The inaugural Session of the Seventh PUIC Conference was held at Aryadutta Convention Center in the city of Palembang, Republic of Indonesia, on 30th - 31st January, 2012.
The Session was honored by the attendance of the Custodian of the Conference His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia. It was also attended by 37 PUIC Member Parliaments, including 13 Speaker of and 3 Deputy Speaker of and 21 Heads of Delegation.
It was also attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen members of delegations as well as members of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, officials of the Indonesian government and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Jakarta. The Session received by wide media coverage represented by the press and television.
The inaugural Session was opened by a recitation of verses of the Holy Quran
SPEECH OF HER EXCELLENCY MRS. REBECCA KADAGA:
Mrs. Kadaga Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda and President of the 6th PUIC Conference, expressed thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of Indonesia for the enormous preparations and efforts exerted for convening the Conference. She thanked the PUIC Secretariat for its good cooperation during her country’s presidency of the Sixth PUIC Conference. She stated that the Union has become well known, and commended the development of cooperation between Muslim States and her country since the PUIC Conference was held in Kampala in 2010, in areas of education, investment, air transport as well as development of parliamentary and diplomatic relations and the opening of Muslim States’ embassies in Kampala. She called for promoting dialogue between civilizations and tolerance between religions. She also extended invitations for attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Conference scheduled to be held in Kampala April 2012.
WELCOME SPEECH OF H. E. DR. MARZUKI ALIE, PRESIDENT OF THE PUIC SEVENTH CONFERENCE AND SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF INDONESIA:
His Excellency welcomed the convening of the Conference in Palembang, the historical city. He said we shall work together in order to realize our objectives and aspirations. He expressed thanks to the Parliament of Uganda and its former Speaker His Excellency Edward Ssekandi and to Her Excellency Mrs. Rebecca Kadaga the current Speaker, for their excellent management. Furthermore he said “I accept to be mandated with the Presidency of the Seventh Session of the PUIC Conference”, and thanked the PUIC Member Parliaments for their valuable trust which they have placed on him, and expressed the hope for expanding PUIC Membership in order to be able to spread the just Islamic values.
SPEECH OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC COOPERATION:
His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah Abdul Rahman Alim, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, delivered the speech of the Organization. In his speech he stressed the necessity of consolidating brotherhood and solidarity between the PUIC and the OIC and called for bigger cooperation in order to energize and implement the agreements signed during Makkah Summit Conference of 2005.
SPEECH OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL:
The PUIC secretary General expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, for honoring the commencement of the proceedings of the Conference. He said that hosting of the Conference by the Indonesian Parliament constitutes an extension of Indonesia’s role in consolidating ties of brotherhood and friendship among peoples just as it had done by hosting the Bandung Conference of 1955. His Excellency commended the intensive efforts exerted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia for preparing for the Conference. He also praised the standard and meticulousness of the organization.
The PUIC Secretary General addressed the financial crisis which pervades the world.
His Excellency requested support for the application of the PUIC to be granted Observer Status at the United Nations.
He reviewed the efforts deployed by the General Secretariat to implement the Resolutions adopted by the PUIC Organs on enhancing the role of women in public life, as well as strengthening the status of youth in the Islamic world as well as paying attention to child care.
SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY DR. MARZUKI ALIE, PRESIDENT OF THE SEVENTH PUIC CONFERENCE AND SPEAKER OF THE INDONESIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
On behalf of all the members of the Indonesian Parliament, Dr. Marzuki Alie welcomed the participants and guests. He considered this Conference the biggest of its kind in the history of the Union in terms of the substantial participation.
He stated that the city of Palembang has been chosen to host the Conference in view of its historical importance in embracing and propagating Islam.
His Excellency said that our Union ought to strengthen cooperation among its members.
He called for extending support to Palestine to be a United Nations member as well as to lift the siege imposed on Gaza Strip, releasing detained Palestinian Parliamentarians, foremost of whom is Dr. Aziz Al Duwaik, Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Assembly.
He called for preserving the rights of Muslim peoples. He called for a great role for the Union in this respect. He said that Islam is the first victim of terrorism.
Dr. Marzuki Alie called for making use of the capabilities of Muslim states and action to apply the motto of the Conference (Democracy – Justice – Prosperity).
His Excellency put forward ideas to support the PUIC such as encouraging Parliaments to play an effective role in the international domain; expanding PUIC membership; and supporting the General Secretariat and its abilities in order to enable it to solve many of the problems which it faces.
ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA:
His Excellency the President welcomed the conferees and praised the efforts exerted by the PUIC. The President called for interaction with the changes witnessed by the world, especially economic problems, and stated that we have two options: Either we close our eyes or face the problems. He stated that peoples have greater demands for political and economic participation and that we should not isolate Muslims from positions of decision making. The President called for integration in the utilization of resources as well as intensifying dialogue between nations. He called further for global dialogues in the mass media; and expansion in education.
He said that the message of Islam is a mercy for the world and that it is incumbent on us as Muslims to build the culture of justice and democratic values and stated that Indonesia has made use of the diversity of its population of whom 90% are Muslims. He maintained that Indonesia is happy with this diversity and that it is home to other religions. He said, ‘we are many .. we are one’.
His Excellency called for the establishment of a free and responsible press and to employ Islam and democracy for solving our issues.
The President called for supporting and backing Palestine in its bid to be a member of the United Nations.
His Excellency also called for enhancing the role of women and their protection against violence, and welcomed the First Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians. He called for enacting a law to protect migrant workers and their families.
The President highly praised the role of Parliamentarians in supporting peace efforts. In conclusion His Excellency expressed hope for the success of the Conference proceedings.
FIRST WORKING SESSION:
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BUREAU:
Members of the Bureau were elected as follows.
1.1 Vice President from the African Group
H.E. Mr. Youkoue Nana Mama, from the National Assembly of the Republic of Togo was elected as Vice President from the African Group
1.2 Vice President from the Arab Group
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khilafi, Speaker of the Shura Council, State of Qatar, was elected Vice Speaker from the Arab Group.
1.3 Rapporteur
The Conference elected His Excellency Dr. Hidayat Nur Wahid, Member of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, as Rapporteur.
- 2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND PROGRAM OF WORK OF THE SEVENTH PUIC CONFERENCE:
The Agenda and Program of Work were adopted
ITEM 3: REQUEST OF THE PEOPLES MAJLIS OF MALDIVES TO JOIN THE PUIC AS A FULL MEMBER (The Maldives is a full member of the OIC since 1976):
The request was approved.
The Head of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives expressed his thanks and stressed that the Majlis will respect the PUIC Statute and implement its sublime objectives.
ITEM 4: REQUEST FOR OBSERVER STATUS AT THE PUIC BY THE MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT. (Moro National Liberation Front is an observer at the OIC since 1977):
The request was approved.
ITEM 5: REQUEST FOR OBSERVER STATUS AT THE PUIC BY STATISTICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries.(The Center is a subsidiary body of the OIC and was established in 1977):
The request was approved.
ITEM 6: REQUEST FOR OBSERVER STATUS AT THE PUIC BY PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY UNION OF BELARUS AND RUSSIA:
The request was approved.
ITEM 7: REPORT TO THE SECRETARY GENERA
The report covers PUIC activities during the two years following the Sixth Session of the PUIC Conference which was held in Kampala, Republic of Uganda, on 30 -31 January 2010. The report contains activities of the PUIC and its General Secretariat which included statements issues by the PUIC as well as statements which were circulated by the General Secretariat upon the request of Member Parliaments; also following up implementation of the Resolutions adopted by the Regular and Extraordinary meetings which were held during the period covered by the report. The report also includes activities of the General Secretariat, participation in international and regional fora, important visits to the Headquarters of the Union as well as organizational affairs. The report focuses on PUIC request to join the United Nations as an Observer and His Excellency’s request for backing the PUIC application when it is brought up for discussion at the United Nations. The report also reviews the media activities and updating the PUIC website.
In his report the Secretary General expressed the readiness of the General Secretariat to cooperate with parliaments and governments to organize symposia and conferences and any actions that advance joint Islamic action.
ITEM 8: FORMATION OF AN OPEN-ENDED DRAFTING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE RAPPORTEUR OF THE CONFERENCE AND THE PARTICIPATION OF THE RAPPORTEURS OF THE THREE STANDING SPECIALIZED COMMITTEES:
The Committee was formed under the chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. Hidayat Nur Wahid, the Representative of the Indonesian Parliament, and the presence of a number of participating delegates as well as the Rapporteurs of the Standing Committees. The Drafting Committee reviewed the draft Palembang Declaration and preparation of the Final Communiqué
ITEM 9: SPEECHES OF HEADS OF DELEGATIONS:
The Conference was addressed by Their Excellencies, the Speakers of participating Parliaments.
- H.E. Mrs Josefina Topalli, Speaker of Albania
- H.E. Dr. Ali Larijani, Speaker of Islamic Republic of Iran
- H.E. Mr. Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Hj Mulia, Speaker of Malaysia
- H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Ould Mini. Speaker of Mauritania
- H.E. Mrs. Fahmida Mirza, Speaker of Pakistan
- H.E. Mr. Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifi, Speaker of the State of Qatar
- H.E. Mr. Abdullah AlSheikh, Speaker of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (The speech was distributed to the participants)
- H.E. Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden Issak Speaker of Somalia
- H.E. Mr. Cemil ÇIÇEK, Speaker of Turkey
- H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Al Murr, Speaker of United Arab Emirates
The Session was also addressed by the Deputy Speakers of the following Parliaments:-
- Hon. Mr. Sidarto Danusubroto , Deputy Speaker of Indonesia
- Hon Mr. Hmadou Sali, Deputy Speaker of Cameroon
The Heads of Delegations of the following Parliaments also addressed the Conference;
- H.E. Mr. Daadoua Al Ayashi, People’s Democratic Republic of ALGERIA
- H.E. Aurel Bulykbashi, Head of Delegation of Republic of Azerbaijan
- Hon. Mr. Habib Mekki Hashim. Kingdom of Bahrain
- H.E. Mr. Mozammel Hossain, People’s Republic of BANGLADESH
- Hon. Mr. Sami Jassim Atiya Al Askari, Republic of Iraq
- H.E. Mr. MARWAN DUDIN , Head of Delegation of Jordan
- Hon. Mr. Nawwar Mohammad Al Sahili, Republic of Lebanon
- Hon. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Head of Delegation of Maldives
- Head of Delegation of Morocco
- H.E. Jamal Ayezh Head of State of Palestine
- H.E. Mr. Qotbi Al Mahdi , Republic of Sudan
- Hon. Mr. Hassan Al Saqqaf, Syrian Arab Republic
Their speeches included:-
- Commending the warm reception, generous hospitality and meticulous organization, which had a great impact on realizing success of the deliberations of the conference.
- Rekindling the spirit of Shoura, enhancing dialogue between civilization and propagation of moderations which materializes the tolerance of Islam.
- Encouraging and advancing intra-trade between Muslim States.
- Aspiring to a unified Muslim Ummah and comprehensive development aimed at elimination of want, poverty and ignorance.
- Commending the convening of the First Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians in Palembang aimed at enhancing the role of women in public life; and the importance of holding this conference regularly.
- H.E. Dr. Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran proposed to host the 28th Meeting of the Executive Committee in the ancient city of Isphahan.
- The Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation proposed cooperation between the PUIC and Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC) concerning activities of the anniversary of the massacre which was perpetrated by Armenian forces against Azerbaijani civilians in the town of Khojali.
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Their Excellencies the following observers:
- H.E. Mr. N’zi KOFFI, Secretary General of African Parliamentary Union (APU)
- H.E. Mr. Seyed Mohammad Hadi Nejad Hosseinian, Secretary General of Asian Parliamentary Assembly
- H.E. Dr. Hassan Bozer , Speaker of Turkish Cypriot State
- Prof. Nuri Misuari, Moro National Liberation Organization (MORO)
- H.E. Mr. Ekzam Gubaidullin , Deputy Chairman Parliamentary Assembly of Russia
They expressed their readiness for further cooperation with the PUIC aimed at realizing common objectives.
ITEM 10: EXAMINATION AND ADOPTION OF THE REPORTS OF THE 13TH AND 14TH SESSION OF THE PUIC GENERAL COMMITTEE AND THEIR ANNEXES:
The two reports were examined and adopted.
Then the President of the Conference announced the PUIC name has been amended to become “Parliamentary Union of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation Member States”
ITEM NO.11: EXAMINATION OF THE REPORTS AND DRAFT RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED BY THE RAPPORTEURS OF THE FOLLOWING STANDING SPECIALIZED COMMITTEES
11.1 Committee on Political and Economic Affairs
11.2 Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights and the Environment
11.3 Committee on Women, Social and Cultural Affairs
The Rapporteurs of the Standing Specialized Committees submitted the reports of their respective Committees and Resolutions adopted by them. The Reports, and Resolutions were approved.
ORGANIZATIONAL AFFAIRS:
ITEM No. 12: NOMINATION OF THE PUIC GENERAL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 2012:
Nominations of geographical groups to PUIC General Committee for 2012 were adopted according to annex (2)
ITEM NO.13: NOMINATIONS OF 15 MEMBERS FOR THE PUIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 2012
Nominations of the geographical group for the Executive Committee for the year 2012 were adopted according to annex (3)
ITEM NO.14: NOMINATIONS OF THE MEMBERS FOR THE FOLLOWING FOUR PUIC SPECIALIZED STANDING COMMITTEES FOR 2012
14.1 Committee on Political and Foreign Relations;
14.2 Committee on Economic Affairs and Environment;
14.3 Committee on Human Rights, Women and Family Affairs;
14.4 Committee on Cultural, Legal Affairs and Dialogue of Civilizations and Religion.
Nominations of the geographical groups for the four PUIC Specialized Standing Committees where adopted according to annex (4)
ITEM NO.15: SPECIFYING THE DATE AND VENUE OF THE NINTH SESSION OF THE PUIC CONFERENCE (FROM THE AFRICAN GROUP)
It was agreed to hold the Ninth Session of the PUIC Conference in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. According to the invitation extended by the National Assembly of Burkina Faso and the approval of the African Group.
ITEM NO.16: DATE AND VENUE OF THE EIGHTH SESSION OF THE PUIC CONFERENCE
It was agreed to hold the eighth Session of the PUIC Conference in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan upon an invitation extended by the Sudanese Parliament and approval of the Arab Group. The Head of the Delegation of the Sudanese National Assembly welcomed on behalf of the Parliament, Government and people of the Sudan to host the Conference in Khartoum.
ITEM NO.17: REQUEST BY THE SPEAKER OF THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY FOR REELECTION OF HIS EXCELLENCY PROFESSOR DR. MAHMUD EROL KILIC AS SECRETARY GENERAL FOR A SECOND TERM OF OFFICE:
The request was approved.
ITEM NO.18: CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF THE NOMINATION BY THE PUIC SECRETARY GENERAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR ALI ASGHAR MOHAMMADI SIJANI AS PUIC ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL FOR A SECOND TERM OF OFFICE:
The request was approved.
ITEM NO.19: ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE AND TWO VICE-PRESIDENTS FOR THE NEXT SESSION:
It was approved that the next Session of the Committee shall be presided by His Excellency the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Sudan because his august Assembly will host the Eighth Session of the PUIC Conference. It was also approved that the Vice Presidents shall be one from the African Group, the other from the Asian Group. Both will be elected at the beginning of the proceedings of the next General Committee.
CLOSING SESSION
- After interventions concerning invitations and speeches of guests at the opening session of the PUIC Conferences the Conference decided:-
1.1.Invitations to guest the PUIC Conference shall be submitted to the Executive Committee for decision.
1.2.The speeches of guest at the inaugural session shall be submitted for approval before delivering them before the Conference.
- The Conference approved the request of the Federal National Council of the UAE to host the Meeting of the Committee of Experts on examining the document of the Parliamentary Declaration, and that the National Assembly of Chad shall host the meeting next to it.
- The meeting decided to consider the speech of H.E Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia at the opening session of the Conference as one of the document of the Conference.
- The Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed observations concerning the resolution on Palestine which have been adopted by the Conference (Annex No.5)
ITEM NO.20: ADOPTION OF THE FINAL REPORT OF THE SEVENTH SESSION OF THE PUIC CONFERENCE
The report was adopted.
ITEM NO. 21: ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE SEVENTH SESSION OF THE PUIC CONFERENCE:
The Declaration and Resolutions were adopted.
MOTION OF THANKS
- The participants in the Seventh Session of the PUIC Conference, held in Palembang, sent a cable of thanks and gratitude to His Excellency Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, in which they expressed their appreciation and gratitude for his honoring of the meeting by patronizing it and for addressing the inaugural Session. They lauded the care and attention shown by the government and people of sisterly Indonesia. They wished His Excellency sound health and for his sisterly country progress and prosperity.
- The participants in the Seventh Session of the PUIC Council also sent a cable of thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Marzuki Alie, President of the Seventh Session of the PUIC Council, in which they expressed their utmost thanks and appreciation for the warm reception, generous hospitality and meticulous organization and preparation for the Conference, which led to the success of its proceedings. They also expressed sincere sentiments for the utmost attention they have received from the officials and citizens of the beautiful and magnificent city of Palembang.
- The Session was concluded by a recitation of verses of the Holy Quran.