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PM calls for adopting collective self-defence for Muslim states
 Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has called for adopting means for collective self- defence of the Muslim countries to ward off external aggression.That'd be us, of course. Addressing the concluding session of 34th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) here Thursday, Aziz said: We shall enhance the capacity of Islamic countries to defend them against external domination and foreign aggression by acquiring the means for effective and collective self-defence. That'd be nukes, of course. He said the Islamic world was passing through a critical period and certain forces were trying to push the West and Islamic world towards a real conflict. He cautioned that all such dangerous trends must be reversed for a better world. Meaning the West had better stop whatever it is it's doing and become more deferential to the Islamic world... However, he equated challenges of the present world with the vast opportunities offered by the globalised and technical revolution and said that Muslims should seize the opportunity for good. There's a lot of money to despoil the infidels of... Aziz said that Muslim countries should reform. We cannot play the role that we desire in the world affairs for a better future without internal reform and socio-economic development, he said. He emphasised that a greater unity of the Ummah was vital to facing challenges of the 21st century. A caliphate, that's the way to go, by gum! Forget about that individual liberty stuff. That "sick man of Europe" routine the Turks went through, that was just a fluke. He praised the ICFM for adopting agenda for reforms in the charter of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). He said the OIC Secretariat should be strengthened to serve as a force multiplier for realisation of broader objectives of the OIC. He said the political problems involving occupation of Muslim lands such as Palestine, Iraq, etc. should be solved. We shall seek an end to the escalating tensions in the Gulf and construct a durable structure for peace, security and cooperation in the region, he said. "That doesn't involve deposing any madmen, of course, nor the disarming of any bands of fascisti. But we think we can get some more concessions from the Jews. Eventually they'll be weakened enough that we can kick them out and make all the Holy Land just like Gaza." The PM condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed for conveying the true message of Islam. He opposed the rising trend of Islamophobia and called for protection of Muslim minorities and communities in the non-Muslim countries. "We want to make damned sure Muslim minorities in the civilized world aren't treated like non-Muslim minorities are in the Islamic world." Aziz said it was essential to establish creative linkages to deepen intra OIC trade, investment and commercial cooperation. He emphasised that Muslims were rich in human capital but lagging in human resource development. That means they're teeming with unskilled labor in a world that increasingly demands skills beyond that of reciting the Koran. These contrasts prevent us from playing a larger role in the comity of nations but this state of affairs can be changed, he said. "We're not sure how, of course, but we're sure it can be. We're studying the Koran for hints." Aziz emphasised cooperation in education and science and technology and called for intensifying scientific research in the Muslim countries. Pakistan, in its capacity as the chair of the COMSTECH, is prepared to spearhead this initiative. The COMSTECH should be transformed into a specialised organ of the OIC so it can play its due role, he said. "After all, the Paks are the ones with the nukes." Aziz said the Muslim states should support national aspirations of both the energy exporters and importers within the OIC and they should develop a strategy for energy security of member states. Aziz said that the UN should be reformed and democratised and the OIC as a group should take active part in the reform process of the world body. He also called for timely implementation of the declaration and resolutions of the 34th ICFM. Posted by: Fred 2007-05-18 |
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