GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECURITY COUNCIL
Fiftieth session Fifty-first year
Agenda items 28, 32, 42, 44, 54, 55
and 73
THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS
AND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC
CONFERENCE
QUESTION OF PALESTINE
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
THE SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN AND ITS
IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE
AND SECURITY
QUESTION OF CYPRUS
THE RISK OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN
THE MIDDLE EAST
Letter dated 17 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of
Guinea to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
I have the honour to transmit herewith the final communiqué and resolutions adopted by the twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers of the member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held at Conakry from 9 to 12 December 1995 (see annexes*).
I should be grateful if you would have these documents circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 28, 32, 42, 44, 54, 55 and 73, and of the Security Council.
(Signed) Hajja Camara Mahawa BANGOURA
Permanent Representative
* The annexes are being issued in the languages of submission only.
96-12110 (E) 280696 /…
Annexes
[Original: Arabic, English
and French]
I. Final communiqué ……………………………………..3
II. Report and resolutions on political, Muslim minorities and
communities, legal and information affairs ……………..43
III. Resolutions on statutory and general matters …………..174
IV. Report and resolutions on economic, social, science and
technology affairs ………………………………… 188
V. Report and resolutions on cultural and Islamic affairs ….248
VI. Report and resolutions on administrative and
financial affairs……………………………………315
Annex I
FINAL COMMUNIQUE
OF THE TWENTY-THIRD ISLAMIC CONFERENCE
OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
(SESSION OF PEACE, SOLIDARITY AND TOLERANCE)
CONAKRY, REPUBLIC OF GUINEA
17-20 RAJAB, 1416H (9-12 DECEMBER 1995)
Bismillahi Arrahmani Arrabim
At the kind invitation of the Government of the Republic of Guinea, the Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance) was held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H, corresponding to 9-12 December 1995 under the high patronage of His Excellency General Lansana Conté, President of the Republic of Guinea.
/…
B. POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Question of Palestine and Al-Quds and Al-Sharif:
28. The Conference reaffirmed that the question of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif is the prime cause of all Muslims, and expressed its solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization in its just struggle for removing the effects of the Israeli occupation and the building of the Palestinian national institutions on the land of Palestine so as to achieve the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people including their rights to return, to self-determination and to the establishment of their own independent state on the soil of their homeland with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
29. The Conference called upon member states to continue the consolidation of their solidarity with the Palestinian people; and to continue supporting the positions of the PLO in its negotiations for the complete withdrawal of the Israeli forces from all of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
30. The Conference expressed its support for the peace process in the Middle East and welcomed the agreements concluded in its framework. It also welcomed the signing of the agreement on the implementation of the second phase of the Palestinian-Israeli Declaration of Principles and called for respect of all its components. It noted that the success of the peace process hinges on the implementation of resolutions of international legitimacy, including resolutions 242, 338 and 425 of the Security Council, on the basis of Arab and international understanding of these resolutions, and the "land for peace" formula and the need to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their national and political rights. It affirmed that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region can only be achieved through complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all of the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories.
31. The Conference reaffirmed that the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 and to it apply all the provisions applicable to the other occupied territories; and reiterated the necessity of its return to the Palestinian sovereignty as capital of the State of Palestine. It called upon all States 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. It reaffirmed that all legislative, administrative and settlement measures and arrangements that aim at changing the legal status of the Holy City are null and void and are in contradicand conventions. It called upon all States to comply with Security Council Resolution 478 (1980) which invites member states not to transfer their diplomatic missions to the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It invited the international community, and in particular, the two co-sponsors of the Peace Conference, to compel Israel not to effect any geographical or demographic changes in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, during the transitional period, that night affect the outcome of the negotiations on the final status of the City.
32. It condemned the Israeli occupation authorities' holding, in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, celebrations for what it calls the "Third Millenary Anniversary of Al-Quds Al-Sharif" which constitutes a fallacious campaign that aims at counterfeiting the historic facts of the City of Al-Quds; and it called upon the States of the World to boycott these celebrations.
33. It strongly condemned the Israeli expansionist settlement policy and called for confronting it with all possible means and regarded all settlements established or to be established by Israel in Al-Quds Al-Sharif and in all other parts of the occupied Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan as null and void in accordance with international legitimacy, and invited the member states to request the UN Security Council to form an international committee to supervise and monitor the prevention of the settlement process in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.
34. The Conference condemned the continuation of the aggressive Israeli scheme to partition the Ibrahimi Mosque Enclosure in the occupied city of Al-Khalil and warned that any slackness in countering this scheme would encourage Israel to undermine the other Islamic and Christian shrines – a state of affairs that would adversely affect the peace process.
35. The Conference urged all States and the quarters concerned to support the international programme on economic, social and cultural development in the occupied Palestinian territories and to extend the stipulated necessary assistance required by the Palestinian people for the building of their national economy and for the support of their national institutions and the protection of the Islamic Holy Places in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
36. The Conference called upon member states to honour their commitment to cover the budgets of Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf and urged them to initiate the settlement of their contributions. It appealed to those states that have not as yet announced their donations to Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf to do so as early as possible.
37. It called 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 the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling for the subjection of all Israeli Atomic facilities to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards System, to proclaim Israel's renunciation of nuclear armament, and to submit a full report on its stockpile of nuclear weapons and materials to the Security council and the International Atomic Energy Agency as those steps are essential for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
38. The Conference commended the steadfastness of the Arab-Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan against Israeli occupation; strongly condemned Israel for not complying with Security Council resolution 497 (1981); and affirmed that Israel's decision to impose its jurisdiction, laws and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void. It also declared that the Knesset resolution of 11 November 1991 confirming the annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void and is without legal effect and constitutes a flagrant violation of Security Council resolution 497 (1981). It strongly condemned Israel for continuing to alter the legal status and demographic set-up of the occupied Syrian Golan. It affirmed that Israel's continuing occupation of the Syrian Golan constitutes a permanent threat to peace and security in the region. It demanded that Israel withdraws totally from the occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of 4 June 1967.
39. The Conference saluted the heroism of the steadfast Lebanese people against the Israeli occupation and strongly condemned Israel for its continuing occupation and annexation of parts of Southern Lebanon and its Western Bikaa. It strongly condemned all the inhuman practices of the Israeli forces in the occupied Lebanese areas. It called for the intensification of the efforts for the release of the Lebanese detainees from the Israeli prisons, the disclosure of the fate of the missing persons and the handing over of the remains of the martyrs. It also called for action to force Israel to implement the UN Security Council resolutions, in particular, resolution 425 (1978) which calls for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the occupied Lebanese territories. It invited all States to increase their assistance to Lebanon in order to consolidate the political gains of the Lebanese Government.
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Annex II
REPORT AND RESOLUTIONS ON POLITICAL, MUSLIM MINORITIES AND COMMUNITIES, LEGAL AND INFORMATION AFFAIRS
/…
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
RESOLUTION NO.1/23-P
ON THE
QUESTION QF PALESTINE AND THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9 to 12 December, 1995),
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the Cause of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict contained in Document No. (ICFM/23-95/PAL/D.1);
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 all the resolutions issued by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the other occupied Arab territories;
Reaffirming the UN Security Council Resolution No.681 and 904 (1994) on the carnage in Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Population in times of war to the Palestinian People in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif;
Recalling resolutions 465, 476 and 478 of the Security Council on the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Islamic resolutions emphasizing that the Question of Al-Quds Al-Sharif constitutes the heart of the Palestine issue which is the prime cause of all Muslin and the core of the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and that a just and comprehensive peace will only be achieved with the return of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif to Palestinian sovereignty as capital of the State of Palestine;
Reaffirming the need for all states of the world, including their executive, legislative and other institutions, to abide by and respect the resolutions of the Security Council on the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif;
Reaffirming that the Palestine Cause is the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that Israel's continued occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, its annexation of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Syrian Golan, its continued denial of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people and its disrespect for the human rights of the Palestinians constitute a flagrant violation of the relevant resolutions of the international legitimacy and the principles of international law as well as the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights;
Proceeding from Islamic and international resolutions which reaffirm the legitimacy of the struggle waged by the Palestinian people under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, their sole legitimate representative, for the re-establishment of their sovereignty over their land, and the exercise of their inalienable national rights;
Expressing deep concern at Israel's continuing terrorist and repressive measures and practices, its continued policy of 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 the holy Shrines;
Condemning the continuous Israeli aggression against Southern Lebanon and Western Beqa'a and emphasizing that the Israeli policies, practices and expansionist plans, do not only threaten the Arab states and the peace process but also threaten the Islamic countries and endanger international peace and security;
Following with interest the peace efforts being exerted for the achievement of a just and comprehensive solution for the Question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions Nos. 242 and 338 and 425 and of the formula of "land for peace", and the legitimate national and political rights of the Palestinian people;
Commending the efforts made by the Palestine Liberation Organisation 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 and the importance of supporting these efforts by all possible ways and means;
1. Reaffirms all the resolutions of the Islamic Conferences relating to the Palestine Cause and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.
2. Reaffirms that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a full and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the occupied Syrian Golan and the occupied Lebanese territories.
3. Reaffirms also that the Palestine cause is the prime cause of all Muslims, and expresses its solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organisation in its just struggle for removing the effects of Israeli occupation and building the Palestinian national institutions on the land of Palestine, with a view to fulfilling the 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.
4. Calls on Member States to further strengthen their solidarity with the Palestinian people, and support their just and legitimate struggle for ending Israeli occupation and achieving all their goals of freedom and independence and to continue supporting the PLO in its negotiations for the full withdrawal of the Israeli forces from all the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and for the guarantee of 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.
5. Welcomes the conclusion of the agreement for the implementation of the second stage of the Israel-Palestinian Declaration of Principles, as an important step towards the achievement of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region, and calls for commitment to the speedy implementation of its entire provisions, including the expansion of the Palestinian self-rule area, the release of the Palestinian detainees, the completion of the Palestinian election, honouring the chronological programme of the agreement .
6. Expresses its support and backing for the peace process in the Middle East, which is aimed at bringing about a just and comprehensive solution to the Question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict and welcomes the agreements concluded within the framework of the peace process. It believes that the success of the peace process in the Middle East hinges on the fulfillment of the following principles and basic premises:
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
7. Urges all States and concerned parties to extend their support to the international programme on economic, social and cultural developments 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.
8. Reaffirms the continued and constant responsibility of the United Nations vis-à-vis the Palestine question until a just and comprehensive solution to all its aspects is achieved securing an end to occupation and the exercise, by the Palestinian people, of their inalienable national rights, and Calls for a more effective participation of the United Nations in promoting the success of the peace process in the Middle East.
9. Urges the international community and particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council to compel Israel to implement the resolutions of the international legitimacy without delay or procrastination, and to desist from violating the principles of international law and abide by the principles of international legitimacy.
10. Invites all States of the world to refrain from having any dealings with the Israeli occupation authorities which might in any way be interpreted by those authorities, as an implicit recognition of the "fait accompli" they have imposed by the declaration of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel. In this context, it should be proper to recall the UN Security Council Resolutions No. 465,476 and 478 which rule that the Israeli measures relating to the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif are null and void and affirm that all the legislative, administrative and settlement measures aiming at changing the legal status of the Holy City are null and void, have no legal effects whatsoever and are a violation of international agreements, conventions and norms.
11. Strongly deplores the resolution of the American Congress on the transfer of the US Embassy to the City of Al-Quds and considers it a provocation of the feelings of the Muslim world; a flagrant disregard of the Islamic and Christian sanctities; and a serious violation of all international resolutions on the City of Al-Quds, including Security Council Resolution No. 478 as well as a threat to stray the peace process and calls upon the US Administration not to respond to this resolution of the Congress in harmony with its responsibilities as a sponsor of the peace process.
12. 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" up part of their own-current national legislations, and set
e necessary offices and mechanisms to serve that end.
13. Strongly condemns Israel's persistence in its aggressive scheme to partition the Ibrahimi Mosque Enclosure in the occupied city of Al-Khalil, which aims at seizing and judaizing most of it and establishing a Jewish synagogue on its site. It calls on the Member States to continue their coordination and intensive efforts in the various international fora to prevent the implementation of this scheme and preserve the Ibrahimi Enclosure as a mosque solely for Muslims as it has been through the ages. It warns that any slackness in these efforts, would encourage Israel to undermine the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Islamic and Christian shrines, which would affect the peace process. It also invites them to endeavour to restore the old town in Al-Khalil and preserve the heritage and culture of this ancient city as well as settle Palestinian families therein in order to face Jewish settlement in the city. It further reaffirms that the Israeli forces redeployment outside the occupied West Bank cities must apply to all cities and not exclude Al-Khalil.
14. Strongly condemns the Israeli repressive measures and practices against the Palestinian citizens. Also strongly condemns Israel's expansionist settlement policy and regards all settlements established or to be established by Israel in Al-Quds Al-Sharif and in all other parts of the occupied Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan as null and void in accordance with international legitimacy and appeals to all States to refrain from taking any steps that might facilitate the process of settlement in the Occupied Territories; invites the Member States to request the UN Security Council to set up an international committee to supervise and monitor the prevention of the settlement process in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.
15. Invites Member States to work within the framework of the United Nations and at the international institutions and fora for compelling Israel to release the detainees, bring back the deportees, put an end to the method of collective punishment, and desist from any works that would endanger life and the environment in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.
16. Strongly condemns Israel's continuing occupation of Southern Lebanon and the Western 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 and demands 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. Moreover, it stresses the necessity of implementing the UN Security Council resolutions concerning Lebanon and in particular Resolution No.425 (1978) and expresses its appreciation for the achievements of the Supreme Tripartite Arab Committee. It also calls on the international community to contribute to the International Fund for the Reconstruction of Lebanon.
17. 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.
18. 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 the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 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 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.
19. Calls on the Member States to coordinate their positions at all international fora in order to preserve the principled position of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on all the resolutions on the issue of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
20. Commends the efforts exerted by Al-Quds Committee, under the Chairmanship of His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco.
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, 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 UN Resolution No. 194.
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 all the latter's 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 next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO.2/23-P
ON THE CITY OF AL-QUDS AL-SHARIF
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajput, 1416H (9 to 12 December, 1995),
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, contained in Document No. (ICFM/23-95/PAL/D.2);
Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference;
Pursuant to the Islamic resolutions which reaffirm that the issue of Al-Quds Al-Sharif forms the core of the Palestinian issue which is the foramost Islamic cause, and 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 which consider as null and void the Israeli Law annexing Al-Quds and claiming it as the unified capital of Israel;
Amazed by the decision taken by the Senate and Congress of the United States of America to transfer the US Embassy to the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif; considering it to be a flagrant violation of the resolutions of the international legitimacy; and reaffirming the need far all states of the world including their executive, legislative and other institutions; to respect and abide by the resolutions of the Security Council on the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif;
Expressing its deep concern at the escalation of Israel's acts of aggression on the Holy Places in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and also over the deteriorating situation of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and all Islamic and Christian Holy Places, in particular the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock as a result of the increasing judaization and settlement;
Expressing its full solidarity with the just struggle of the Palestinian people under the leadership of the PLO, so as to enable it to face up to the forthcoming stage and firmly establish its National Authority an all the occupied Palestinian territories, including the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif;
Reiterating Security Council's Resolution No. 681 which provides for the applicability of all the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention concerning the protection of civilians in times of war to the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif;
Following attentively the continued peace efforts for the achievement of a just and comprehensive settlement to the issue of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and the legitimate national and political rights of the Palestinian people;
Commending the constant efforts made by the Al-Quds Committee under the Chairmanship of His Majesty King Hassan II, King of Morocco;
1. Reaffirms all the resolutions issued by the relevant Islamic Conferences including those adopted by the Third Islamic Summit Conference on Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the recommendations of Al-Quds Committee at its former sessions, in particular the recommendations adopted by its Fifteenth Session.
2. Invites the Contact Group charged with the affairs of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and constituted pursuant to the recommendation of the Fifteenth Session of Al-Quds Committee which was held in Ifran, Kingdom of Morocco on 16-17 January, 1995; to do its very best to get the resolution issued on Al-Quds Al-Sharif, by the current session of the UN General Assembly, in such a manner that is commensurate with the nature of the recent conditions and developments as well as the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people in Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the aspirations of the Muslim world and the developments facing this issue.
3. Invites the Member States to continue extending their support to the Palestine Liberation organization and to extend all forms of assistance to the Palestinian people for the transfer of all authorities and responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territories including the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to the Palestinian National Authority.
4. Asserts that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will not be realized unless Israel withdraws from all the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, at the forafront of which is the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, being an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 subject to whatever is applicable to all the occupied territories in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly. It also underlines the need for the City to return to Palestinian sovereignty as Capital of the State of Palestine, as a guarantee for peace and security in the region.
5. Invites all States 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. It reaffirms that all legislative, administrative and settlements' procedures and measures aiming at altering the legal status of the Holy City are null and void and constitute a violation of international agreements, conventions and norms, as proclaimed by international legitimacy resolutions which include the UN Security Council resolutions No. 465, 476 and 478 (1980) as well as those of the UN General Assembly, all of which invalidate the Israeli procedures in question.
6. Also invites the Member States to face up to the serious developments ensuing from the continued Israeli expansionist policy in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to confront it with all possible means, to provide material resources for the preservation of the Islamic Shrines, and to support the steadfastness of its citizens and institutions in facing up to the Israeli schemes aimed at annexing the city of Al-Quds and wiping out its Arabo-Islamic character.
7. 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 alteration in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif during the transitional period and to refrain from any action or measure which might affect the outcome of the negotiations on the final status of the City.
8. Emphasizes the need for the dismantling of the existing settlements in the Occupied Territories, and the reversal of the Jewish settlement movement, particularly in the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, together with the provision of international guarantees to ensure the above.
9. 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 of the general response of the states of the world to this resolution and their abidance by it and strongly condemns the resolutions of the American Congress on the transfer of the US Embassy to the City of Al-Quds and considers it a provocation of the feelings of the Muslim world; a flagrant disregard of the Islamic and Christian sanctities; and serious violation of all international resolutions on the City of Al-Quds, including Security Council Resolution No. 478 as well as a threat to destroy the peace process and calls upon the US Administration not to respond to this resolution of the Congress in harmony with its responsibilities as a sponsor of the peace process.
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 measures as a violation of the agreements concluded between the Palestinian 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.
11. Strongly condemns the Israeli occupation authorities for the festivities organized in commemoration of the so-called "Third Millennium of the construction of Al-Quds City" which represents a disorientation campaign aimed at distorting historical facts concerning the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and invites the States of the world to boycott these festivities.
12. Invites the Member States to extend all forms of support and assistance to the citizens of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to establish developmental, economic, cultural, social and architectural projects, to construct housing units for the citizens of Al-Quds, to restore their existing houses, to consolidate their steadfastness, and to save institutions in Al-Quds Al-Sharif from destruction and loss.
13. Affirms the commitment of Member States to pursue and coordinate their action with regional and international organizations for the implementation of the international resolutions adopted by United Nations and its specialized agencies, in particular UNESCO, to stop the hostile measures and aggressive practices and the excavation work in the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and to safeguard its cultural and historical heritage.
14. Reaffirms the resolutions of earlier Islamic Conferences which call for the extension of support to the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the consolidation of the steadfastness of its citizens, through the implementation of the following activities:
(b) Issuing of the postage stamp of Palestine.
15. Condemns Israel's persistence in the confiscation of Palestinian land in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and the establishment of settlements there with the purpose of cutting off the Arab city of Al-Quds from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories as well as its undertaking of, excavation works around the Holy Mosque of Al-Quds and tunnel digging in its surrounding area; calls upon the international community to force Israel to discontinue such practices which may compromise the peace process, and reaffirms the need to preserve the Arab entity and Islamic character of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
16. Strongly condemns the Israeli Supreme Court's decision, issued on 23 September 1993, claiming the Blessed Mosque of Al-Aqsa as part of the territory of the State of Israel, and considers it as a premediated provocation aimed at opening the way for the Zionist extremist gangs to continue their Blessed Mosque its precincts, historical and Territories.
17. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and to submit a report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 3/23-P
ON
THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, fro" 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9 to 12 December, 1995),
Having considered the item titled "The Occupied Syrian Golan" and Israel's decision of 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan;
Having reviewed the repressive measures to which the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan are being subjected and Israel's continued attempts to force them to accept Israeli identity;
Recalling the relevant resolutions of previous Islamic Conferences, the latest being Resolution 3/7-P (IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference An Casablanca and Resolution 3/22-P of the Twenty-second Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Casablanca:
Recalling also Security Council Resolution 497 (1981) and the relevant UN General Assembly Resolutions, the latest of which is resolution adopted by the Forty-ninth Session in 1994;
Observing that Israel, in contravention of Article 25 of the United Nations Charter, has refused to accept and implement the numerous relevant resolutions adopted by the Security Council, in particular resolution 497 (1981);
Deeply concerned at the fact that Israel has not withdrawn from the occupied Syrian Golan which it occupies since 1967 contrary to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council;
Noting with satisfaction the convening of the Madrid Peace Conference on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and the principle of "Land for Peace;
1. Lauds the steadfastness of the Syrian Arab citizens in the Golan against the occupation and their valiant resistance to Israel's repressive measures and against the desperate attempts to weaken their attachment to their land and to their Syrian Arab identity.
2. Strongly condemns Israel for its non-compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981).
3. Reaffirms that Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Occupied Syrian Golan is illegal, null and void and has no legal validity whatsoever and that it constitutes a flagrant violation of the OIC Charter and relevant resolutions, the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, and the principles of International Law in particular, the inadmissibility of acquisition of territory by force.
4. Declares that the Knesset decision of 11 November 1981 sanctioning the annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan is null and void, has no legal effect, and constitutes a flagrant violation of Security Council resolution 497 (1987).
5. Strongly condemns Israel for its persistence in changing the legal status, demographic composition and institutional structure of the Occupied Syrian Golan, and for its policy and practices of confiscating lands, appropriating water resources, establishing settlements and transferring settlers and immigrants thereto and of imposing an economic boycott of the agricultural products of the local population and prohibiting their exportation.
6. Strongly condemns Israel's attempts to impose Israeli nationality and identity cards on the Syrian Arab citizens, as these measures constitute a flagrant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and other international bodies.
7. Reaffirms the applicability of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian population in time of war to the occupied Syrian Golan.
8. Calls upon all states to halt the flow of any military, economic, financial, technological and human assistance to Israel which may extend the Israeli occupation of the Arab territories and encourage Israel to pursue its expansionist policy against the Arab countries.
9. Reaffirms that the continued occupation by Israel of the Syrian Golan since 1967 and its annexation on 14 December 1981 following Israel's decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration over these territories constitute a constant threat to peace and security in the region.
10. Strongly reaffirms its demand that Israel, the occupying authority, at once repeals its illegal decision adopted on 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration over the Syrian Golan and which was behind the actual annexation of these territories.
11. Calls upon Israel to fully withdraw from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of the Fourth of June 1967.
12. Invites the international community to prompt and compel Israel to a total withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan and the other occupied Arab territories in order to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.
13. Requests the Secretary General to follow up the implementation of this resolution, and to submit a report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION No. 4/23-P
ON
THE OCCUPATION OF LEBANESE TERRITORY
BY ISRAEL
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9 to 12 December, 1995),
Proceeding from the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Referring to the Charter of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and all resolutions adopted by previous Conferences;
Considering that Israel continues to occupy territories in Southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Western Bikaa', thereby violating the sovereignty of Lebanon as well as international resolutions;
Considering that the authorities of the Israeli enemy in the occupied territories detain innocent citizens and subject them to the most hideous forms of torture and prevents international organizations from being regularly informed about their conditions, in flagrant violation of the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949;
Considering that Israel has proceeded to besiege Lebanese villages and annex parts of them, thus preventing the civilian population from having access to their property and earning their livelihood, in violation of basic human rights;
Considering that Israel carries out raids and artillery attacks against villages and the peaceful civilian population in Southern Lebanon and the Western Bikaa, in violation of the rules of international law;
1. Strongly condemns Israel for its continued occupation of part of Southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Western Bikaa', and urgently presses the United Nations and the Security Council in particular to compel Israel to implement the Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 425 (1978) which demands the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory beyond the internationally recognized Lebanese borders, and the respect of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.
2. Also strongly condemns all inhuman practices of Israeli forces in the occupied Lebanese territories and the use of coercion, terrorism, repression and mass reprisal against the civilian population and the detention of Lebanese citizens in Israeli prisons and in those of its puppet forces and also calls on the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. Secretary-General to step up their efforts aimed at releasing Lebanese detainees in these prisons, improving the conditions of their detention and sheding light on the fate of missing persons and secure the handing over of the bodies of martyrs.
3. Pays tribute to the heroic Lebanese people for their unrelenting resistance against Israeli occupation, and calls on the international community to put pressure on Israel to bring to an end its aggression against innocent civilians and their displacement from their villages and lands in the occupied part of the Lebanese territory.
4. Requests the U.N. Security Council to adopt the necessary resolution on the compensation of damages resulting from Israels shelling of the innocent civilian population in Southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Western Bikaa', and set up an international mechanism to compel it to pay this compensation.
5. Calls on the international community to intensify efforts so as to extend assistance to Lebanon to strengthen economic situation and consolidate the political gain achieved by the Lebanese Government.
6. Requests the Secretary General to follow-up the implementation of this resolution and submit a report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
RESOLUTION NO. 5/23-P
ON
AL-QUDS FUND AND ITS WAQF
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9 to 12 December, 1995),
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf contained in Document No. ICFM/23-95/PAL/D.3;
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 legitimate struggle;
Paying tribute to Member States that regularly fulfil 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 in supporting the struggle and Jihad of the Palestinian people within the occupied Palestinian territories, and particularly the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif;
Noting with great 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 and its Waqf in quest of financial resources to promote the Fund and its Waqf;
Expressing its concern over the continuing critical financial situation of the Fund and seeing the necessity of overcoming it so as to enable the Fund to realize the objectives entrusted to it;
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. Calls upon Member States to honour their commitment to cover the approved budgets for Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf amounting to a hundred million U.S. Dollars each and urges Member States to take steps towards paying their contributions and appeals to those which have not pledged donations to Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf to do so.
4. 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 that of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and Palestine. It further hails the annual appeal addressed 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 the citizens and residents to make donations for the benefit of Al-Quds Fund. It calls upon Member States to continue their donations campaign in favour of Al-Quds Fund and its Waqf, together with the directives given to the public and other media to conduct a special campaign for this purpose.
5. Urges Member States to encourage the organization, at local and Islamic levels of festivals, exhibitions and charity bazaars, whose proceeds would enhance the resources of the Fund.
6. 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, and to extend all forms of support to the Palestinian people so that they may build up their institutions and national economy.
7. Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the implementation of this resolution and report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
/…
RESOLUTION NO. 7/23-E
ON
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
OF THE SYRIAN CITIZENS IN THE OCCUPIED
SYRIAN GOLAN AND OF THE ARAB PEOPLE IN
THE OTHER OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES.
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17-20 Rajab 1415H (09-12 December 1995),
Recalling resolution No. 6/7-E (IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit and resolution No. 6/22-E of the Twenty-second Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers respectively on the subject;
Noting with profound interest the role which the Palestine Liberation Organization and its National Authority is playing in all of the occupied Palestinian territories including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif for the improvement of the Palestinian people's living conditions and the overhauling of their national economy;
Inviting attention to the danger of Israel's continued occupation of the Syrian Golan, South Lebanon and the Western Bekka region which are daily exposed to human, economic and material losses;
Having taken cognizance of the recommendations of the 19th Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary-General on the subject;
1. Hails the efforts made by the Palestinian Liberation Organization in the occupied Palestinian regions for the reconstruction of what had been destroyed under the Israeli occupation, as well the efforts exerted to rebuild and consolidate the Palestinian national economy made by its National Authority.
2. Urges all States and those institutions concerned to expedite the extension of the envisaged necessary assistance to help the Palestinian people to establish their national economy; to act for the consolidation of their national institutions and to enable them to establish their independent State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
3. Reaffirms the earlier resolutions in favour of the extension of all forms of economic, technical, material and moral support and assistance to the Palestinian people, while giving at the same time a preferential treatment to Palestinian export products by exempting them from taxes and tariffs.
4. Urges the business people and investors of the OIC Member States to undertake the execution of the economic, industrial, agricultural and housing programmes in all of the occupied Palestinian territories with a view to building the national economy.
5. Condemns Israel's continuing occupation of the Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its arbitrary practices against the Palestinian people in all of the occupied towns and villages.
6. Further condemns the continuing occupation by Israel of Syrian Golan South Lebanon and the Bekka Valley, as well as the arbitrary Israeli practices which have resulted in the deterioration of the economic and social conditions of the Syrian and Lebanese people who are under occupation.
7. Appeals urgently to Member States and the international organizations also to extend every necessary assistance to the Lebanese population in South Lebanon and Western Bekka which are daily and permanently exposed to Israeli aggression causing material losses and resulting in social hardship which paralyse almost permanently, the economic activities of the region.
8. Requests the Secretary General to follow this question and report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
/…
RESOLUTION NO. 21/23-E
ON
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF PALESTINE
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17-20 Rajab 1415H (09-12 December 1995),
Recalling resolutions adopted respectively by the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference and the Twenty-second Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Noting with great interest the role played by the Palestine National Authority in the Palestinian Self-rule regions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with a view to improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people and building up the national economy;
Having taken cognizance of the recommendations of the 19th Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;
Having taken note of the progress report of the Secretary-General on the subject;
1. Expresses deep appreciation for the assistance extended by some Member Countries and OIC relevant bodies.
2. Commends the efforts made by the Palestine National Authority in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions in order to reconstruct what occupation had destroyed, with a view to promoting the efforts exerted to build up and consolidate the Palestinian national economy.
3. Expresses great appreciation for the assistance provided by some Member States to the Palestinian people in order to build up the national economy in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions in the West Bank and the Gaza-Strip.
4. Urges the speedy granting of the required and approved assistance by the concerned Member States and OIC bodies, with a view to helping the Palestine National Authority and the Palestinian people in the building up of the national economy and the consolidation of their national institutions.
5. Reaffirms the previous resolutions advocating the provision of all forms of support and assistance as well as economic, technical, material and moral assistance in support of the Palestinian people and the Palestine National Authority and Urges that preferential treatment be accorded to Palestinian products as regards importation and exemption of taxes and customs duties.
6. Urges businessmen and investors of OIC Member States to contribute to the implementation of economic, industrial, agricultural and housing projects in the Palestinian Self-Rule regions, with a view to building up the national economy and enabling the Palestine National Authority and its national institutions to implement their development programmed, during the coming transitional period, in the various economic, social and hearth fields.
7. Given the obstacles raised by Israel in the face of the Palestinian labour force, appeals to the OIC Member States to provide work opportunities to this Palestinian labour force, with a view to enhancing the socio-economic status of the Palestinian people and putting an end to unemployment.
8. Urges the OIC Member States to conclude bilateral agreements with the Palestine Liberation Organization and its National Authority in the economic, commercial and social field, with a view to enhancing the socio-economic status of the Palestinian people on their national soil.
9. Requests the OIC Secretary General to pursue his efforts aimed at implementing the previous resolutions adopted in support of the State of Palestine and submit a progress report thereon to the next Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
/…
RESOLUTION No.29/23-E
ON
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD
INCLUDING ISRAELI PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS
ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN
TERRITORIES, THE OCCUPIED SYRIAN GOLAN AND OTHER
ISRAELI OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab 1416H (9-12 December 1995),
A) Environmental Problems in the Islamic World.
Recalling previous Resolutions on this subject especially Resolutions 2/19-E of the Nineteenth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, 17/21-E of the Twenty-first Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, 22/22-E of the Twenty-second Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, and 22/7-E (IS) of the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference;
Continuing to Stress the right of all human beings especially that in developing countries to obtain sustainable economic development, and to enjoy a healthy and non-polluted environment, as a basic human right;
Re-emphasizing the right of States to protect their environment from harmful activities, and to cooperate among themselves to that end;
Noting with concern that the condition of the environment has reached a stage that requires taking effective measures to stop its deterioration;
Recognizing that environmental destruction is a major global concern that requires the strengthening of international cooperation for the protection of the environment;
Noting with satisfaction the adoption and signature in Paris in September 1994 of the International Convention to combat desertification and drought and underlining the urgent necessity to implement it;
Stressing the need for closely and constantly monitoring the global environmental situation and relevant activities;
Also expressing its deep concern over the devastating effects of hazardous, toxic and radioactive wastes on human-kind and the environment;
Strongly condemning the attempts by some developed countries to export their hazardous & radioactive war for dumping in developing countries and appealing to Member States to sign the Basel Convention on Dangerous Wastes & the Bamako Convention & relevant international agreements;
Guided by the principles of Islam which enjoin the Muslim peoples to safeguard the bounties that Allah has granted them on Earth;
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on this subject:
1- Requests Member States to take into account environmental considerations in their developmental policies.
2- Urges Member States which have not yet done so, to ratify the International Convention to combat Desertification and Drought in order to enable its early implementation.
3- Further urges Member States to mobilize financial and institutional resources necessary for the execution of national and sub-regional programmes of action for the protection of the environment.
4- Urges the Member States to attach greater importance to the question of the protection of the Environment and Natural Resources and to its relevance to sustainable development.
5- Appeals the international community to conduct active scientific research on the increase in sea level so as to protect the flaura and fauna in the territories of the Member States.
6- Further appeals developed countries to honour their commitments in current International Agreements with regard to the transfer of financial resources and environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.
7- Reaffirms the determination of the Member States to work for the strengthening of international cooperation with a view to seeking solutions to global environmental problems.
8- Stresses that multilateral cooperation for the protection of the environment should include the provision of new additional financial resources and access to environmentally sound technologies to the developing countries.
9- Calls for the dissemination of pilot experiments in the application of environmental development of the Islamic States and the use of the latter's available expertise in this regard, whether through bilateral or multilateral programmed for the exchange of expertise.
10- Requests Member States to promote coordination and cooperation among environment monitoring networks and remote-control sensing centres and coastal control posts and all other environment protection organs in Islamic States.
11- Urges all Member States to continue consultation and coordination among them at all international meetings and consultations relating to environment protection, especially in the field of hazardous & radioactive waste.
12- Expresses its satisfaction over the fruitful cooperation now existing between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Programme.
13- Calls for the intensification of this cooperation with special reference to the problem of war remnants of World War II and other wars in the Islamic countries, which impedes development of its societies, calls on the international community to address the problem immediately and take the necessary measures to remove land mines & war remnants.
14- Expresses solidarity with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya concerning its position on the question of the mine-fields remaining in its territory from World War II, their grave effect on environment and the accidents and grievous damages they caused to thousands of its citizens. Also appeals to Member States to stand in solidarity with the Jamahiriya in its efforts to overcome this problem and its right to demand compensation for such damages and that the countries responsible for the mine danger finance mine-hunting operations and produce mine fields maps to the Libyan authorities concerned.
15- Requests the parties in the World War II to provide the Islamic States with the information, data and maps of the mines planted in their territories during the war and to extend the assistance required for the removal of these mines that do still causes damages to the human lives and obstruct development and constructions in vital areas.
Recalling previous OIC and other international resolutions on this subject;
Also recalling resolutions 14/11 and 15/18 of the UN Environment Programme with respect to the environmental conditions in the occupied Palestinian Arab Territories,
occupied Syrian Golan, Lebanese and other occupied Arab territories;
Referring to the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council and the ECOSOC;
Reaffirming the rights of mankind to a dignified life enjoying a healthy environment, free of pollution as a basic human and sacred right;
Re-emphasizing the principle that nations under foreign occupation must enjoy the right of permanent sovereignty on their national resources;
Expressing deep concern over the brutal practices of the Israeli occupation authorities which include seizure of land and water-resources, the demolition of houses, the construction of new settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab Territories, specially in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the Syrian Golan, the uprooting of trees, the destruction of crops, the cutting off of irrigation waters, the deforestation of wide expanses of land and the use of toxic gases with the attendant serious effects on the Palestinian and other Arab inhabitants and the economic and social situation in those lands;
Appreciating the Report presented by Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development on the environmental problems of the occupied Palestinian and Arab occupied territories which was presented during the 21st Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Having examined the Report of the Secretary General on this subject:
1- Condemns and censures Israel for its aggressive policies, the confiscation of Palestinian lands, setting forests on fire, the uprooting of trees, the cutting off of irrigation water and the seizure of water resources, thereby leading to considerable deterioration of ecological conditions in occupied Palestine and to a worsening of the economic and social situation of the citizens.
2- Stressed the inalienable right of the Palestinian population and the citizens in the Occupied Syrian Golan and in the other occupied Arab territories and considered the violation of these rights as unjustified.
3- Requests the Islamic countries to continue to extend help and assistance to the Palestine Liberation organization and the Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan and the Arab citizens in the Lebanese occupied territories in the drawing up of plans deemed necessary for environmental conservation within these territories and stresses that implemental measures be adopted for consolidating plans and taking steps required for exposing the policies pursued by Israeli occupation authorities which have led to ecological deterioration in the occupied Palestinian territories, the occupied Syrian Golan and the Lebanese occupied territories.
4- Strongly condemns Israel's persistence in changing the legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan and its practices aimed at changing its environmental conditions as well as its geographical, demographic and historical characteristics and at imposing Israeli laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan and in South Lebanon and Western Bekaa occupied by Israel.
5- Condemns Israel's continuous pursuit of nuclear programmed that are bound to cause serious damages to the ;neighbouring Islamic States as these programmed are not subject to the monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency and calls upon the international parties and bodies concerned to adopt the measures necessary for putting an end to these damages.
6- Acknowledges the valuable nature of the IFSTAD report on the crucial environmental issues affecting the Member States and strongly emphasize the need for further similar in depth studies pertaining to such issues so that the Member States are kept abreast of their future development and implications.
7. Requests that the proposals for action included in the report prepared by the Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development should be considered for implementation.
/…
RESOLUTION NO.24/23-C
ON THE
TWINNING OF PALESTINIAN UNIVERSITIES
IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE OIC MEMBER STATES
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9-12 December, 1995),
Recalling the various previous Resolutions of the Islamic Conferences and the recommendations of the Nineteenth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs, on the Twinning of Palestinian universities in the Occupied Territories with Member States' universities;
1. Calls on Member States to implement operative paragraph (1) of Resolution 5/19-C on twinning of Palestinian universities with the universities of Member States, adopted by the Nineteenth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
2. Approves the recommendations of the Nineteenth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs which call for the necessity of strengthening Islamic solidarity with the people and students of Palestine through establishing twinning relations between universities in Member States and Palestinian universities in the Occupied Territories to enable the latter to overcome their difficulties, confront the Israeli designs aimed at impeding their functioning, fulfil their educational mission in the best manner and contribute to the reinforcement of the Palestinian national authority.
3. Recommends to extend every kind of financial and academic support and assistance to the universities in the occupied territories so that they may be able to play their national and educational role, and supports in particular the Open University of Al-Quds in view of its great importance in supporting the steadfastness of its people and the preservation of the Arab and Islamic heritage of the Holy City.
4. Calls upon the Member States to see to it that their universities receive training and academic delegations from the Universities of the occupied Palestinian territorial to work in their Universities.
5. Calls upon the Member States to contribute towards training the Palestinian youth in their Universities and exchanging educational delegations in various academic fields, so as to assist the Palestinian Universities in performing their tasks during the overall reconstruction of the Palestinian National Authority and alleviate the material and academic difficulties which may emerge.
RESOLUTION NO.25/23-C
ON THE
TEACHING OF THE SUBJECT OF THE HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
OF PALESTINE
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9-12 December, 1995),
Recalling the previous resolutions adopted by the Islamic Conferences, and the recommendations of the Nineteenth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs on the teaching of the history and geography of Palestine;
1- Commends the efforts made by the Commission entrusted with the elaboration of curricula for the teaching of the History and Geography of Palestine and calls on the General Secretariat and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) to expeditiously print and communicate the curricula to the Member States in implementation of the relevant Islamic Resolutions.
2- Calls upon all educational organs and institutions in the Member States to contribute effectively to the teaching of the approved subject of the History and Geography of Palestine for the three levels of education so as to educate the young generations of the Islamic Ummah about the Palestinian territories and the rights of their Arab and Muslim people, and safeguard the Islamic and historic heritage of Palestine and particularly in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
3- Appeals to the Member States and the IDB to contribute to the costs of printing the approved curricula in the three OIC languages as well as in the national languages of non-Arabic-speaking States.
RESOLUTION NO.26/23-C
ON THE
EDUCATIONAL SITUATION IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN
TERRITORIES AND SYRIAN GOLAN–
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9-12 December, 1995),
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by previous Islamic Conferences and the recommendation issued by the Nineteenth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs, concerning educational situation in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories and Syrian Golan;
1. Condemns the measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities against the educational and cultural organs and institutions in the occupied Palestinian territories and aimed at denying the Palestinians access to education, so as to obliterate their national identity and sever their relation with their education and history, and distort their culture to serve the designs of occupation.
2. Appeals to the Member States to support the efforts of the Palestine Liberation Organization aimed at promoting the educational process in the occupied Palestinian territories over the transitional period, and to provide it with technical and financial means for the development of the necessary curricula for all educational levels.
3. Calls upon Member States to promptly extend every kind of academic and financial assistance and support to the educational sector in the occupied Palestinian territories so that it may fulfill its mission in the reconstruction of the Palestinian national institutions and so that the educational institutions may contribute to the establishment of the Palestinian people's national authority on their homeland, and as a further enhancement to Islamic solidarity with the Palestinian people.
4. Calls upon Member States to extend every necessary assistance to provide the financial requirements for the promotion of the educational process in the occupied territories in general and in the City of Al-Quds in particular, in view of the great difficulties faced by education in the Holy City on account of the practices of the Israeli occupation authority aimed at the Judaization of the City and at severing it from its Arabo-Islamic environment.
5. Condemns the Israeli acts of repression against and the closure of educational institutions in the occupied Syrian Golan, and in particular the banning of the Syrian textbooks and educational system, barring Syrian students from pursuing their studies in Syrian universities, depriving the Syrian students who pursue their higher education in the Arab Republic of Syria of their right to return, imposing the Hebrew Language on the Syrian students, imposing curricula which incite to hatred, hostility and religious fanaticism, laying off Syrian teachers, all of which constitute acts which flagrantly violate the Fourth Geneva Convention signed on 12 August 1949, on the protection of citizens in times of war, and which in fact but give further staying power to the resistance of the Syrian Arab people in the face of the Israeli parties aimed at the obliteration of their Arab cultural identity and declares its support for the maintenance of the Syrian Arab educational curricula and the provision of educational and cultural requirements.
6. Appeals to the international specialized organs and institutions to oppose this Israeli policy which violates international law and conventions and the Universal Human Rights Declaration.
7. Recommends the General Secretariat to continue its coordination with the international organs and institutions and particularly the UN and its specialized agencies, mainly the UNESCO and UNRWA with the purpose of giving assistance to the PLO and providing the necessary support for the development and updating of curricula at all educational levels. This is to be done within the framework of the establishment of the Palestinian national authority which is impeded by financial difficulties resulting from a deficit in terms of currently available resources to meet the requirements for the development of academic life in the occupied Palestinian territories.
8. Invites the Member States to extend all necessary facilities to the Palestinian students so as to enable them to enroll in their universities and specialized institutes and thus help them complete their university studies and also underlines the need to increase the number of scholarships and seats for the benefit of the Palestinian youth in the Islamic States and particularly in the fields of higher studies, technical, technological and teacher training.
9. Calls for extending support to the Open University of Al-Quds in view of its vital importance in strengthening the resistance of the Palestinian people and enabling them to continue their university studies and also calls for extending all the technical and financial assistance necessary for the university to develop and settle its problems so that it may open new branches and discharge its educational mission in an optimal manner.
10. Expresses its high appreciation for the role played by the Palestinian schools and universities in the preservation of the Palestinian culture and heritage and in confronting the measures adopted by the Israeli occupation authorities against the educational and cultural institutions and organs in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.
11. Reaffirms the need to implement the recommendation addressed to Islamic Universities' managements to receive training and academic missions from the universities of the occupied territories to work in their universities for short periods.
12. Recommends to provide all kinds of financial and academic assistance and support to the universities of the occupied territories in implementation of the successive Islamic Conferences, and to work for the establishment of a Centre for Higher Studies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
13. Calls for support to the resistance of the Syrian people in the occupied Golan against the Israeli practices aimed at obliterating their Arab cultural identity and proclaims its support for the maintenance of Syrian Arab educational programmer and the provision of educational and cultural requisites.
/…
RESOLUTION NO.27/23-C
ON THE
PRESERVATION OF THE ISLAMIC CHARACTER OF AL-QUDS AL-SHARIF
AND ITS HUMAN HERITAGE AND RELIGIOUS RIGHTS
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9-12 December, 1995),
Recalling the earlier resolutions of the Islamic Conferences and the recommendation of the Nineteenth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs concerning the preservation of the Islamic character of the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its human heritage;
1. Reiterates all earlier Islamic resolutions on the preservation of the Islamic character of Al-Quds and its human heritage.
2. Condemns the aggressive and expansionist policies of the Zionist enemy and particularly its policy which seeks to establish further settlements and to transfer and resettle hundreds of thousands of Jewish immigrants in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, which are policies aimed at seriously altering in their demographic and historic nature and Judaizing them, which may jeopardize the Peace Process and represents a flagrant violation of international law and of the relevant U.N. and Security Council Resolutions.
3. Calls for the continuation of action at all Islamic and international levels with a view to forcing Israel to abrogate its decision to annex the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, reaffirming the City's Arabo-Islamic character and reject its annexation or judaization, pursuant to the relevant resolutions of international legality, and particularly the UN Security Council's resolutions No. 465 and 478.
4. Requests the General Secretariat to continue its coordination with the international organs and institutions and particularly with the UNESCO to prevent the Israeli authorities from demolishing the buildings around the Al-Quds Holy Shrine and to stop their excavation works especially on the south side of the Holy Shrine whose objective is to destroy the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and erect their alleged temple on its site.
5. Recommends that an information seminar be organized on the City of Al-Quds particularly under the current situation so as to inform public opinion of imminent threats to the City, and the need to safeguard the Islamic and Christian Shrines and guarantee the right of worship for all believers.
6. Urges the General Secretariat and the OIC Member States to extend every material assistance to enable the Palestinian people to face up to the Israeli challenges and schemes aimed at obliterating religious monuments of the Holy City of Al-Quds, and reaffirms the need for extending all sorts of support and assistance to the residents of Al-Quds Al-Sharif for the repairing of their houses, support to their steadfastness and salvaging the Islamic shrines in Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
7. Commends, in this context, the efforts being exerted by Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference under the Chairmanship of King Hassan II, the Monarch of the Kingdom of Morocco.
RESOLUTION NO.28/23-C
ON THE
ISRAELI AGGRESSIONS AGAINST
ISLAMIC SHRINES IN AL-KHALIL
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9-12 December, 1995),
Reaffirming the objectives of the Charter of the OIC aimed at ensuring coordination for the safeguard and liberation of the Holy places;
Recalling the resolutions adopted by Islamic Conferences on the Unified Stand Against the Profanation of Islamic Sanctities and Values, in particular resolution 3/6-C(IS) of the Sixth Islamic Summit Conference and 17/21-C of the Twenty-First Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;
Expressing its grave concern over the schemes being devised against the Enclosure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil with the aim of Judaizing it, seizing part of it and preventing worshippers from entering it;
Recalling Security Council resolution number 904 (1994) on the Massacre in the Enclosure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil;
1. Strongly condemns the repeated Israeli aggressions against the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil, in particular, the massacre perpetrated by the settlers against Palestinian worshippers in the Enclosure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Ramadan 1414H killing tens of them.
2. Strongly condemns the aggressive Israeli scheme for the partition of the Enclosure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil, which aims at seizing and Judaizing most of it and building a Jewish Synagogue therein, and which constitutes an aggression against Islamic sanctities and feelings and a violation of all international Conventions and Charters in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
3. Requests Member States to coordinate and intensify their efforts in the various international fore to prevent the implementation of the Israeli scheme for partitioning the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil, to ensure its access for Muslims and to preserve the integrity of the Ibrahimi Enclosure as a Mosque for Muslims only as it has been through the ages; it warns Member States against any slackness in this regard as this would encourage Israel to undermine the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Islamic and Christian shrines.
4. Calls upon Member States to ensure the restoration of the old district in Al-Khalil, to safeguard the heritage and civilization of this historical city and its residents of the Palestinian families in an effort to counter Jewish colonization.
/…
RESOLUTION NO.33/23-C
ON THE
ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL
ORGANIZATION (ISESCO)
The Twenty-third Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session of Peace, Solidarity and Tolerance), held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, from 17 to 20 Rajab, 1416H (9-12 December, 1995),
Recalling the Resolutions adopted by the previous Islamic Conferences and the recommendations adopted by the Nineteenth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs concerning ISESCO;
Having examined the report submitted by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO);
1- Recommends the Member States to continue implementing the operative paragraphs of Resolution No. 32/7-C(IS) adopted by the Seventh Islamic Summit Conference, held in Casablanca on 11-13 Rajab 1415H (13-15 December, 1994), which commended the accomplishments made by ISESCO in the fields of education, science and culture. It requests ISESCO to carry on its efforts for the achievement of its noble goals, and praises once again:
2- Urges the Member States which have not yet ratified the Islamic convention on equivalence of diplomas to hasten to do so.
3- Invites the Member States which have not yet joined ISESCO to set to join it in support of Islamic solidarity.
4- Urges the Member States which have not yet settled their contributions to the organisation's budget to honour their financial obligations in order to enable the Organisation to implement its programmed and educational, scientific and cultural projects which are highly important for joint Islamic action for the preservation of the Islamic identity and the warding off of the external challenges.
Document Type: Communiqué, Letter
Document Sources: General Assembly, Security Council
Country: Guinea
Subject: Agenda Item, Assistance, Golan Heights, Jerusalem, Palestine question, Self-government area/developments
Publication Date: 10/05/1996