Friday October 17, 2003 06:58 PM

1. The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) was held in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 20 and 22 Sha'aban 1424H (16-18 October 2003) amid substantial international attention. The Conference was attended by delegations representing all member states, observer states, international and regional organizations, as well as OIC affiliated and specialized organs. The Conference was also attended by a number of Islamic associations, institutions and groups, and numerous guests and personalities interested in the activities of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

2. The Conference was opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an exhaustive speech delivered by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, Chairman of the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference. In his speech, which was adopted as an official document of the Conference (document No. .....), His Highness reviewed the achievements of his country during the three years of its chairmanship of the Islamic Summit Conference.

3. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, delivered a comprehensive speech in which he welcomed the leaders and representatives of the Islamic world and the distinguished guests, and addressed with extreme depth the challenges facing the Islamic Ummah. Dr. Mahathir's speech was adopted as an official document of the Conference. Then, the three groups successively took the floor to respond to the speech of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Excellency Abdoulaye WADE, President of the Republic of Senegal took the floor on behalf of the African Group, followed by H.E Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the Arab Group and H.E. Megawati Soekarnoputri, President of the Republic of Indonesia on behalf of the Asian Group. They expressed their gratitude to Malaysia for the generous hospitality and warm welcome, and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation and mutual support among the Islamic Ummah in the face of the dangers of the current critical times.

4. In view of the utmost importance that OIC attaches to the cause of Palestine and Al Quds Sharif, His Majesty Mohamed VI, King of Morocco, Chairman of the Committee of Al Quds, addressed the opening session with a comprehensive speech in which he informed Their Majesties and Excellencies, Kings and Presidents of Member States on the efforts made by Al-Quds Committee to counter the Zionist conspiracies aimed at judaizing the Holy City and obliterating its Islamic identity.

5. The Summit was also addressed by H.E. Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz, the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference who welcomed Their Majesties and Excellencies Kings and Presidents of Member States. In his address, the Secretary-General reviewed the current international situation and its impact on the Islamic world and the Member States, and highlighted the role of the General Secretariat in strengthening Islamic solidarity and combining the Ummah's, capabilities to face the challenges.

6. The opening session was also addressed by H.E. Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmed Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit; H.E Mr. Amir Moussa, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; and H.E Mr. Lakhdar Ibrahimi, Special Representative of H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General.

7. The Conference unanimously elected Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Chairman of the Tenth Session, approved the report submitted by the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting and adopted the Summit Conference's Agenda and Programme of Work. Accordingly, the Bureau of the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference was set up as follows:

The State of Malaysia - Chair

The Republic of Mali - Vice-Chair

The Republic of Yemen - Vice-Chair

The State of Palestine - Vice-Chair

The State of Qatar - Rapporteur

8. The Conference took note of the reports submitted by the Chairmen of the Standing Committees: His Majesty King Mohamed VI of Morocco and Chairman of the Committee of Al-Quds; His Excellency President Abdoulaye WADE, President of the Republic of Senegal and Chairman of the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC); His Excellency President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, President of the Republic of Turkey and Chairman of the Sanding Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC); and His Excellency President Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH): The Summit Conference commended the efforts made by the Committees to fulfil their mandates, approved the proposals contained in their reports regarding the enhancement of their performance and modes of operation, and requested the Chairman of the Tenth Islamic Summit Conference and the Secretary-General to implement these recommendations.

9. Having taken note of the reports of the Secretary-General on issues under examination in the agenda, of the recommendations submitted by the Foreign Ministers Meeting Preparatory to the Summit, and of all issues on the agenda, the Summit Conference adopted a number of resolutions in the fields of political, information, legal and Muslim Minority Affairs, Economic Affairs, Cultural and Social Affairs, Organisational Matters, and Financial and Administrative Affairs.

10. The Conference reaffirmed the need to establish an independent Palestinian State with A1-Quds Sharif as its capital, and the need to implement all the international resolutions pertaining to Palestine and the Middle East, particularly UNSC resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), UN General Assembly resolution 194 on the Return of Palestinian Refugees, and UNSC resolutions on the cause of Al-Quds, namely Resolutions 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 465 (1980), 476 (1980), 478 (1980, 1073 (1996) and 1397 (2002), and the implementation of the Road Map as published.

11. The Conference took note of the report submitted by the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee and commended the continuous effort made by His Majesty King Mohamed VI in order to safeguard the Arab and Islamic identity for Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to remain the symbol of coexistence and tolerance.

12. The Conference called on the international Quartet to work studiously to reach a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East in implementation of the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, the Madrid Principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the implementation of the Road Map as published. It called for action to urge the Security Council to endorse the Road Map as published, to set up an implementation mechanism thereof within a well-defined timeframe, and the need to dispatch international disengagement forces between Palestinians and Israelis to guarantee stability and calm in the region and to monitor the implementation of the two sides' commitments as contained in the Road Map.

13. The Conference strongly condemned the threats of the Israeli government against the democratically elected President Yasser Arafat, and appealed to the international community to force Israel to abide by the UNGA resolution ES10/12 of 19/9/2003 requesting Israel to refrain from jeopardizing the safety of the Palestinian President and not to deport any Palestinian citizen out of their homeland.

14. The Conference requested the international community to compel Israel to end the construction of - and remove - the apartheid wall which encroaches upon the Palestinian land, turns it into Bantustans, imposes unjust political realities and further deteriorates conditions in the region.

15. The Conference strongly condemned the perpetration by Israel of the crimes of murder, detention, destruction of homes, demolition of infrastructure, imposition of collective sanctions on the Palestinian people, violation of the sanctity of Christian and Islamic Holy places, and most particularly Israel's recent move allowing Jews access to and prayer in the premises of the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa.

16. The Conference requested the international community to ensure Israeli occupation forces' withdrawal from occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, the lifting of the Israeli siege imposed on the Palestinian people and leadership, the removal of all blockades and barriers imposed on Palestinian crossings, cities, villages and refugee camps, and the release of all Palestinians and Arabs detained in Israeli prisons.

17. The Conference reaffirmed its denunciation of the Israeli expansionist policy of settlement and the need to work to end all Israeli settlements, measures and practices running counter to the resolutions of international legitimacy and in disagreement with the relevant conventions signed between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. The Conference requested the UN Security Council to end these measures and to remove Israeli settlements in accordance with UNSC resolution 465 of 1980, and to restore the Committee established by virtue of UNSC resolution 446 of 1979 to monitor the situation of settlement in the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the City of Al-Quds.

18. The Conference strongly condemned the Israeli policy which refuses to abide by UN Security Council Resolution No. 497 (1981) concerning Occupied Syrian Golan as well as Israel's policy of land annexation, establishment of settlements, confiscation of land, changing the flow of water resources and the imposition of the Israeli nationality on Syrian citizens. The Conference demanded Israel to complete its withdrawal from the Occupied Syrian Golan to the borders of the 4th of June 1967 in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions No. 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of land-for-peace as well as the references of the Madrid Conference and the Arab Peace Initiative which was adopted by the Arab Summit Conference in Beirut.

19. The Conference commended the steadfastness of the Government, people and resistance of Lebanon as well as, the liberation of Lebanese territories and routing the Israeli occupation. It expressed support for the efforts exerted by Lebanon to complete the liberation of all its lands up to the internationally recognized borders. The Conference urged the United Nations to compel Israel to pay compensations for the losses it inflicted or caused as a consequence of its repeated aggressions against Lebanon. It also expressed its backing of demand of Lebanon for demining of the mines left by the Israeli occupation which has planted them and is therefore responsible for removing them. The Conference expressed its support for Lebanon's inalienable rights to utilize and benefit from its water resources in accordance with international law. It condemned Israeli designs to usurp these resources. The Conference held Israel responsible for any action it carries out that prejudices the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon as well as the security and safety for its people and territorial integrity. It condemned recent aggressions by Israel and its provocative violations of Lebanon's airspace across which it launched attacks against Syria.

20. The Conference stressed commitment to apply the principles and laws of the Islamic Boycott of Israel , and action to revitalize its means, energize its tools and make the legislations, regulations and rules that organize the work of the Islamic Boycott of Israel as part of their respective national legislations in force. The Conference requested strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Islamic and the Arab Bureau for the Boycott of Israel in both the General Secretariats of the OIC and the League of Arab States, aiming at achieving maximum efficacy in the applications of the boycott rules of Israel in the Arab and Muslim States.

21. The Conference reaffirmed the need for all to respect Iraq's sovereignty, political independence, national unity and territorial integrity. It stressed the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and to have full control , over its natural resources and to establish a broad-based and fully representative government, and the need to accelerate the restoration of the full sovereignty of Iraq. The Conference hailed the constitution of the Transitional Governing Council of Iraq on 13 July 2003 and the establishment of a cabinet as a step toward the achievement of this end. In this connection, it showed the central role that the United Nations should play in post-war Iraq, and reaffirmed its determination to urge the Permanent Representatives of OIC member states to the United Nations in New York to keep under review the developments relating to Iraq, to coordinate the positions of the Organisation within the United Nations, and to submit a report thereon to the OIC.

22. The Conference reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and the need for the latter to establish good relations with all its neighbours and to abide by the existing treaties and agreements, particularly those relevant to internationally recognized borders.

23. The Conference indicated the obligations of occupation forces in accordance with international law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Convention, and, in this respect, stressed the responsibility of occupation forces for the protection of the civil and religious rights and the cultural, religious and historical heritage of the Iraqi people. The Conference reaffirmed the need for these forces to act in such a way that guarantees respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq's neighbouring States.

24. The Conference took note of the relevant provisions of the UNSC resolution 1483 (2003) and accordingly urged member states to provide all forms of support and assistance to satisfy all Iraq's needs and to boost efforts to rehabilitate its organic bodies, economic institutions and infrastructure. The Conference welcomed the last UN Security Council resolution No. 1511 (2003).

25. The Conference strongly condemned the criminal terrorist bombing of the Jordanian Embassy, Turkish Embassy, the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, and the holy places in Al-Najaf and the assassination of Dr. Aqila Al-Hashimi, member of the Governing Council. Expressing its utmost grief and sorrow, the Conference condemned the genocide acts uncovered by the mass graves perpetrated by the former regime in Iraq against innocent people from Iraq, Iran, and from other countries as in Halabja, anfal and Marshes, and also the killing of Kuwaiti prisoners of war, which constitutes a crime against humanity and a serious violation of the provisions of international humanitarian law. The Conference called for the prosecution of the former Iraqi regime's officials who perpetrated these crimes.

26. The Conference stressed its solidarity with the Syrian Arab Republic in the face of the external threats and pressures against it and condemned the Israeli aggression as a violation of international law and the UN Charter. The Conference requested the UN Security Council to take measures to prevent the repetition of such an aggression and commended the wise policy of restraint with which Syria responded to this aggression by resorting to the UN. The Conference also called for the implementation of relevant UN resolutions requesting Israel to withdraw from the Syrian Golan and the other Arab territories to the line of 4th June 1967.

27. The Conference commended the efforts made by the Transitional Government of Afghanistan to restore State power and rehabilitate State Institutions. In this connection, it called on member states to lend technical support to the Afghan government so that the new constitution may reflect the Islamic culture and identity of the Afghan people, and to democratise politics in such a way that guarantees the right of participation for all the people of Afghanistan.

28. The Conference expressed its satisfaction at the constitution of the OIC Fund to Assist the Afghan People, and commended the states that have provided donations to the Fund to enable it to commence its action. It called on all member states to contribute to the Fund either directly or by implementing bilateral projects in Afghanistan through the Fund so that the Islamic assistance may have a more visible impact and be more efficient. In this connection, the Conference appealed to all states to fulfil their financial commitment made in the Tokyo Donors' Conference in view of the pressing need of the Afghan government and people for these donations.

29. The Conference expressed its concern over the lack of security and instability outside the capital city of Kabul, and requested the United Nations and the international forces to extend their activity to all regions of Afghanistan, to expedite the training of the Afghan army and police, and to provide them with the necessary equipment so as to ensure full security in all parts of the country.

30. The Conference expressed its support for the Kenya Conference on Reconciliation in Somalia and urged the transitional government and the Somali factions to participate in the Conference, to work toward its success, and to implement its resolutions. The Conference called for the constitution of a broad-based government that guarantees the representation of all parties, and warned against the multiplicity of governments in Somalia. It requested the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to Somalia to intensify contacts with all parties concerned within the country and abroad to expedite the peace process and establish a comprehensive peace that guarantees to Somalia security and stability and the preservation of national unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

31. The Conference reaffirmed its support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their legitimate right to self-determination by virtue of the resolutions of the United Nations Organisation. It called for respect of the human rights of the Kashmiri people and the ending of their continuous violations, and urged India to allow international human rights organisations to verify the condition of human rights in Kashmir occupied by India.

32. The Conference supported the on-going efforts of the Government of Pakistan to seek a peaceful resolution on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through all possible means including substantive bilateral talks with India. In this context, called for serious negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the will of the people of jammu and Kashmir. The Conference noted with appreciation Pakistan's offer of a ceasefire along the Line of Control and the offer to encourage a general cessavion of violence within Kashmir involving reciprocal obligations and restraints on Indian forces and the Kashmir freedom movement. The Conference expressed concern at the Indian rejection of the action plan for peace in the region and called upon India to consider Pakistan's proposal for peace in the region.

33. The Conference reiterated its condemnation of the continuing aggression in the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan, which constitutes a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. It called for total, unconditional and immediate withdrawal of the occupation forces of Armenia from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The Conference demanded from Armenia to implement fully other provisions of the United Nations Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884. The Conference reiterated the necessity to put an end to all illegal Armenian settlement activities and other measures and practices of artificial geographic, cultural and demographic alterations in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, in particular planned transformation of the Mosque in the town of Shusha into an Armenian library. The Conference urged all member States to continue strengthening their solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan, supporting its just cause and to use all resources of the Islamic Ummah to achieve soonest restoration of complete sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The Conference called on member States to extend their full support to endeavors of Azerbaijan to utilize the potential of the United Nations to this end, including through the cooperation of the latter with relevant regional international organizations.

34. The Conference reaffirmed its support for the cause of the Muslim Turkish Community in Cyprus to reach a just settlement on the basis of the principles of equality and parity between the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot sides. It expressed its satisfaction at the UN Secretary-General's plan for the settlement of the Cypriot issue. It welcomed the measures taken by the Turkish Cypriot part, that create a favourable atmosphere and pave the way for a comprehensive settlement.

35. The Conference expressed its appreciation of the positions of the Great Jamahiriya and its positive initiatives to reach a peaceful solution to the Lockerbie crisis and to abide by the provisions contained in UN Security Council Resolutions No. 748 (1992) and 883 (1993) lifting the unjust sanctions which were imposed against the Great Jamahiriya. The conference reiterated its call to lift all unilateral sanctions against the Great Jamahiriya.

36. The Conference noted with satisfaction the ending of the civil war in Sierra Leone, and reaffirmed its support for the reconstruction efforts by the Government of Sierra Leone. In this connection, it commended the creation of the Fund for the Reconstruction of Sierra Leone, and launched a strong appeal to member states to contribute to the Fund directly or by implementing bilateral projects in consonance with the spirit of Islamic solidarity and mutual support.

37. The Conference commended the Sudanese Government’s sincere initiatives to reach peace in the South, and welcomed the signing of the Security Measures Agreement in Nairobi between the Sudanese Government and the Popular Movement on 25 September 2003, as a fundamental step toward a comprehensive peace agreement: The Conference reaffirmed its solidarity with the Government of the Sudan in facing the heinous designs and stressed Sudan's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

38. The Conference decided to set up an Islamic Fund for the Development of the Areas Damaged by War in Sudan in order to prevent obstruction of the peace process in the country, considering that development and rehabilitation of fighters are fundamental bases for the continuation and consolidation of peace so that national unity may become an attractive option for those areas' population after the transitional period.

39. The Conference reaffirmed that OIC member states have immediate interest in the reform of the United Nations System, including the extension of the Security Council's membership, and stressed its determination to contribute actively to this process in conformity with the relevant statements and declarations issued by the Organisation.

40, The Conference reaffirmed the need to strengthen multilateral diplomacy to address the issues of disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and noted in this connection that multilateral institutions established under the aegis of the United Nations are the only legitimate bodies entitled to verify and ensure adherence to relevant international conventions. The Conference strongly condemned the position of Israel aimed at developing nuclear weapons and refusing to place its nuclear installations under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in opposition with all international conventions. The Conference also reaffirmed its rejection of the principle of pre-emptive military attacks against states under any excuse whatsoever.

41. The Conference reiterated its commitment and determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, and its commitment to contribute to multilateral efforts to counter this scourge. It expressed its rejection of selectivity and duplicity of standards in combating terrorism and of all attempts to associate terrorism with a particular religion or culture; and voiced its support for an international conference to be held under the aegis of the United Nations to define terrorism. The Conference reaffirmed the need to make efforts to sign a convention on international terrorism to distinguish between terrorism and the legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination of people living under occupation or foreign domination, in consonance with the UN Charter and the international law. The Conference stressed that the cases of alien occupation are governed by the international humanitarian law and not by conventions on terrorism, and called on member states that have not yet ratified the OIC Treaty for Combating International Terrorism to do so. The Conference also commended Malaysia's initiative to hold an Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers on Terrorism on 1 – 3 April 2002.

42. The Conference reaffirmed the inalienable rights of all States to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. In this context, it welcomed the increased cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and encouraged Iran to continue this cooperation. It regretted that the divergent views in this issue could not be consolidated in a consensus resolution at the recent meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors. The Conference took note of different interpretation of different paragraphs of the resolution, particularly on operative paragraph 4, and believed that gutting the deadline at the end of October would tie the Agency's hand. The Conference stressed that the Board resolution should not forestall or hinder the process before or after November 2003, and invited all States to assist the IAEA Director-General to establish a framework of cooperation, in consultation with Iran, to bring all outstanding issues to a closure.

43. The Conference expressed its commitment and determination to continue to work assiduously to promote and preserve human rights and fundamental liberties, and called for more transparency, cooperation, tolerance, respect for religious values, cultural diversity, and promotion and protection of human rights in the world. It stressed the need to follow up on the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. The Conference called on all member states to continue to coordinate and cooperate in the field of human rights in relevant international forums, to promote Islamic solidarity in countering attempts to use human rights as a means of political pressure on any member state.

44. The Conference called on States that impose arbitrary political or legal measures, unilateral economic sanctions, or other coercive measures on any member state, to annul those measures as they are in contradiction with the goals, principles and Charter of the United Nations, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and international law.

45. The Conference further reaffirmed its determination to contribute actively to the maintenance and preservation of peace and security at the regional and international levels in favour of all OIC Member States and in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in order to foil the misleading media campaigns and threats waged against Islamic countries, and to show full support for and solidarity with the Islamic countries facing foreign pressure, threats and interference in their internal affairs. The Conference called for the settlement of disputes among states with dialogue and on the basis of international law and respect of the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.

46. The Conference reaffirmed the importance of communication with Muslim communities and minorities in the world, and the need for more efforts to implement the relevant Islamic resolutions. It stressed its categorical rejection of all campaigns of hatred and enmity waged by different media against Islam and Muslims. It recalled that Islam advocates compassion, tolerance and co-existence among all peoples of the world.

47. The Conference appealed to Member States to attach special interest to the issues of Muslim minorities in non-member states, particularly those among them that are still exposed to repression, oppression and ethnic cleansing, and to enhance cooperation and coordination between the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the states concerned, and international and regional organisations in this regard in order for these minorities to regain their fundamental rights and respect for their interests, Islamic culture and identity within respect for the sovereignty, laws and traditions of the countries where they live.

48. The Conference urged the Republic of the Philippines to diligently end its military operations in Southern Philippines and to implement the remaining articles of the peace agreement signed between the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996, and the agreed Plan of Comprehensive Development in the Muslim Autonomous Region in Southern Philippines to accomplish the restoration of stability and peace in the region.

49. The Conference urged also the member states that have not yet ratified the statutes of the International Islamic Court of justice to complete the ratification process so that the Court can start to assume its functions. The Conference called on member states to pursue the existing positive cooperation and coordination in the field of human rights, particularly during international conferences and meetings on the matter.

50. The Conference reiterated its commitment and determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism , and its commitment to contribute to multilateral efforts to counter this threat. It expressed its rejection of selectivity and double standards in combating terrorism and of all attempts to associate terrorism with a particular religion or culture; and voiced its support for an international conference to be held under the aegis of the United Nations to define terrorism. The Conference reaffirmed the need to make efforts to sign a convention on international terrorism to distinguish between terrorism and the legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination of people living under occupation or foreign domination, in consonance with the UN Charter and the international law. The Conference reaffirmed that the cases of alien occupation are governed by international humanitarian law and not by conventions on terrorism, and called on member states that have not yet ratified the OIC Convention for Combating International Terrorism to take the necessary steps to do so.

51. The Conference expressed its deep concern over the repeated and wrongful association between Islam and human rights violations, and over the use of the written and audiovisual media to propagate such misrepresentations. It called for an end to the unjustified campaigns waged by certain non-governmental organizations against a number of member states to demand the abolition of Sharia laws and sanctions under the pretext of protecting human rights, and affirmed the right of states to hold fast onto their religious, social, and cultural specificities, which constitute their heritage and an enrichment for common universal concepts of human rights.

52. The Conference urged member states again to expeditiously sign and ratify the different agreements concluded under the aegis of the OIC.

53. The Conference underlined the need to devise ways and means to minimize the adverse effects of globalization on the economies of the OIC countries and called for an equitable share in the benefits of globalization for all countries.

54. The Conference expressed concern over extraterritorial application by a number of developed countries of their domestic legislation adversely affecting foreign investment in other countries and recalled in this connection the UN General Assembly resolution 57/5.

55. The Conference called upon the developed countries for further liberalization of trade through increased access to their markets for the products and services of developing countries.

56. The Conference called for speedy accession of all the developing countries to the World Trade Organization (WTO) underlining that no political consideration should impede this process. It rejected all attempts to include non-trade issues, such as labor and environment standards, into the work Programme of WTO, or to link such issues with trade deals.

57. The Conference noted with dismay the lack of progress in the Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference held in Cancun, Mexico in September 2003 and reiterated its appeal to the WTO to strengthen the development dimension in the various multilateral trade agreements through a wide range of measures, including the application of the provisions on special and preferential treatment for developing countries.

58. The Conference stressed the importance of developing an orderly and strengthened international financial system with a view to addressing the fundamental weaknesses of the present system so as to stem possible repercussions of any future financial crises.

59. The Conference called the member states to increase their share of world trade by enhancing their competitiveness at the international level. It further underscored the fundamental importance of expanding intra-OIC trade.

60. The Conference commended the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) for its key role in strengthening economic and commercial cooperation among member states. It also appreciated the commendable stewardship of H.E. Mr. Ahmed Necdet Sezer, the President of the Republic of Turkey and the Chairman of the COMCEC. It also stressed the urgency of accelerating the implementation of the OIC Plan of Action to Strengthen Economic and Commercial Cooperation among Member States.

61. The Conference expressed its conviction that the achievement of a higher level of economic and commercial cooperation among member states would provide the necessary basis for a gradual progression towards greater economic integration leading to the ultimate objective of an Islamic Common Market.

62. The Conference welcomed the entry into force of the Framework Agreement on Trade Preferential System among the OIC member states upon its ratification by the required number of OIC Member States, which paved the way for the launching of trade negotiation among the ratifying countries. In this connection, it appreciated the offer by the Republic of Turkey to host the first round of such negotiation, which is expected to commence in early 2004. The Conference also called upon member states that have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify at an early date the various agreements/statutes finalized under the aegis of the OIC.

63. The Conference renewed its appeal to the international community to fully and expeditiously implement the Programme of Action for 2001-2010 adopted by the Third UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries held in Brussels in May 2001. In this connection, it took note of the outcome of the International Conference on Financing Development on 18-22 March 2002 in Monterrey, Mexico.

64. The Conference expressed concern over the widespread poverty in the LDCs leading to their marginalization in the global economy. It further reaffirmed the common objective of member states of eradicating poverty before the end of the next decade and the need for incorporating Micro Credit Programmes in the strategy for poverty eradication.

65. The Conference renewed its call to the international community to significantly reduce the indebtedness of the African countries and secure fresh flow of substantial funds on easy terms to these countries. It also appealed for assistance to Member States struck by drought and natural disasters and for providing assistance to the Inter-governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). It welcomed in this connection the outcome of the meeting of the Committee held on the sideline of this Summit on 16 October, 2003 under the chairmanship of the State of Qatar.

66. The Conference expressed its appreciation for the debt relief initiative for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) and called for its accelerated implementation in order to enable more eligible countries to benefit from the initiative.

67. The Conference stressed the importance of the steps taken at the World Food Summit in Rome on 8-13 June 2002 aimed at alleviating hunger and achieving food security.

68. The Conference stressed the role of the private sector in providing impetus to intraOIC economic and commercial relations and further emphasized the role of the small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial development of member states.

69. The Conference commended the role of the Islamic Development Bank Group in supporting development programmes in member states and invited the latter to make full use of the various services offered by the Group.

70. The Conference commended the role played by the subsidiary organs and the affiliated institutions of OIC, active in economic and commercial fields, namely the Statistical Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade, the Islamic Chamber of Commence and Industry and the Organization of the Islamic Shipowners' Association and called on member states to support their activities.

71. The Conference endorsed the Kuala Lumpur Programme of Action for the Development and Promotion of Tourism in the OIC Member States as adopted by the Second Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2001 and endorsed by the Third Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers held in Riyadh in October 2002. It also called for its implementation.

72. The Conference condemned the acts of demolition and destruction of Palestinian houses, institutions, facilities and lands causing severe losses to the Palestinian economy and expressed its deep concern over the disastrous economic repercussions of these ongoing aggressive practices of the Israeli government and called for their immediate cessation. It also appealed for assistance to the Palestinian people help them to build their national economy and strengthen their national institutions; and establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. It reiterated its commendation in this connection of the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the creation of two funds to support Palestine with its donation of USD2S0 million to them and called for financial support to these funds.

73. The Conference approved the views and tendencies presented and illustrated in the remarkable report submitted to the Summit by His Excellency President Abdoulaye WADE, Chairman of the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC), emanating from the 6th and 7th Sessions of the COMIAC and the 6th Islamic Conference of Information Ministers. In this connection, the Conference took note with satisfaction of the activities carried out by the OIC General Secretariat and the relevant specialized Islamic institutions.

74. The Conference endorsed the conceptions and measures proposed by the OIC Secretary-General to activate the information and communication sector so that it can fulfil its mission in further promoting the just causes of Islam, the various achievements of the Islamic Ummah and the aspirations of Muslim communities in non-member states, and contribute actively to reactivate dialogue of civilizations to rally peoples around the eternal human values and solidarity.

75. The Conference highlighted the significant role which should be played by the Information and Communication sector, particularly in the current circumstances characterized by the exacerbation of the premeditated campaigns tarnishing the image of Islam and Muslims in some parts of the world, by propagating the noble message of Islam founded on peace, tolerance, and dialogue, interaction with other civilizations and highlighting the issues of the Islamic Ummah and projecting its aspirations through international media. In this respect, the Conference called for the mobilization of all necessary means, especially voluntary contributions, to provide the necessary funds and carry out projects of information and communication and the Information Plan issued from the mechanisms of implementation of the Information Strategy of the Islamic States. This has led to the following donations by the leaders of member states.

76. The Conference requested member states to enhance coordination for their participation in the World Summit on Information Society in its two phases: Geneva and Tunis. The Conference called on member states to help draw up concepts and features for aspired information in consonance with the principles of Islamic societies and aspirations of the Ummah toward progress, development and prosperity for its peoples.

77. The Conference expressed its support for the Republic of Tunisia in its efforts to make Phase II of the World Summit on Information Society which will be held in Tunisia in November 2005 a success, and called on member states to participate actively to the success of the Summit.

78. The Conference reaffirmed the significant unity of the Islamic Ummah, the harmony of its cultural tendencies, the coordination of their efforts in the various fields of public action without prejudice to the national and local cultural specificities of Muslim peoples, and support for the institutions of scientific research such as to guarantee the implementation of their projects in the field of Islamic culture and civilization. The Conference called on member states and Arab and Islamic organisations and institutions to help fund the cultural projects of the Islamic Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) adopted by the Advisory Board for the Implementation of the Cultural Strategy of the Islamic World. The Conference further reaffirmed the importance of energizing the role of the Supreme Council of Education and Culture in the West which works within the Strategy of Islamic Cultural Action in the West, and called on OIC member states to lend financial and moral support to this Council through the ISESCO.

79. The Conference called on member states to award scholarships to Palestinian students wounded during Al-Aqsa Intifada as well as to other students from the families of martyrs of the Intifada. It also called on member states' universities to name scholarships after child martyrs of the Intifada.

80. The Conference stressed the need to contribute to the establishment of a waqf whose assets shall consist of donations, grants and gifts with sufficient income to guarantee permanent revenue for Islamic Universities. The Conference urged donors to intensify efforts to reach this goal, and charged the Secretary-General and the Board of Trustees of Islamic Universities to raise the funds needed for this waqf. The Conference also called on the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund to take the necessary measures to settle the accumulating debts of the Islamic University in Uganda to help it continue to serve the noble objective for which it was established and to prevent the tarnishing of its reputation in courts.

81. The Conference called for the convening of a ministerial conference on women where an action plan would be proposed on the promotion of women's role in the development of Islamic societies and opening more horizons for them in various fields of public life, and preparing for the ministerial conference on the protection of children in Muslim states.

82. The Conference commended the outstanding achievements of ISESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, information, and communication in favour of member states and Muslim communities, especially in the propagation of the Arabic language and Islamic culture, the preservation of Islamic heritage and culture, the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and religions, the sponsoring of children of immigrant Muslim communities, and the support provided to cultural and educational institutions. In this connection, it expressed satisfaction at ISESCO's supervision of the educational and cultural aspects of the administrative and academic restructuring of the Islamic University of Uganda and its preparation of suitable syllabi for it.

83. The Conference expressed its appreciation for the various activities of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) to raise awareness of the world public opinion regarding Islamic cultural heritage, and its efforts to maintain and preserve this heritage.

84. The Conference requested the competent entities of the Turkish Government and the OIC General Secretariat to coordinate their efforts to implement the resolutions adopted by the Fourth Session of the Council of the Trustees of the Waqf (ISAR) held in October 2002.

85. The Conference called on member states to contribute generously to help fund the various projects of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, particularly the Encyclopaedia of Fiqh Rules and the Encyclopaedia of Economic Fiqh which is the main tool for the implementation of the principles of Islamic Sharia in the economic, financial and social fields, and the nucleus of Islamic law.

86. Within the framework of the efforts aimed at upgrading the performance and function of the Organization of the Islamic Conference we have entrusted the Islamic Fiqh Academy and its General Secretariat with the task of restructuring its statute in a way that would enable this organ to achieve the objectives assigned to it and secure all that is required to this purpose in term of expanding its fields of specialization and function through the inclusion of various intellectual issues as necessitated by the nature and circumstances of the current phase of the Ummah's history in the Twenty-fifth Century.

87. The Conference expressed its gratitude to all member states that have made generous donations to the Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf, namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, and the State of Qatar and appealed to them to provide more donations to the budget of the Fund and to contribute to the capital of its Waqf. The Conference also thanked His Highness Sheikh Zaid bin Sultan Al-Nahyan for generously donating U.S.$3 million in favour of the Islamic Solidarity Fund.

88. The Conference urged member states to pursue their efforts to implant Islamic values in young people and carry out more cultural activities for them. The Conference stressed the need to convene soonest the Islamic Conference of Youth Ministers in Riyadh, and welcomed the existing cooperation between the General Presidency for Youth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the OIC General Secretariat and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation for the good preparation for this conference.

89. The Conference expressed its appreciation for the positive results achieved by the Committee for joint Islamic Action in the field of Dawa, aimed at creating common ground for Islamic institutions and organizations in order to serve Islam and Muslims. It requested the members of the Committee of Experts Entrusted with confronting the challenges facing the Islamic Ummah in the Twenty-first Century to continue their work to draw up a practical methodology capable of meeting these dangers. It encouraged the inclusion of the strategy of joint Islamic Action in the national policies of the Member States to act as a guide for the latter in the field of joint Islamic Action.

90. The Conference expressed its satisfaction with the activities performed by the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent in the humanitarian and social fields and welcomed the ratification by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Qatar of the agreement. It expressed the hope that other member States which have not yet ratified the agreement will do so.

91. The Conference strongly condemned Israeli practices and their impact on the environment in the occupied Palestinian and Syrian territories, and the previously occupied Lebanese territories.

92. The Conference stressed the need for cooperation and adoption of effective measures to protect the environment which is essential for the sustainable development of the Member States. Concerning health, combating epidemic diseases, and the abuse of narcotic drugs, the Conference urged the strengthening of cooperation among Member States to combat the spread of such scourges.

93. The Conference called for the convening, in the near future, of a Meeting of Ministers of Health in Member States on the epidemic diseases that affect human through the respiratory system and through animals, plants and environment. It welcomed in this connection the generous offer made by the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the said meeting in Tehran. It also decided that the said meeting be assigned the task of supervising the establishment of cooperation among Islamic States in the field of health in general, including pharmaceutical products.

94. The Conference took note of the programmes and the deliberations held during the Second Meeting of the Consultative Council for the Implementation of the Strategy of Development of Science and Technology in the Islamic countries.

95. The Conference reaffirmed the need to share science and technology among member states and to harness them for peaceful purposes for the good of humanity and for the socio-economic development of member states.

96. The Conference welcomed the establishment of the ISESCO's Center for the Promotion of Scientific Research, and urged member states to support it.

97. The Conference commended the activities of COMSTECH and ISESCO for their efforts in serving the cause of the Islamic Ummah and encouraged support for them.

98. The Conference commended the activities of the Islamic University of Technology in Dhaka, and urged it to continue its efforts for the mobilization of human resources which the Member States may need in the fields of science and technology and urged its Member States to extend financial assistance to the University.

99. The Conference discussed and adopted the resolutions of the First Conference on Science and Technology for Industrial Development held in Kuala Lumpur on 7-10 October, 2003, and hailed Vision 1441H.

100. The Conference discussed and adopted the Resolutions of the Second Ministerial Meeting on Higher Education and Scientific Research, held in Libya in October 2003.

101. The Conference exhorted member states to pay their contributions regularly in order to enable the Organisation to fulfil the mandates and responsibilities entrusted to it by the Conferences of Foreign Ministers and the Islamic summit conferences.

102. The Conference decided to exempt member states of 50 per cent of the arrears provided that they speed up the payment of their contributions for two consecutive years as of 2003/2004. Should they continue their regular payment for two more years, the exemption of another 25 per cent may be considered. The states concerned could then benefit from preferential treatment by getting loans, grants and subsidies from subsidiary and specialized organs affiliated to the Organization. States failing to meet the above would not benefit from loan advantages or subsidies from subsidiary and specialized organs of the Organization until settlement of their arrears.

103.The Conference welcomed the report submitted by the Secretary-General on the progress made in preparing the final Study on Restructuring the General Secretariat to meet the Challenges of the New Millennium, and reiterated its gratitude to the Islamic Development Bank for funding the special study on the reform of the Organisation. The Conference called for the completion of the study on the restructuring of the Organization, and resolved that the study, once completed, will be submitted to the intergovernmental expert group and then to the 31st session of the ICFM due to be held in Turkey. The Conference renewed its gratitude to Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the Islamic Development Bank for their studious follow-up of the study, and to the General Secretariat for the facilities provided to the Malaysian expertise firm in charge of the study.

104.The Conference paid special tributes to the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf for his timely and important initiative on "Enlightened Moderation". It requested the Chairman of the Islamic Summit Conference to constitute a Commission of Eminent Persons from Member States; and requested the Chairman of the Conference to head the Commission. The report and the recommendations of the Commission will be considered by an Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference to be held by the end of 2004, with an interim report to be considered at the 31st ICFM.

105.The Conference welcomed the participation of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation in the Opening Session of the Tenth Islamic Summit Conference. It also welcomed the desire of the Russian Federation to establish strong relations with the OIC.

106. The Conference unanimously agreed to award the Honourable Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia the Certificate of Merit in recognition of his unflinching support, ideas and outstanding contribution to further the causes of Ummah.