 | Yup, that ought to do it. |
MECCA: The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Thursday rejected extremism and urged member states to fight terrorism in every possible manner. The OIC also pledged to develop an educational curriculum to promote tolerance, understanding, dialogue and diversity.
A joint communique issued here at the end of two-day meeting of kings, head of states and governments from the 57-member organisation adopted the Mecca Declaration and a 10-year Programme of Action. The meeting gave its full support to Kashmir, promising political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. It said the Kashmiri people should be allowed to decide their future and asked the parties concerned to respect human rights.
| Which can only occur by giving the Kashmiri terrs more guns, of course ... |
The summit said the Palestinian issue was its âcentral concernâ and urged Israeli forces to withdraw from Palestinian lands occupied since 1967, the Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanese lands. They also stressed the importance of preserving Jerusalemâs Islamic and historic identity. Member states were also urged to cooperate with the international community to dismantle Jewish settlements and stop the construction of Israelâs separation wall.
| All of which is going swimmingly well for them ... |
The OIC proposed the establishment of a free-trade zone for its member states and emphasised the importance of increasing trade among Muslim nations. The meeting welcomed the proposal to form an international Islamic institution to finance commerce. It said that member states should allocate resources to preserve Al Aqsa Mosque, support Palestinian institutions and establish an Al Aqsa University somewhere near in Jerusalem wherever the Israelis will let them build.
The summit praised Iraqâs national reconciliation conference and denounced terrorist attacks against Iraqis. It reaffirmed its support for the Iraqi political process and reconstruction efforts.
| So the conference wasn't a total loss. |
The OIC supported the Somali government should it ever find one in its efforts to restore security and stability in the country and denounced Armeniaâs defending itself âaggressionâ against Azerbaijan. It also supported the Turkish Cypriot people to achieve a comprehensive solution through the UN. The leaders reiterated their approval of Sudanâs peace agreement should it ever happen and the resolution issued by the 10th OIC conference to establish a fund for the countryâs rearmament reconstruction.
The conference proposed establishing an independent Islamic human rights institution to monitor the human rights situation in member states.
| Which would be busy if it were actually allowed to do anything ... |
Earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal told reporters that Muslim leaders were united in the need to combat terrorism and defend Islamâs image.
| One would lead to the other, but it's a connection Faisal seems to have missed ... |
âAll leaders agree on combating terrorism and extremism and stressing the moderate nature of Islam,â said Faisal. He said leaders of Muslim countries, at their two-day meeting in Mecca, stressed the need to stop blaming outside forces for problems in the Muslim world and focus on cooperation.
| He'll save the codswollop about crusaders and infidels for the home crowd ... |
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