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ABDUL WAHID OSMAN BELAL
--- On Sat, 2/1/10, OIC News <news@oic-oci.org> wrote:
From: OIC News <news@oic-oci.org>
Subject: Organization of the Islamic Conference Newsletter 49 (2009)
To:
Date: Saturday, 2 January, 2010, 18:34
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| | | | | | Issue 49 (30 December 2009) | | | | In this issue | | · Minister of State of Turkey commends the excellent working cooperation between COMCEC and OIC General Secretariat · The 2nd meeting of the Political Consultations Committee between the OIC and the Russian Federation underlines the distinctive relations between the two sides · OIC calls for the implementation of UNSC Resolution on the Eritrea-Djibouti territorial dispute · OIC participates in the Third Meeting of the G8 and Partners in Global Peacekeeping Operations Capacity Building · Joint OIC-Arab League Committee develops a plan to correct the image of Arabs and Muslims in America · Ihsanoglu commends the work of the experts group on the establishment of OIC development coordination committee · 'Israeli settlements seek to judaize Al-Quds and cut off the city from its Palestinian environs,' states OIC Secretary General · OIC Secretary General addresses the Muslim world on the occasion of Ashura · IDB endorsed $11.5 billion for new projects in its 3-year program | | 
| | OIC In Brief | | The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world and ensuring to safeguard and protect the nterests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world. The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1389 Hijra (25 September 1969) as a result of criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. |
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| | | | Minister of State of Turkey commends the excellent working cooperation between COMCEC and OIC General Secretariat | | Relations between the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the OIC (COMCEC) and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) featured prominently in the bilateral talks held at the OIC Headquarters, in Jeddah, on 29 December 2009, between the delegation of Dr. Cevdet Yilmaz, Minister of State of Turkey and the OIC General Secretariat. Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the OIC, led the team of the OIC General Secretariat at the meeting, while the Turkish delegation was headed by Dr. Cevdet Yilmaz, Minister of State, who is in charge of Turkish State Planning Organization and COMCEC matters. During the working session, a review of the various programs bearing on economic cooperation in OIC Member States was extensively undertaken. Both sides expressed full satisfaction at current level of coordination and cooperation between their two institutions. In addition to reviewing various programs on economic integration, poverty alleviation, food security and tourism, the two sides dwelled elaborately on the global economic situation and the need for enhanced intra-OIC and international cooperation. Specifically, the two sides agreed on modalities to fast-track the implementation of the OIC Ten Year Program of Action (TYPOA) and the Plan of Action on Strengthening Economic and Commercial Cooperation in the wake of the emerging global environment, as well as challenges posed by the global energy, food and financial crises. | | | | The 2nd meeting of the Political Consultations Committee between the OIC and the Russian Federation underlines the distinctive relations between the two sides The Political Consultations Committee between the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Russian Federation held its 2nd session in Moscow on 28-29 December 2009 in the framework of formal discussions co-chaired by Ambassador Abdullah Abdul Rahman Alim, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, for the OIC side, and Alexander Sultanov, Deputy Foreign Minster, for the Russian side. During these talks, several issues of mutual concern were raised, particularly the issue of Palestine and the situation in the occupied city of Al-Quds, in addition to the conditions in Iraq, Somalia, the Sudan and Afghanistan, as well as coordination in international fora on these issues. Discussions also covered human rights, dialogue among civilizations, combating terrorism, countering Islamophobia and other issues of common concern. Amb. Alim commended the positive development witnessed by relations between the OIC and the Russian Federation since the latter’s accession to the OIC as an observer member in 2005. He expressed the OIC preparedness to endeavor to strengthen ties with Russia in the interest of the two sides. He also appreciated the efforts exerted by the Russian Federation to reach a just and durable solution to the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative. He stressed that the illegal Israeli measures taken in the occupied city of Al-Quds , including the expulsion of Palestinians, the destruction of their homes and denying them access to the Aqsa Masjid, constitute flagrant violations of the international law. On his part, Sultanov described the visit of the OIC delegation to Moscow and the holding of this meeting as a very important step. He expressed the Russian Federation ’s readiness to continue contacts and cooperation with the OIC with the aim of promoting relations in the political, economic and cultural felids. Sultanov underlined the special importance assumed by the visit of the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in March 2009 and the important talks he held with H.E. President Dmitry Medvedev. Regarding the conditions in Palestine , he reiterated that Russia considered all Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, including Eastern Jerusalem, as illegitimate , recalling the commitment by Russia to the holding of a peace conference in the Middle East conference in the framework of the initiative “The Strategic Vision – Russia and the Islamic World” The Assistant Secretary General paid a visit to the headquarters of the Ifta Council in Russia where he met with His Eminence Rawi Ainuldin, President of Council of Muftees in Russia . He was also briefed on the activities and Program of the Fund for Supporting Islamic Culture during his visit to the Fund’s headquarters. | | OIC calls for the implementation of UNSC Resolution on the Eritrea-Djibouti territorial dispute | | | | | | The Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu welcomed the latest UN Security Council Resolution 1907 (2009) on the territorial dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti, and appealed to the international community for its full implementation with as a means of mounting pressure on Eritrea to end the continuing occupation of Djibouti territory. The Secretary General also calls on Eritrea to fully cooperate and comply with the demands contained in the Resolution. Ihsanoglu further recalled the OIC Resolution 12/36-POL on the dispute adopted by the 36th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Damascus , Syria , and reaffirmed the respect for the inviolability of the borders established at independence. The Secretary General finally commended the efforts of the Government of Djibouti for its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and for withdrawing its forces to the status quo ante. | | | | | | | | OIC participates in the Third Meeting of the G8 and Partners in Global Peacekeeping Operations Capacity Building | | Upon the invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, the OIC participated in the Third Meeting of the G8 and Partners in Global Peacekeeping Operations Capacity Building held on 20-21 December 2009, in Cairo , Egypt . The meeting was attended by G8 representatives, the main peacekeeping troop contributors and a number of international and regional organizations including the UN, African Union (AU), European Union (EU), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the League of Arab States (LAS). The meeting discussed possible ways and means to meet the current challenges facing UN modern peacekeeping operations including partnership with regional organizations. The meeting also dedicated a special session on the cooperation and partnership with regional organizations. In his presentation before the session, the representative of the OIC, Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet stated that the OIC has now come to be considered as a reliable and credible partner in effectively addressing various conflicts and hot issues affecting its Member States. In the area of peacekeeping operations, he mentioned that the OIC as a whole and, more prominently, its troop contributing Member States , have set a luminous record. He further added that the OIC, based on its new Charter adopted in 2008, the Ten-Year Program of Action endorsed by the 3rd OIC Extraordinary Summit in 2005 as well as the overwhelming support given by its Member States to the new OIC’s vision and mission, has started examining ways and means of infusing a new impetus in the OIC’s work in conflict prevention, confidence building, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post conflict rehabilitation in OIC Member States and in conflict situations involving Muslim communities. Ambassador Tarig briefed the meeting on the OIC’s new initiative regarding its future role in maintaining peace and security and resolving conflicts in the Member States, including peacekeeping, and expressed the hope that that the new initiative combined with the rich experience of the OIC and its troop contributing Member States in the UN peacekeeping operations would lead the Organization to be more active in partnership and cooperation with other international and regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. | | | | 
Joint OIC-Arab League Committee develops a plan to correct the image of Arabs and Muslims in America The first meeting of the Joint High-level Committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the League of Arab States (LAS) convened on December 23-24, 2009 at LAS headquarters in Cairo , to discuss the best ways and means to correct the stereotyped image of Arabs and Muslims. The meeting, which brought together Arab and Islamic institutions, discussed OIC reports on Islamophobia as well as documents prepared by LAS General Secretariat and by other institutions on the cultural and media activities that have been conducted or could be implemented in the future to respond to the media spin campaigns targeting Islam and Islamic civilization. The OIC delegation was led by the Organization’s Assistant Secretary General Amb. Abbullah Abdurrahman Alim, who delivered a statement at the opening of the two-day meeting, in which he stressed the OIC’s readiness to further boost its existing outstanding relations with the Arab League, and its desire to map out modes of cooperation and coordination with the League on all issues of common interest to the Arabo-Islamic world and to face up to the phenomenon of Islamophobia and the widespread hate campaigns in the West against Islam and Muslims. Amb. Alim outlined the various actions undertaken by the OIC in countering the phenomenon and invited the Arab League at the same time for joint action in various fields, particularly in the area of information. Amb. Alim also emphasized the need to remove the confused picture held by the public opinion in the West and in America where a deliberate amalgam is made between Islam and terrorism, and the need to underline Islam’s inherent rejection of all acts or manifestations of violence and extremism. The work program of the meeting included examination of documents on the ways and means likely to help correct the stereotypical image of Arabs and Muslims in the West, particularly in the US . The documents included notably a concept paper that laid forth the motives and background of existing stereotypes and a roaster of proposals for across-the-board action. Participants in the meeting agreed on a principles paper on the key themes and components of the action plan to be undertaken in the US in terms of implementing an Arabo-Islamic cultural and media program in a bid to correct the image of Arabs and Muslims. The Joint Committee will meet in the near future at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , to carry through its work. | |
| | Ihsanoglu commends the work of the experts group on the establishment of OIC development coordination committee OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stated that the coordination of development assistance to Member States of the OIC was the most creative means of stimulating investments in all crucial economic sectors and achieving the desired economic growth and development. In a message to the Experts Group Meeting on the Establishment of OIC Development Coordination Committee held in Ankara, Turkey from 22-23 December 2009, the OIC Secretary-General expressed his conviction that the outcome of the meeting would usher in a new vista for rewarding economic cooperation, such that would encourage competitiveness, technology transfer, best practices and the effectiveness of development assistance within the OIC community. While commending the role of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) in advancing poverty alleviation and vocational training programs of the OIC, the Secretary General agreed that the current demarches represented yet another laudable attempt towards addressing the various developmental challenges facing OIC Member States, particularly the low-income countries. The Secretary General of the OIC attended the inaugural meeting of the Development and Cooperation Institutions of OIC Member States in Istanbul , Turkey on 13-14 May 2009, where it was decided that an Experts Group Committee should further elaborate modalities for cooperation among the various institutions in OIC Member Countries working in the area of Development Assistance. The Experts Group is mandated to submit its findings to the Second Meeting of the Development and Cooperation Committee, which is scheduled to hold in Abu Dhabi at a later date. | | | | | |
| | 'Israeli settlements seek to judaize Al-Quds and cut off the city from its Palestinian environs,' states OIC Secretary General The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, strongly condemned Israel 's decision to issue tenders for the construction of some 700 new settlement units in East Jerusalem as part of a project that includes the construction of more than six thousand new settlement units. He affirmed that the Israeli decision represents a serious escalation that falls within an Israeli plan to judaize East Jerusalem and cut it off from its Palestinian environs. Ihsanoglu called for a cessation of all settlement projects in the occupied Palestinian territories, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law. He warned of the seriousness of the situation in East Jerusalem , especially the repeated violations and aggressions that target the Holy city and its sacred Arab and Islamic sites, seeking to change its identity. The Secretary General called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities by bringing pressure to bear on the Israeli government and compelling it to put an end to all its settlement activities and to its incessant violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories. | |
OIC Secretary General addresses the Muslim world on the occasion of Ashura On the occasion of the advent of the Ashura Day commemoration (10th Muharram 1431 H) the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu issued the following statement: Today the anniversary of Ashura turns round, reminding us of this important event in the history of the Islamic Ummah, an event which Muslims revisit in their memory every year and whose happenings are remembered for the lessons that can be drawn from them. This commemoration remains an important milestone at which Muslims of all schools seek such inspiration as to strengthen their solidarity and further entrench their faith and their trust in God, Mighty and Sublime be He, however diverse their perspectives may be. Diversity indeed is one of the attributes of the “created” while unity is one of the attributes of the “Creator”. Inasmuch as all these varied perspectives as to the essence of this commemoration flow from one common and unique source, however different their interpretations may be, it is incumbent upon the Islamic Ummah which is going through such painful hardships, to recall this event, ponder over the present state in which we find ourselves and give consideration to our current affairs and our aspirations such as to set us free of the injustices meted upon our Ummah and promote our progress towards prosperity and progress. I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to call for action to consolidate the values of brotherhood among Muslims and to facilitate the unification of their ranks. Therein indeed reside all strength-inducing factors, whereas division bears only the seeds of weakness. This is a time indeed when we are so much in need for our ranks to be united so that we may stand up to the campaigns of hostility against us and defend our causes and interests, foremost of which the rescuing the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa and supporting our Palestinian brothers in their struggle to recover their despoiled rights and enabling them to live in dignity. I pray to God Almighty that this commemoration will soon be celebrated with the Islamic Ummah having regained its rightful eminent position among the world nations and achieved its aspiration to real solidarity, progress and prosperity.
IDB endorsed $11.5 billion for new projects in its 3-year program The President of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB) Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali stated that the Board of Executive Directors endorsed, during its last meeting at IDB headquarters in Jeddah, a Medium Term Program for 1431-1433H (2010-2012G). “Under this three year program the Bank will extend some US$ 11.5 billion from its ordinary capital resources to finance development projects,” Dr. Ali said. “The approval of this program is a part of a 9-year transformation roadmap towards realizing Vision 1440H. (2020G.), which was developed by a high commission composed of a number of dignitaries in Islamic world. The commission chaired by Dr. Mahathir Mohamed the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, aimed through the strategy to transform IDB into an international-scale development institution,” he added. Dr. Ali explained that the Medium Term Program (1431-1433) is the first stage of the transformation roadmap, thus it is crucial in addressing the foundation condition to enhance IDB Group capacity as a strategy focused organization. The program will focus on human capital development programs, develop agriculture, education sectors, and enhance infrastructure through a new strategy based on partnerships with member countries. “IDB will continue to strengthen its role to further promote the development of Islamic financial sector through the development of Islamic Capital Markets and establishing institutions for supporting the poor,” Dr Ali said. The Board approved the Administrative Budgets of the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) and Trust Funds for the year 1431H (2010G). It also approved US$ 371 million for Turkmenistan to participate in establishing a railway project of 257 km. The project is a part of a 936 km railways network connecting three member countries i.e., Kazakhstan , Turkmenistan and Iran . The aim of the project is to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the three countries and Central Asia region in general.
In Brief | - OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu strongly condemned the deadly bombing that killed and injured a large number of innocent people in Karachi on December 28, 2009 as well as the suicide blasts the following day in the Iraqi city of Ramadi , which killed more than 20 people and left the Anbar provincial governor wounded. Secretary General Ihsanoglu stated that terrorism cannot be justified. With a view to pre-empting and annulling any semblance or false claim by the heinous perpetrators of the recent terrorist attacks that they were committed in the name of Islam, he accentuated that Islam is known to have stigmatized terrorism as a crime against humanity and preaches the sanctity of human life as a fundamental message. The Secretary General , once more, emphasized his profound concern over the rise of the manifestation of violence and terrorism which resulted in the loss of innocent lives in some OIC Member States. Accordingly, the Secretary General has urged solidarity and brotherhood among Muslims from all sects and ethnic backgrounds and requested the community and religious leaders to adopt a more proactive and robust stance in preaching moderate and humane messages of Islam.
- Upon the invitation of the government of Uzbekistan , a Delegation of observers from the OIC took part in the monitoring of the legislative elections held on December 27, 2009. The members of the delegation were able to monitor the different stages of the vote. They took note of the massive turnout of voters out of the desire of the Uzbek people to perform their civic duty in calm and discipline. Thus showing the spirit of responsibility and involvement in the enforcement of the political institutions in their country.
- OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu received Ambassador James B Smith, who has recently been appointed as the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , and Martin R Quinn, Consul General of the United States in Jeddah on December 28, 2009 at the OIC Headquarters. The Secretary General briefed the Ambassador on the current activities of the Organization. Their discussion touched on various political issues notably the situation in Afghanistan and Somalia . They also discussed the OIC-US cooperation under the framework of President Obama’s Cairo Speech and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the OIC and the US in this regard. The US Ambassador expressed his willingness in furthering the bilateral relations between the OIC and USA . The Secretary General thanked the Ambassador and expressed his desire to work closely with the Ambassador on issues of mutual concerns to the OIC and US. Cooperation in the fields of fighting polio and implementation of joint OIC-US project to provide maternal and infant health services in the Least Developed OIC member states were given a special focus in the meeting.
- A delegation of the National Space Agency (NSA) of Kazakhstan led by Talgat Musabayev, Chairman of the NSA and former cosmonaut, was received by Amb. Sukru Tufan , Director General of the Cabinet on the behalf of the OIC Secretary General on 23 December, 2009 at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah. The Chairman of the NSA briefed the Secretariat about the activities of Kazakhstan in the field of space and expressed its readiness to share its knowledge with the OIC Member States. Talgat Musabayev confirmed the participation of Kazakhstan in the OIC Mega Project for communication satellites. Amb. Surku Tufan, on his part, expressed his appreciation for the offer of the NSA and welcomed the participation of Kazakhstan in the Mega-Project on Satellites.
- The Secretary General of the OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu attended the ceremony honoring the winners of the Fourth Edition of the Award of His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Interior, for the Prophet's Sunnah and Contemporary Islamic Studies held in Riyadh on 23 December 2009. The Secretary General delivered a speech to the audience of the award ceremony in which he shed light on the support of His Royal Highness Prince Naif to Islamic Studies and Research, the importance of the Award and its role in improving religious discourse.
- In association with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Waqf and Islamic Affairs and the Islamic Fiqh Academy in India , the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) is convening an international symposium on the rights of Muslim communities through application of international instruments and laws. The symposium will be hosted by the Hamdard University , in New Delhi , from 2 to 3 January 2010. The aim of the symposium is to debate, in the light of moral and legal criteria, the problems and challenges facing minorities; highlight the culture, civilization and current situation of minorities; examine and highlight the most important issues of Muslim communities in non-Islamic States, such as citizenship, migration and nationality; and review the international and Islamic legislature concerning the protection of the rights of minorities.
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| | | | Calendar of Meetings | - Jan. 5: Meeting of the Permanent Representatives of the Member States to Examine the Developments Pertaining to the Swiss Ban on the Building of Minarets – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Jan. 18-20: Meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGGE) on Considering the Statute for Observer Status at the OIC – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah , Saudi Arabia .
- Jan. 23-24: Expert Group Meeting on the Role of OIC in Maintenance of Security, Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution in Member States – OIC Headquarters, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Feb. 23-25: Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security – Khartoum , Sudan .
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