Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Lebanese sovereignty, peace in Palestine, self-determination for Kashmir and a nuclear Iran, solutions to the conflict in Sudan and the occupation of Iraq, through dialogue and strong condemnation of Islamaphobia. Great and sweeping declarations of principal are carried in the final document of the 34th conference of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Conferences, which closet yesterday in Islamabad.
The summit however failed to reach what at first appeared its original objective: a new constitutional charter for the Organisation. Some States, in fact, requested more time in order to examine the documents implications.
For the most part the document explores the most pressing issues for the Islamic world today, starting from the commitment “to the promotion of global peace and security, which can be achieved through just and peaceful resolution of international disputes and ending situations of foreign occupation”.
For the Middle East the conference welcomed the renewal of the Saudi initiative for peace with Israel, and emphasized that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon must be fully respected, expressing “full support to the government and people of Lebanon” and hoped for the reduction of tensions and resolution of differences concerning Iran’s nuclear program through dialogue. “We oppose the use of force - said the declaration - which will further destabilize the region. We recognize Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its readiness for the peaceful resolution of all issues,””.
Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s proposal for a Muslim peacekeeping force in Iraq was rejected, however. “We have reservations on this proposal - said Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari - We cannot welcome any more foreign troops”.
Regarding the rest of the Islamic World, the document affirms its support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir “for their inalienable right to self-determination”, while supporting progress in talks with India and Pakistan and asks the international community to “support efforts” for national reconciliation in Sudan.
The declaration in conclusion, condemns islamaphobia and calls on the international community to “to prevent incitement to hatred and discrimination against Muslims and take effective measures to combat defamation of religions and acts of negative stereotyping of people based on religion, belief or ethnicity,”.
