UAE donates US$ 2 million to Islamic Solidarity Fund – UAE press release/Non-UN document

UAE donates US$2 million to Islamic Solidarity Fund

The United Arab Emirates has announced donation of 2 million US Dollars to the Islamic Solidarity Fund to enable it play its humanitarian role more efficiently. The announcement was made by Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali as he addressed the 33rd Session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference's Foreign Ministers.

Al Shaali stressed the need to adopt dialogue and negotiations as an ideal means to resolve disputes and reiterated the country's legitimate sovereignty over its three islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, as well as the territorial waters, air space, continental enclave and the economic zone of the islands as being inseparable part of the UAE.

"We hope that Iran will respond to the endeavours to resolve the issue either through direct negotiations or by referring it to the International Court of Justice," he said. Al Shaali called for measures to mend fences between Islamic countries.

He added that the Islamic world was facing a critical turning point against the backdrop of developments in Iraq, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, as well as proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including the nuclear capabilities, global terrorism, poverty, diseases, unemployment and illiteracy.

Al Shaali said the critical hardships many Islamic nations had been through had prompted the UAE to come to their support. He cited the USUS$4 million worth of aid extended to Indonesia to help it face the repercussions of last May's devastating earthquake, and USUS$ three million toward reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the humanitarian initiatives by Abu Dhabi Development Fund, Red Crescent Society and other charitable institutions.

On Iraq, the Minister said the UAE welcomed the formation of a new cabinet there, describing it as a major step toward restoring the country's sovereignty and independence and regaining its active role in the Arab and international arenas. "We do hope that the new government would restore national unity, security and stability to the country," he said.

On Palestine, the Minister said the UAE was following with deep concern the developments there. He denounced as serious blows to the peace process Israel's persistent atrocities, the latest of which was the barbaric shelling of the beach of bait Lahia in Northern Gaza." "We urge all parties to comply with international resolutions, apply the road map and the Arab initiative, to spare the region more tension and violence. We also call on the international community to continue to support the Palestinian people," the Minister said.

He called on all Palestinian parties to close ranks, renounce peace, and act in the best interest of the Palestinian people.

Al Shaali reiterated the UAE denunciation of all forms and manifestations of terrorism and the attempt to link it to a particular religious faith or culture. He underlined the need for the Islamic world to follow a moderate course and alienate itself from fanaticism. He called for fostering economic, business and technical cooperation among the OIC member states. "We need to enhance inter-trade, establish free trade zones, and encourage tourism and trade exchange," he said. Shaali also called for revitalising the role of the OIC to enable it to stand up to the challenges.