and policies hostile to peace.

4. Strongly denounces the Israeli government's policy and practices which are hostile to peace and are designed to undermine the peace process in order to pursue its colonization of Arab and Palestinian territories, including the city of Al-Quds, and invalidate the foundations and terms of reference of the Madrid Peace Conference, and evade the commitments, pledges and agreements reached in the past five years of peace talks with the Palestinian and other Arab parties.

5. Expresses strong condemnation and anger about the threats voiced by Israeli officials for the purpose of reinstating the atmosphere of war in the region and imposing the fait accompli on Arabs and Muslims.

6. Urges the member states which have started to take steps towards establishing relations with Israel within the framework of the Peace Process to reconsider their relations with Israel, including the closing of missions and offices until Israel complies with the relevant UN resolutions, in particular, the full Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories, and safeguards the national legitimate rights of the Palestinian People, and implements the agreements and commitments reached by the parties to the Peace Process.

/…

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