Situation in the OPT/Hebron – OIC statement – Letter from Pakistan

LETTER DATED 25 FEBRUARY 1994 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF PAKISTAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF

THE SECURITY COUNCIL

I have the honour to transmit herewith a statement adopted in a meeting of the member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference held in New York today containing, inter alia, a request for immediate convening of the Security Council in order to discuss the grave situation resulting from the barbaric and cold blooded attack in a mosque in Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi in Al-Khalil early this morning in which over 50 innocent people were martyred and more than 100 seriously injured while offering their morning prayers.

The member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference have called for an investigation of the matter which could have serious implications for peace and security in the region as well as the ongoing peace process.

I should be grateful if you could have this letter and its annex circulated as a document of the Security Council.

Annex

Statement dated 25 February 1994 adopted by the member States

of the Organization of Islamic Conference in New York

The peoples and the Governments of the member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference are deeply shocked, distressed and anguished by the barbaric and cold blooded attack in a mosque in Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi in Al-Khalil early this morning which resulted in the martyrdom of over 50 innocent people and seriously injuring more than 100 worshippers who were fasting and offering their morning prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.  They strongly condemn and deeply deplore this wanton act of terrorism.

The member States of the OIC extend their heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.

The member States of the OIC call for the immediate convening of the Security Council in order to investigate this matter which could have serious implications for peace and security in the region as well as the ongoing peace process.  They urge that those behind this cowardly attack should be brought to justice.

The member States of the OIC call for the immediate implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular, resolution 681.  They recall that the occupying power has a responsibility to protect the Palestinian people in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention which is applicable to the occupied Palestinian territories including Al-Quds Al-Shareef and the will of the international community, as manifested in relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly.  They also call for an immediate end to the Israeli policies of repression against the Palestinian people.

The member States of the OIC reaffirm the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people including their inalienable right to self-determination and reiterate the need for the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including Al-Quds Al-Shareef and from the other occupied Arab territories.  They call upon the United Nations to continue to play an active role in the current peace process and express the hope that it will lead to the early establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

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