RESOLUTIONS ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN RELATIONS ADOPTED BY THE 8th SESSION OF THE PUIC CONFERENCE

(TOWARDS A UNITED, PRUDENT AND CAPABLE ISLAMIC UMMAH)
KHARTOUM – REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN
21 – 22 January, 2013.

S.No

DOCUMENT NO

SUBJECT

1

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.1

Resolution no.1-PFR/8-CONF on confronting and challenging the vilification of Islam and the great messenger (pubh) and especially the screening defamatory video   and publication of offensive caricatures

2

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.2

Resolution no.2-PFR/8-CONF on the Situation in Palestine

3

CONF/8-2013/pfr-RES.3

Resolution no. 3-PFR/8-CONF on the Role of Muslim Parliaments in confronting Israeli plans concerning Jewishness of Israel and judaization of Al-Quds.

4

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.4

Resolution No.4-PFR/8-CONF on Occupied Arab Territories in Syria and Lebanon

5

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.5

Resolution No.5-PFR/8-CONF on The Situation in Sudan

6

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.6

Resolution No.6-PFR/8-CONF on supporting the inalienable rights of all nations to have free access to and usage of modern technologies

7

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.7

Resolution No.7-PFR/8-CONF on Making the Middle East a zone free of Weapons of Mass Destruction

8

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.8

Resolution No.8-PFR/8-CONF on Combating International Terrorism

9

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.9

Resolution No.9-PFR/8-CONF on Promoting Solidarity and unity among Muslim States to confront increasing challenges which target the capabilities of the Islamic Ummah

10

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.10

Resolution No.10-PFR/8-CONF on Rejecting all sanctions on any Muslim Country

11

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.11

Resolution No.11-PFR/8-CONF on The situation in Mali

12

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.12

Resolution No.12-PFR/8-CONF on The Situation in Somalia

13

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.13

Resolution No.13-PFR/8-CONF on The Aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan

14

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.14

Resolution No.14PFR/8-CONF on The Situation in   Cyprus

15

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.15

Resolution No.15-PFR/8-CONF on The Situation of Jammu and Kashmir

16

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.16

Resolution No.16-PFR/8-CONF on the Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines

17

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.17

Resolution no 17-PFR/8-CONF The Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace and the Muslim Population of the Doedecanese

18

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.18

Resolution no 18-PFR/8-CONF on the dynamics of the people in the Islamic World

19

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.19

Resolution No.19-PFR/8-CONF on the role of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States (PUIC) in supporting the promotion and protection of the rights of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States.

20

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.20

Resolution no 20-PFR/8-CONF on The situation of Rohyngia Muslims in Mayanmar

21

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.21

Resolution NO. 21-PFR/8-CONF on fight against intolerance, islamophobia and xenophobia

22

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.22

Resolution NO. 22-PFR/8-CONF on Visa facilitation among Muslim countries

23

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.23

Resolution no.23-PFR/8-CONF on the necessity to conduct consultations and prior coordination between Islamic parliaments on the sidelines of international meetings

24

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.24

Resolution no.24-PFR/8-CONF on PUIC – ICYF-DC Cooperation

25

SSCP/1-2012/ROP.1/FINAL

Annex to

CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.3

Rules of Procedure of Palestine Committee

 


 

 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.1


RESOLUTION NO. 1-PFR/8-CONF
ON CONFRONTING AND CHALLENGING THE VILIFICATION OF ISLAM AND THE GREAT MESSENGER (PUBH) AND ESPECIALLY THE SCREENING DEFAMATORY VIDEO  AND PUBLICATION OF OFFENSIVE CARICATURES

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Noting with deep concern the continuing instances of intolerance, discrimination, profiling, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, religious hatred and violence against Muslims as well as denigration of their religion, Prophet (PBUH), Holy Book and symbols occurring in many parts of the world;

Recalling all relevant PUIC resolutions on combating Islamophobia and eliminating hatred and prejudice against Islam, defamation of religions and the landmark HRC resolution 16/18 on “Combating Intolerance, Negative Stereotyping and Stigmatization of, and Discrimination, Incitement to Violence and Violence Against, Persons Based on Religion or Belief”;

Stressing the need to ensure that the right to freedom of expression should be exercised by all, with responsibility and in accordance with the relevant international human rights laws and instruments,

Reiterating the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures and civilizations for peace and harmony in the world and welcoming all international and regional initiatives and efforts in this regard; Recognizes that all civilizations share and possess basic human values and that cultural and religious diversity and the pursuit of socio-cultural development by all peoples and nations are a source of mutual enrichment for the socio-cultural life of humankind;

1. Condemns the recent despicable acts of the release of defamatory video “Innocence of Muslims” and publication of offensive caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as other hate material under the pretext of freedom of expression, which violate the freedom of religion and belief guaranteed by International Human Rights instruments, that has deeply offended all Muslims, targeted their sentiments and provided all peoples of conscience around the world;

2. Condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audio-visual or electronic media or any other means, is of the view that continuing to offend religions will contribute to escalating the atmosphere of hatred and create an environment that encourages violence and terrorism;

3. Expresses its deep concern over the overall rise in Islamophobic acts, which contradict the International Human Rights norms as well as the principle of Freedom of Religious, and urges that Governments, in line with their obligations under international human rights law, to take all appropriate measures including necessary legislation against these acts that lead to incitement to hatred, discrimination and violence against persons based on their religion;

4. Recognizes that the open public debate or ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the local, national and international level can be among the best protection against religious intolerance, and can play a positive role in strengthening religious tolerance, rejecting extreminisim and religious hatred;

5. Appreciate the positions of the states that have condemned such offending actions, and did not allow to screen them on their Internet networks in their countries,

6. Welcomes the efforts made by the media to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue and encourages them further to disseminate to the grass roots the true image of religions and faiths focusing on their basic tenets of peace and tolerance among peoples and divine religions;

7. Urges all Member States to exert renewed efforts towards developing an education system that includes basic human values such as tolerance together with religious and cultural diversity that is fundamental to promoting tolerant, peaceful and harmonious multicultural societies;
 



  CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.2

RESOLUTION No.2-PFR/8-CONF
ON
SITUATION IN PALESTINE


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Proceeding from the principles and objectives enshrined in the PUIC Statute and the OIC Charter,

Pursuant to the Islamic resolutions on the cause of Palestine,

Recalling the resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly and Security Council concerning the Palestinian issue,

Referring to the resolutions adopted by the UN Human Rights Council relating to the violations of human rights in occupied Arab Palestinian territories

Proceeding from the resolutions adopted by the First Extraordinary Open-ended Meeting of the PUIC Conference, at the level of Parliament Speakers, held in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic on 30 June, 2010.

Stressing that the Israeli expansionist policies, practices and plans do not only imperil Arab States and the peace process, but also threaten Muslim States and endanger international peace and security;

  1. Affirms that the cause of Palestine and Al Quds Al Sharif is a pivotal issue to the Arab and Islamic nations, and declares the city of Al Quds Al Sharif as the spiritual capital of Arabs and Muslims and the permanent capital of the State of Palestine.
  2. Stresses that achieving a just solution to the Palestinian issue, considered as the core of conflict in the Middle East, is essential to the establishment of a comprehensive and durable peace in the region.
  3. Commends the resolution of the UN General Assembly in December 2011, concerning the “Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination”, which was adopted by a majority of 182 votes.  Commends the joint efforts of Muslim and Arab States which resulted in obtaining this overwhelming majority at the UN.
  4. Welcomes the UN recognition of the State of Palestine enshrined in its Resolution No.(A/RES/67/19) adopted by the General Assembly on 29th February, 2012, and emphasize the recognition of the States of PUIC Member Parliaments of the independent State of Palestine on the borders of the land occupied after the 4th of June, 1967 with Al Quds as its capital, and demands to raise the level of relations with the State of Palestine to the level of Embassy and calls on the Islamic states to extend financial assistance to the state to enable it to finance its institutions to conform with their status in the State of Palestine, and implement the financial safety net offered by the Arab States .
  5. Strongly condemns and rejects Israeli settlement in the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, including Quds Al Sharif, and considers it as an illegitimate act which should be eliminated. And requests the international community to adopt a clear cut stance on condemning Israel for continuation with settlements and hails to the steadfast Palestinians in Bab el Shams village who resisted the settlement.  Decides the forcible removal of these people and pulling down the tents which they erected on their lands and the lands of their fathers and grandfathers.
  6. Strongly condemns also the continuation of Israeli aggression against the Palestine people especially in the Gaza strip, considered a blatant violation of the international law and the international humanitarian law and constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity, and calls for prosecuting the perpetrators of these crimes in realizing of international justice, and calls for initiating practical action to lodge a complaint by competent jurists for persecuting the Israeli officials who have committed frimes against the Palestinian people at the International Criminal Court; 
  7. Hails the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in confronting the Israeli aggression and the unjust blockade imposed on the Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip. Reiterates its support to the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for restoring their national, legitimate, inalienable and original rights, including the right to self-determination, the establishment of an independent State with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital and return of the Palestinian refugees in accordance with the UN General Assembly Resolution 194, of 1948.
  8. Demands total lifting of the land, sea and air unjust blockade of Gaza Strip aimed at ending the suffering of its people imposed on it for more than four years, which constitutes collective punishment of more than two million Gazans.
  9. Praises the efforts of H.E. Dr. Marzuki Alie, President of the 7th Session of the PUIC Conference concerning the visit of a delegation of Parliament Speakers to Gaza, and his meetings with H.E. Dr. Mohamd Mussi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and H.E. Mr. Ahmed Fahmi, Speaker of the Shoura Council of Egypt in this regard.  Mandates the General Secretariat to follow up the subject of the visit in implementation of the resolutions adopted by the PUIC Conference and pursuant to the approval of the steamed Egyptian authorities to finalize the visit, and request a definition of an urgent date it. 
  10. Strongly demands the Israeli occupation authorities to pay financial reparations to the families of the martyrs as well as to those injured during the repeated aggression on Gaza from December 2008 to 2012. Other financial reparations are also to be paid for demolishing Palestinian houses, properties as well as public and private, civilian and government institutions in Gaza, in implementation of international laws, in reparation for the destruction of the UNRWA institutions during the cruel aggression in 2008 and requests the UN Secretary General to announce the conclusions of the investigation concerning aggression on UNRWA. It also requests the international community to exert pressure on the occupation authorities to expedite the payment of these reparations, and requests the Islamic States members of the UN Security Council a draft resolution to the UN Security Council to demand a referral of the file of Israeli crime in the Gaza Strip to the international Criminal Court, in accordance with the provision of Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.
  11.  Stresses its strong condemnation of the barbaric Israeli attack on the international humanitarian assistance ship, including the Marmara, which constituted a blatant violation of the international law, and welcomes the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/65/195 endorsing the conclusions of the International Fact Finding Mission of the UN Human Rights Council, and while reiterating its solidarity with the families of the victims of this attack, supports the demand of the Republic of Turkey to receive an apology for it, and demands the payment of adequate compensations to the victims’’ families.
  12. Reaffirms that the City of Al Quds Al Sharif is an integral part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, as stated in the Security Council Resolutions 242 of 1967 and 338 of 1973 to which the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, is applicable and in several Security Council Resolutions. Strongly denounces the occupation authorities for their repeated violations of sacred places in the city of Al-Quds Al Sharif through erecting the racist separation wall settlements and continuing excavation works underneath the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque which will result in the collapse of its supporting pillars.  Also denounces Israel’s illegal measures and practices which run counter to international resolutions and laws carried out by the occupation authorities in the city of Al Quds, aimed at the judaization of the Holy City and obliterating its Arab and Islamic landmarks.
  13. Requests the UN Security Council in its capacity as the body responsible for the preservation of international peace and security, to shoulder its responsibilities by taking measures to stop the excavations underneath the Al Aqsa Mosque carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities, immediately remove the racist separation wall and put an end to Israel’s disrespect for international law, and the International Humanitarian Law as well as Security Council resolutions relating to Al Quds; also requests UNESCO to shoulder its responsibility for protecting the buildings of Al-Aqsa Mosque and saving them from Israeli demolishing works.
  14. Requests the Security Council and the Human Rights Council to commit Israel to apply the Fourth Geneva Convention to the occupied territories and to treat the Palestinian prisoners and detainees in its prisons according to International Law.
  15. Strongly Condemns the illegal practices of the Israeli occupation such as the arrest of His Excellency Dr. Aziz Adwik, Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a number of the Council, Parliamentary and Political figures, and calls on the International community to work seriously to force Israel for their immediate release. Also strongly condemns the arbitrary detentions, including administrative detainees, practiced by Israel against the Palestinians.
  16. Demands the Israeli authorities to immediately release the Palestinian detainees, and fully holds Israel responsible for the safety of detainees who are on hunger strike for months, in protest against torture, expulsion, solitary confinements and administrative arrest, in implementation of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
  17. Welcomes the signing of the national reconciliation agreement by the Palestinian factions, in Cairo on 4.5.2011.  Welcomes also the Egyptian efforts have helped reaching this Agreement. Stresses that the realization of the national reconciliation constitutes an important pillar for the struggle and resistance of that Palestinian people for realization of their legitimate rights, and emphasizes the implementing this reconciliation immediately without delay and holds those who obstruct its realization fully responsible,
  18. Stresses the total responsibility of the United Nations for the Palestinian issue, and Calls on it to exert further efforts in order to find a just and comprehensive solution to this issue based on the rules of International Law and relevant UN resolutions that realize the established and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily self-determination and the establishment of the independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
  19.  Stresses its support to all political and media actions, convening conferences and symposia as well as contacts between Member States, on the one hand, and with the other States in order to support the Palestinian issue. This will provide political and media coverage as well as rally world and Islamic public opinion to support the unarmed Palestinian people in the face of Israeli aggressions.
  20. Stresses also its resolve to energize parliamentary diplomacy through conducting contacts and consultations with groups, unions and parliaments concerning rallying world parliamentary support to the rights of Palestinian people.
  21. Requests international institutions to abide by what has been agreed in Sharma Al-Sheikh Conference concerning the rebuilding of Gaza and appeals to Member Parliaments to urge their governments and the Islamic Development Bank to contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and building the infrastructure which has been destroyed by the Israeli war machine.
  22. Appeals to the States of the PUIC Member Parliaments to extend generous humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people to enable them to face the harsh conditions imposed on them by the Israeli occupation, stresses the necessity of halting confiscation of the funds of Palestinian customs and taxes by the Israeli authorities; and calls for extending assistance to the dispersed Palestinian coming from Syria to Jordon and Lebanon and to seek impartiality of  Palestinian camps vis - a - vis development taking place in Syria


 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.3

RESOLUTION No. 3-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE ROLE OF MUSLIM PARLIAMENTS IN CONFRONTING ISRAELI PLANS CONCERNING JEWISHNESS OF ISRAEL AND JUDAIZATION OF AL-QUDS


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Pursuant to the Islamic resolutions which emphasize that the cause of Al-Quds Al-Sharif constitutes the essence of the cause of Palestine which is the core of the Arab–Israeli conflict, and that comprehensive and just peace will only be realized by the restoration of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif to the Palestinian sovereignty, considered as the capital of the State of Palestine.    

Emphasizing Security Council Resolution No. 681 of 1990 on application of all the provisions of the Geneva Convention of 1949 to the occupied Arab territories, and the illegality of any measures and arrangements made by the Israeli side on Palestinian territories and emphasizing also the General Assembly Resolution No.58/292, dated 6th May, 2004 concerning the status of the occupied Palestinian territories including city of Al-Quds Al Sharif;

Referring to resolution No. 129/4 adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO, in its 19th Session, dated November 1967, which affirmed that all legislative measures and arrangements taken by Israel which resulted in altering the status of Al-Quds, including confiscation of lands and real States, are null.

Taking into consideration the statement issued by the European Union, at the end of its meeting, held on 8/12/2009, at the level of Foreign Ministers, which stipulates that the settlements and the separation wall, built on the occupied land as well as demolition and vacating houses, are illegal steps according to international law, and that they constitute an obstacle to peace and render the two-states solution impossible;

Recalling Arab League Council Resolution No.132, dated 7-9/9/2009, which stipulates rejection of all illegal Israeli measures aimed at annexing and Judaizing the city, as well as condemnation of all the official and non-official Israeli political programs and policies concerning its declaration as the capital of Israel; and inviting the international community to apply the resolutions of the international legitimacy in this regard;

Referring anew to the resolution of the Joint Committee Meeting (106th) of the IPU, on 14/9/2001, which called on Israel to defuse tension, withdraw immediately its military forces from Palestinian towns and villages, freeze all settlement activities, desist from attacking civilians and installations, and lift its siege of Palestinian territories.

Recalling once again the resolutions adopted by the Third ICFM, especially Resolution No. 4/3 on Judaization of Al-Quds, which requests the Member States to exercise global pressure on Israel through the big powers, and appeal to international organizations to force Israel to implement the UN and Security Council resolutions;

Commending the condemnation of the international and regional communities of all settlement operations carried out by Israel, and their defense of the Palestinian cause, and adoption in all fora of resolutions aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital;

  1.  Strongly rejects Israel’s plan to declare occupied city of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and the Jewish people.  This declaration is considered a direct aggression on the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights.
  2. Commends the offer of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to host the first meeting of the Committee on Palestine which was formed per Resolution 2-PE/ 7CONF adopted by the 7th PUIC Conference held in Palembang, Republic of Indonesia on 30 – 31 January, 2012, and adopts the Rules of Procedure (Annex- SSCP/1-2012/ROP.1/FINAL) submitted by the First Meeting of the Committee on Palestine, held in Istanbul on 2 – 3 June, 2012.
  3. Requests the PUIC Secretary General to address the UN Secretary General and the IPU Secretary General, and asks them to exert efforts for stopping Israeli measures aimed at judaizing Al-Quds City.
  4. Upholds the position of rejecting all attempts to break up the integrity of Palestinian lands, and all unilateral measures taken by Israel, foremost of which are settlement activities in the occupied Arab territories and attempts to  Judaize Al-Quds, and establishment of the racist separation wall.
  5. Requests all States and international organizations to abide by international resolutions pertaining to the City of Al-Quds, considered as an integral part of Palestine, and to participate in any meeting of activity that serves Israel’s intention to consolidate or annex the Holy City.
  6. Invites the Vatican, all the Christian churches to participate in resisting the judaization of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, being keen on respecting the spiritual dimension of all divine religions and ensuring peaceful coexistence between their peoples.
  7. Condemns Israeli measures that prevent Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza Strip from entering Al-Quds, and its persistent attempt to include Al-Quds in its preparatory list of antiquities in order to record it as an Israeli site on the list of world heritage, in a blatant defiance of international law, and the resolutions of the international legitimacy and in violation of international charters and conventions, including the World Heritage Convention.
  8. Calls for energizing cooperation among Islamic States in a way that serves the cause of Palestine and preserves the Arab and Islamic identity of Al-Quds city and safeguards its religious sacred sites and historical antiquities, and calls on the States which have declared the twining of their capitals and cities with the city of Al Quds Al Sharif to adopt projects which strengthen the steadfastness of the holy city, its people and institutions.
  9. Requests energizing Al Quds Fund of the OIC Al Quds Committee to support the steadfastness of our people in the city of Al Quds Al Sharif to confront settlement, the policy of judaization, confiscation and expulsion.

     CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.4

RESOLUTION No. 4-PFR/8-CONF
ON
OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES IN SYRIA AND LEBANON

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling Israeli violation of Article 25 of the UN Charter and its non-compliance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, specially resolution No.497 of 1981 which considers Israeli annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan as null and void and without legal effect, and that it is a defiance of the will of the international community, supporting the position of the State of Lebanon which calls on the international community to apply resolution No.1701, in such a way as to realize the interest of Lebanon and put an end to Israelis violations of Lebanese sovereignty and permanent threats as well as sponge operations which it practices against Lebanon and the attempt to steal its oil wealth;

Being aware of the suffering of the Syrian citizens in the occupied Golan from Israeli repressive measures and continuous attempts to force them to accept the Israeli identity, condemning the continuation of the Israeli occupation of the Lebanese Shiba farms and Kafr Chouba Hills;
    
Affirming the applicability of the Geneva convention concerning the protection of civilian inhabitants during the time of war of 1949 to the Occupied Syrian Golan, and that the establishment of settlements and the introduction of settlers to the Occupied Syrian Golan constitutes a violation of this conventions and a destruction of the peace process,

Expressing its denunciation of Israel’s non-application of the international resolutions, especially UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, as well as expressing its concern about Israel’s destruction of the peace process through its intransigence.

Commending the steadfastness of the Syrian Arab people in the face of Israeli arrogance and Israel’s continued occupation of the Golan, praising the steadfastness of Lebanon and its heroic resistance in the face of repeated Israeli aggression;
    
1.    Reaffirms all the resolutions adopted by relevant Islamic Conferences on all the occupied Arab territories in Syria and Lebanon,

2.    Praises the steadfastness of the Syrian and Lebanese citizens and commends their holding to their land and identity as well as their resistance of Israeli occupation.

3.    Condemns the Israeli threat to resort to force against Lebanon and the provocative military manures on the borders of Lebanon as well as the air and sea violations, the continuation of the occupation Sheba Farm and Kafar Chouba hills and the Lebanese section of Al Gaza village which contradicts the UN Security Council resolution No.1701.

4.    Strongly condemns the decisions of Israel to impose its laws and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan and its non-abidance by Security Council resolution No. 497 of 1981; affirms that all these Israeli decisions are null and illegal.

5.    Emphasizes the right of the Lebanese people and their violent resistance to recover Lebanese sovereignty over all its occupied territories including Shaba Farms, Kufar Chouba Hills and the Lebanese part of Al Gair Village, according to the relevant international resolutions.

6.    Urges the Member Parliaments to request their respective governments to exercise pressure on the UN in order to compel Israel to withdraw from the Occupied Arab territories in Syria and Lebanon.


 
 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.5


RESOLUTION No.5-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE SITUATION IN THE SUDAN

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Confirming all its previous resolutions which are supportive of the efforts exerted by the Sudanese government to establish peace, security and stability in all parts of the country;

Referring to its resolutions concerning the allegations made by the International Criminal Court against the Sudan;

Following with the utmost attention the developments taking place:-

  1. Stresses its support to the Sudan in defending its sovereignty, security, stability and unity through backing the efforts exerted by the Sudanese government to establish peace
  2. Stresses its firm stand on the side of the Sudan against its external threats, especially those led by Zionist entities through some neighboring states and expresses solidarity with it in defending its sovereignty, stability, unity and development.
  3. Affirms its rejection of the decision of the International Criminal Court and the allegations of its Prosecutor General against His Excellency the President of the Republic and some Sudanese Leaders which constitute a flagrant violation of the international law, as well as a blatant violation of the national sovereignty of the Republic of the Sudan; and calls for the absolute nullification of the afore-mentioned decision.
  4. Reemphasizes its condemnation of the external occupation of the Sudanese Higlig Region as well as renews its condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Israeli aggression on Yarmouk Factory in Khartoum.
  5. Highly appreciates the efforts in order to establish peace in Darafur in the framework of the joint African Islamic International initiative through Doha track which has established a solid basis for security, stability and development. Calls on the Member Parliaments to urge their respective governments and the international community to extend material and moral support in implementation of the document and for the launching of development of efforts.
  6. Calls on the movements which have not joined the Doha Darfur Peace Agreement to join immediately, and request international community to impose stringent sanctions against the rebellious movements which reject the peace option and adopt the war option. 
  7. Emphasizes the importance for the republic of South Sudan to desist from supporting and sheltering the rebellious movements in Darfur, South Kordofanian and the Blue Nile, and calls on it to abide by the concluded agreements and signed understandings in the security field between the two countries.
  8. Welcomes the cooperation agreement which has recently been signed in Addis Ababa between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, and urge commitment to it  

 



 CONF/8-2013/PFRRES.6

 


RESOLUTION No.6-PFR/8-CONF
ON
SUPPORTING THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF ALL NATIONS TO HAVE FREE ACCESS TO AND USAGE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES

 

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,
Proceeding from the practice role of knowledge of modern technologies in enabling all nations to achieve prosperity and development,
Recalling the Ten Year Programs of Action of the OIC which encourages public and private research institutions to invest in the technology of capacity building in the fields of advanced technologies such as possessing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes;
Taking into consideration the provisions of the UN Charter concerning the right to development and the equal rights of all nations without discrimination to raise their standards of living and economic advancement.
Recognizing the limited sources of energy and the need to use modern technology for searching for new ways and means, including the use of nuclear energy in order to address possible future shortage in energy,
Reaffirming that the new technologies in the various fields, including chemical, biological, resemble energies and nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, play an important role in the advancement of developing countries,
Expressing its utmost concern about the unjustified restrictions imposed by some states or groups of states on the transfer of equipment and materiel  
Emphasizing the inalienable rights of all peoples without discrimination to develop new technologies, especially nuclear energy for peaceful purposes according to their legal commitments
Reconfirming also the inalienable right of all parties to the NPT in developing research and producing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without distinction and conformity with the NPT,
1. Reconfirms the equal and inalienable rights of all peoples, without discrimination, to free access to modern technologies, including nuclear energy, for peaceful purposes; in accordance with the provisions of the NPT, and the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and encourages, cooperations between OIC Member States in this field.
2. Urges all Parliaments to strengthen cooperation in the field of new technology, including development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes according to the NPT.
3. Calls on the developed countries to strengthen international cooperation in favor of developing countries through the transfer of technology, materiel and equipment necessary for peaceful purposes, especially in the chemical, biological and nuclear fields. Urges those states which continue to impose restrictions on the transfer of necessary technology for peaceful purposes to take the initiative of removing those restrictions which are contradictory to the obligations enforce according to the international law and the relevant international legal instruments.

 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.7


RESOLUTION No. 7-PFR/8-CONF
ON
MAKING THE MIDDLE EAST A ZONE FREE OF ALL WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION SPECIALLY NUCLEAR WEAPONS

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling the resolution of the Islamic Summit, held in Tehran, in December 1997, concerning creation of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons in Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia, and called for removing the world from all weapons of mass destruction;

Reiterating the resolution of the Islamic Summit Conference No. 22-8/P(IS) on committing Israel to abide by the UN resolutions especially Security Council Resolution 487 of 1981, and its accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT);

Strongly stressing the basic and inalienable right of all states party to the NPT to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, without any discrimination, and in conformity with their respective legal obligations under the NPT;

Welcoming the IAEA Resolution No. GC (53) RES/17 of September 2009, which expresses concern about the nuclear capabilities of Israel, while advocated a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, and urges Israel to open its nuclear facilities for international inspection;

Stressing the importance of the existence of nuclear weapons free zone in the regions of South America, Central American and the Caribbean, Africa, Central Asia and South-East Asia;

Reasserting that nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to mankind and to the survival of civilization;

Reaffirming that universalization of the NPT as starting point of international efforts in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and complete elimination of nuclear weapon is essential to removing the danger of nuclear weapon;

Strongly supporting the whole Middle East region a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons with no exception and no discrimination aimed at creating peace and stability in the region;

Expressing its strong concern and anxiety about the nuclear weapons in the region, including those belonging to Israel, which may lead to disastrous humanitarian, economic, social and environmental consequences that do not only threaten the region and the peace process, but anew endanger Muslim States and jeopardize international peace and security;

Reaffirming the important role of nuclear-weapon-free zones in strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime, in contributing towards realizing the objectives of nuclear disarmament and in extending the areas of the world that are free of nuclear weapons, and, with particular reference to the responsibilities of the nuclear-weapon States, calling upon all States to seek a safer world for all and to achieve peace and security in a world without nuclear weapons in a way that promotes international stability and based on the principle of undiminished security for all;
 
Noting with satisfaction that, in the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, the NPT Review Conference emphasized the importance of a process leading to full implementation of the 1995 resolution on the Middle East

  1. Reaffirms that the total elimination of nuclear weapons under strict and effective international control, is the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons and the legitimate interest of non-nuclear weapon States in receiving unequivocal and legally binding security assurances from nuclear-weapon States which could strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime;
  2. Affirms that resolution of the 31st ICFM adopted in Istanbul on 16th June 2004, which requests the international community and the Security council to commit Israel to abide by the resolutions of the United Nations, especially Security council Resolution No. 487 for the year 1981, and to join the NPT, and implement the resolutions of the General Assembly and the International Atomic Energy Agency which called for subjecting all Israeli Nuclear facilities to the comprehensive IAEA Safeguards System, and stresses the necessity of Israel’s declaration to renounce Nuclear armament as well as submit statement on its capabilities and stockpile of nuclear weapons and material to both the Security Council and the IAEA, considering that such steps are necessary for making the area a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, foremost of which are the nuclear weapons;
  3. Confirms the necessity of Israel’s compliance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the IAEA on elimination of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons, as this is considered essential to security and stability in the Middle East, and requests the United Nations to urge Israel to accede to the NPT without any delay or conditions and subjection of its nuclear facilities and programmes to IAEA safeguard;
  4. Reconfirms the inalienable right of all States to develop nuclear energy and technology for peaceful purposes, and encourages cooperation among them in this field in accordance with the provisions of the NPT and the IAEA safeguard system, and further reconfirms that nothing should be interpreted in a way as restricting the right of States for developing atomic energy for peaceful purposes. States’ choice and decisions in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear technology and their fuel cycle policies must be respected;
  5. Calls for facilitating and promoting cooperation in the field of developing nuclear energy and its use for peaceful purposes, whether in the region, between its states or outside states, without any discrimination, while taking into consideration the commitments of states to the NPT;
  6. Emphasizes the importance of the 2012 International Conference on the establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of nuclear weapons and all other of WMD, as mandated by the 2012 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, and calls on OIC Member States to coordinate their efforts concerning preparations for relevant international conferences and convening of meetings to unify positions.
  7. Emphasizes the requirement of maintaining parallel progress, in substance and timing, in the process leading to achieving total and complete elimination of all WMD in the region, nuclear, chemical or biological.


 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.8

RESOLUTION No.8-PFR/8-CONF
ON
COMBATING TERRORISM UNDER UN UMBERALLA AND REAFIRMING THE LEGITIMATE RIGHT TO RESIST FOREIGN OCCUPATION AND AGGRESSION


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Reaffirming its condemnation of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations,  including state terrorism committed by whomever, wherever, and for whatever purposes, constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and have serious impact on social and economic development of international community;

Reaffirming also that any terrorist act is not justified under any circumstances;

Emphasizing that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group;

Stressing that the indiscriminate use of violence against innocent people is categorically rejected by the teachings of Islam, moreover, Muslims bear the impact and become the main victim of terrorism;

Recalling the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution A/60/288  of September 8,  2006,  62/272 of 5 September 2008 and 64/297 of 13 October 2010), and Stressing the need to the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars in a comprehensive and balanced manner;

Stressing that all multilateral measures are needed to halt colonialism and racism caused by foreign aggression and occupation;

Extremely concerned about the increase of terrorist acts against researchers, scientists, university professors in some Islamic countries, particularly Islamic Republic of Iran.

Reiterating that a lack of democracy, good governance, socio-economic marginalization, and non-respect for human rights as well as the refusal to resolve international conflicts by peaceful means and foreign occupation also play a major part in the emergence and spread of terrorism;

Reaffirming the fundamental importance of multilateralism and international cooperation, as well as the central role of the United Nations, in countering terrorism, including addressing its root causes;  

Stressing that foreign occupation constitutes violation of the UN Charter and the international law and any measures undertaken by OIC Member States to prevent and combat terrorism must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the purposes, principles and relevant protocols in particular international human rights law, refugees law and humanitarian law;

Affirming that the final document of the 16th Ministerial Conference of the non-aligned movement held in Bali on 23 to 27 May, 2011 in which the Ministers strongly condemned a number of terrorist attacks against the Iranian scientists and which resulted in the loss of valuable and essential human resources for the development of any country;

1.    Emphasizes that national struggle and all forms of resistance for national liberation from foreign occupation, and attainment of independence, is a legitimate right; and such actions do not in themselves constitute a criminal act and should be distinguished from criminal terrorist actions.
2.    Reaffirms and appeal to the UN General Assembly from refrain from financing, encouraging, and offering training to any terrorist activities or support terrorists (A/66/478).
3.    Urges international community in particular the PUIC Member Parliaments to double their efforts to undertake measures at addressing the root causes of terrorism, including foreign occupation, long running disputes, and removal of social and economic injustice, alienation and extremism.
4.    Strongly Condemns all the terrorist acts, ways and practices in all its forms and manifestations including state terrorism – considered as unjustified criminal acts wherever and whoever omitted it (op1A/66/478).
5.    Encourages the PUIC Member Parliaments to engage, as appropriate, in the efforts to enhance the implementation of the United Nations instruments related to combat international terrorists in addition to the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
6.    Invites PUIC Member Parliaments and their respective Governments to exchange their best practices in preventing and combating terrorism and to promote understanding between and within religions, cultures and civilizations through dialogue and expanding the roles of civil society among stakeholders to undertake the efforts to foster the values of tolerance and mutual understanding.
7.    Encourages further all PUIC Member Parliaments to help underscore at national, regional, and global level the need of a genuine collective effort to resolve the issue of foreign occupation and the illegal use of force.
8.    The appropriate means to combatting terrorism being by development of democracy, promoting sustained social and economic development and the respect of human rights and rule of law for attaining people’s prosperity and justice.
9.    Requests PUIC Member Parliaments to enact effective anti-terrorism legislation, in keeping with the relevant international instruments and commitments, including the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and to asses such legislation at regular intervals so as to ensure that it is fully compatible with national security and human rights fulfillment.
10.    Calls on PUIC Member Parliaments to review the adequacy of the legal measures they have in place to protect people from terrorist attacks and to bring perpetrators to justice, and to take such measures as deemed necessary to provide adequate protection.
11.    Recommends: to the OIC to constitute a legal commission to be mandated with revising the concept of terrorism and defining the controls that distinguish terrorist action from other actions, so that the reviews of the commission may be a reference in this field
12.    Strongly Condemns the remarkable increase in terrorist acts against researchers, scientists, and university professors in a number of Muslim countries, particularly in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
13.    Strongly condemns also the recent terrorist aggression on the petroleum facility (Ain Amnas) in Algeria which targeted Algerians and foreign nationals aimed at de-establishing the region.
14.    Calls upon all PUIC Member Parliaments to take steps, in coordination with their governments and in partnership with other inter-parliamentary organizations, to implement this resolution.
 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.9

RESOLUTION No.9-PFR/8-CONF
ON
PROMOTING SOLIDARITY AND UNITY AMONG MUSLIM STATES TO CONFRONT INCREASING CHALLENGES WHICH TARGET THE CAPABILITIES OF THE ISLAMIC UMMAH


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Guided by the Holy Quran which says “And verily this Ummah of yours is a single Ummah and I am your Lord, therefore worship me” and also “And verily this Ummah of yours is a single Ummah and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no others)”,

Also guided by the Holy Quran, which enjoins on Muslims, to achieve unity as stated in the text of the verse: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves”,

Reconfirming the provisions of the PUIC Statute, which stress the necessity for Muslims to close their ranks and consolidate their unity, as well as the role of parliamentary assemblies in supporting this trend.

Taking into consideration all the relevant statements and resolutions adopted by the Union,

Deeply concerned about the continuous lapses in Islamic solidarity among Islamic countries due to the enemies of Islam and Muslims sowing the seeds of discord among Muslims through various strategies, policies and plans, and warning against conspiracies which are laid and carried out by the Zionist movements and others which target the unity of the Muslims and seek to cause dissension among them including the means of assassination as well as utilizing the media and others in order to destroy the capacity of Muslims,

Aware of the great harm, resulting from disputes among the followers of the different Islamic schools of thought, including sectarian violence, and their impact on the solidarity and unity of the entire Muslim Ummah;

Aware of the importance of understanding and cooperation between brothers from different Islamic sects and its positive impact on the strengthening of Islamic solidarity;

Reiterating the importance of further efforts for the rapprochement of the Islamic schools of thought, as a first step to unite the sons and daughters of the Islamic Ummah in their endeavors to meet the huge challenges facing them;

  1.  Affirms the need to eliminate all causes for prejudice, hatred, provocation and incitement as well as sectarian violence among the followers of various Islamic schools of thought,
  2.  Recognizes the great importance for Member Parliaments to  strengthen Islamic brotherhood and unity considered as a sacred religious obligation aimed at achieving the common interests of the Islamic Ummah,
  3.  Affirms that both the causes of Palestine and Al-Quds Al Sharif must remain the primary issues on which Member States should adopt a unified Islamic position in international fora.
  4.  Stresses the important role of Member Parliaments in strengthening mutual understanding, tolerance and respect among followers of Islamic schools of thought in such a way as to contribute to the consolidation of bonds of brotherhood among Muslims, as they share the same beliefs and the same commitment to carry out the obligations of Islam,
  5.  Stresses also the necessity for all Muslims to maintain vigilance and attention and awareness to understand that any conflict among the followers of Islamic schools of thought will harm all the peoples of the Islamic Ummah and endanger its solidarity, brotherhood and unity.
  6.  Invites all Muslims to desist from inciting sectarian sentiments or ethnic strife or insult or bias or abuse. Also calls for being on guard towards all attempts to sow the seeds of discord between them.
  7.  Condemns sectarian violence and call for dialogue of the spectrum of Islamic schools of thought in any part of the Islamic world and strongly condemns all crimes which are committed on the basis of sectarian identity or affiliation.
  8.  Reaffirms the importance of never relinquishing principles, including unity, understanding, solidarity and cooperation to achieve probity and piety and emphasizes that the blood, properties, honor, reputation of  Muslims must be preserved and that all Muslim places of worship must be respected;
  9.  Urges all Muslim scholars, religious institutions and mass media in the Islamic world, owing to their importance, to reinforce the spirit of tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect among the followers of different Islamic schools of thought;
  10.  Invites all Member Parliaments to take into consideration the great importance of this issue and take appropriate measures to strengthen and promote Islamic unity.
     

     CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.10

RESOLUTION No.10-PFR/8-CONF
ON
REJECTING ALL SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON ANY MUSLIM COUNTRY

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling the objectives and principles stipulated in the PUIC Statute and the OIC Charter, especially those that call for promoting solidarity among Islamic States and strengthening their ability to protect their security, sovereignty, independence and national rights;  

Recalling also the principles of the UN Charter and stipulating the right of people’s to achieve sustainable development;

Referring to the UN Resolutions 22/51 and 17/51 on economic sanctions which are unilaterally imposed by UN Member States against other Member States;

Stressing that economic and financial sanction is considered a major obstacle to the implementation of the declaration on the right to development; because it is the peoples who suffer from imposed sanctions;

After taking note of the statements, declarations, and resolutions adopted by the various governmental and international fora as well as non-governmental organizations, which express rejection by the international community of the superseding of national legislations of one State by the rules of international law aimed at prejudicing the sovereignty and interests of States and their peoples,

  1.  Strongly rejects the principle of imposing any kind of sanctions, whether unilateral or multilateral, on any Islamic State and expresses strong solidarity with these States.
  2.  Condemns the continuation of sanctions on Islamic States and demands their immediate lifting as well as stresses the respect of the sovereignty of States and non-interference in their internal affairs.
  3.  Calls for considering the adoption of legal and administrative measures to confront the application of unilateral coercive measures whose effects surpass the local legal and legislative jurisdiction.
  4.  Stresses that economic and financial sanction should not be used as tools of political coercions and that peoples should not, in any case, be denied the tools of their survival and development.
  5. Invites research institutions in Muslim States to pay attention to the negative impact of the phenomena of economic and financial sanctions on the enjoyment of the peoples of targeted states of their complete human rights.

 



 
 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.11

 

RESOLUTION NO. 11-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE SITUATION IN MALI


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling the principles and objectives of the PUIC Statute and the Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, particularly with regard to the preservation of the Member States national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity,

Expresses its profound concern over the developments of the situation in Mali and the Sahel region, and over the escalated terrorist acts feed by the scourges of organized transnational criminality, particularly the trafficking of arms and drugs, which pose a threat to the stability, peace and socio-economic development of the Sahel region’s countries, particularly in the case of Mali which faces the risk of territorial dislocation.

Referring to the Ten-Year Programme of Action adopted by the Third Extraordinary Islamic Summit (held in Makkah Al Mukarramah on 7-8 December 2005) which requested the Member States to cooperate in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, against organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, money laundering and trafficking of human beings,

Recalling the OIC’s unequivocal condemnation of the unilateral declaration of independence proclaimed by the MNLA and the actions perpetrated by the terrorist group in the north of Mali,

Recalling the final communiqué of the 4th Session of the Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 14-15 August 2012 (26-27 Ramadan 1433H) concerning the situation in Mali and the Sahel region,

1.   Reiterates its principled position and its support for the preservation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Mali and of the integrity of its territories and its national unity.
2.   Reaffirms its full solidarity with the Government of the national union and invites all the Member States to extend to it every necessary assistance to help it achieve its objectives.
3.   Commends the efforts which have been exerted by Algeria for solving the dispute in the Republic of Mali as well as the role it has played in giving primacy of peaceful solutions over military solutions as well as its participation in the dialogue between disputing parties in Mali’s.
4.   Expresses its deep concern over the humanitarian tragedy in Mali, and Requests OIC Member States to support Mali in these critical conditions in its history through mobilizing the necessary resources to help stem the difficulties faced by the hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons in Mali and in the neighboring countries. Salutes in this regard the sending in 12 October of the joint OIC-OCHA mission to evaluate the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and calls for delegating a joint mission composed of the OIC and the office of coordinating the human affairs in order to value the humanitarian crisis in Mali, Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Niger.
5.   Strongly condemns the exactions perpetrated by the terrorist groups against the unarmed civilian population and the destruction of sites classified by the UNESCO as cultural world heritage, particularly in Timbuktu, and calls upon the ISESCO to get involved in the protection and safeguard of the said heritage sites.
6.   Welcomes the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 2056 (2012) of 5 July 2012 and 12 October 2012 on Mali.
7.   Salutes and encourages the process currently underway, led by ECOWAS, the African Union, the OIC, the United Nations, the neighboring countries and interested countries, to help Mali restore its territorial integrity and stability, which will help reinforce its national unity and development.
 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.12


RESOLUTION No.12-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE SITUATION IN SOMALIA


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling all resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences, PUIC and ICFM Conferences concerning the situation in Somalia and the set of challenges relating to prevailing political, humanitarian, social and economic conditions,

Also recalling the efforts of the OIC and its cooperation with international organizations such as the UN, League of Arab States and African Union.  Also recalling the OIC  initiative of 1992 concerning extension of international relief to Somalia and commending all humanitarian assistance and relief efforts extended by the international community,

Stressing the recommendations made by the OIC Contact Group on Somalia,

1. Stresses its commitment to restore and preserve the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia and restoration of security therein.

2.    Rejects strongly foreign intervention in Somalia outside legitimate frameworks   by any party, for preserving its independence and territorial integrity.

3.    Commends the efforts exerted in order to put an end to the transitional phase, emphasizes its support of the success of the political process; the building of parliament institutions, drawing up an official constitution for the country; the establishment of a 275 member legislative; election of Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and the selection of Mr. Abdi Farhih Sherdn as Prime Minister, calls on all Somali factions to support the newly constituted Somali government, and work in solidarity with it in order to consolidate security, stability and renouncing schism and disputes. Calls also the international community to interact with it on the basis of the principle of quality and mutual respect.

4.    Invites the States of PUIC Member Parliaments to send a parliamentary delegation to Somalia to examine the situation there and evaluate the needs of the Somali Parliaments and follow up implementation by the PUIC; and calls for extending assistance to the Somali people to help them meet the challenges and problems facing people of Somalia specially the conditions of drought and repercussions of war and calls for further efforts in cooperation with the international organizations to realize comprehensive development and rebuild the infrastructure of the Republic of Somalia.

5.    Appeals to the sponsors of the London and Istanbul Conferences on Somalia, held in 2012, to follow up the recommendations and resolutions adopted by the two conferences in order to implement their conclusions concretely, and term over their fruits to the Somali people who are still entertaining great hopes on the resolutions of the two conferences.

6.    Also calls for immediate cessation of acts of piracy which is endangering security, peace and freedom of international shipping, and appeals to Islamic States and all the international community to provide assistance to Somalia in order to confront piracy.

7.    Appeals to Muslim Parliaments to support Somalia’s Parliament materially and morally in order to strengthen its message and role in promoting parliamentary culture among the Somali people instead of wars and conflicts.


 
 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.13


RESOLUTION No.13-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE AGGRESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
AGAINST THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,
Proceeding from the principles and objectives of the PUIC Statute and the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation;
Gravely concerned over the aggression by the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan which has resulted in the occupation of about 20 percent of the territories of Azerbaijan;
Deeply distressed over the plight of more than one million Azerbaijani displaced persons and refugees resulting from the Armenian aggression and over the magnitude and severity of these humanitarian problems;
Deeply concerned about losses in people and injuries of civilian Azerbaijani citizens who live along the line of contact, including children and women as a result of the breach of ceasefire agreement by the Armenian armed forces;
Reaffirming all previous relevant resolutions and, in particular, Resolution No.10/11-P(IS), adopted by the Eleventh Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal,  13-14 March 2008 and Resolution No.11/5-CONF, adopted by the Fifth Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, on 30-31 January 2008;
Urging strict adherence to the Charter of the UN and full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions;
Welcoming all diplomatic and other efforts for the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan;
Reaffirming commitment by all the State of PUIC Member Parliaments to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Noting also the destructive influence of the policy of aggression of the Republic of Armenia on the peace process within the OSCE framework;
1.    Strongly condemns the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan.

2.    Considers the actions perpetrated against civilian Azerbaijani population in occupied Azerbaijani territories as crimes against humanity.

3.    Strongly condemns any looting and destruction of archeological, cultural and religious monuments on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

4.    Strongly demands the strict implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 and the immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied Azerbaijani territories including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and strongly urges Armenia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

5.    Expresses its concern that Armenia has not yet implemented demands contained in the above stated UN Security Council resolutions.

6.    Urges all States to refrain from providing any supplies of arms and military equipment to Armenia, which can encourage the aggressor to escalate the conflict and to continue the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. The territories of the State of the PUIC Member Parliaments should not be used as transit of such supplies.

7. Calls upon States of PUIC Member Parliaments, as well as other Members of the international community, to use such effective political and economic measures as required in order to put an end to Armenian aggression and occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. Inter alia, refraining from economic activities in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, from investing to economic, industrial, and other areas in the Republic of Armenia and limiting overall cooperation with Republic of Armenia.

8.    Requests the States of PUIC Member Parliaments to encourage their nationals and legal entities not to be engaged in economic, touristic and other activities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

9.    Stresses that fait accompli may not serve as a basic  for a settlement, and that neither the current situation within the occupied areas of the Republic of Azerbaijan, nor any actions, including arranging voting process, undertaken there to consolidate the status quo, may be recognized as legally.

10.    Calls for a just and peaceful settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of respect for the principles of territorial integrity of States and inviolability of internationally recognized borders.

11.    Expresses its full support for the three principles of the settlement of the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan contained in the Statement of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office at the 1996 Lisbon OSCE Summit, namely the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, highest degree of self-rule of the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan and guaranteed security for Nagorno-Karabakh and its whole population.

12.    Urges Armenia and all Member States of the OSCE Minsk Group to engage constructively in the ongoing OSCE peace process on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the relevant OSCE decisions and documents.

13.    Demands to cease and reverse immediately the transfer of settlers of Armenian nationality to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, which constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and has a detrimental impact on the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict, and calls upon Member States to render their full support to the efforts of Azerbaijan undertaken to this end, including at the General Assembly of the United Nations, inter-alia, through their respective Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York.

14.    Reaffirms its total solidarity and support for the efforts being made by the Government and people of Azerbaijan to defend their country, and call for enabling the Azerbaijan displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes in safety, honor and dignity.

15.    Calls upon the Member Parliaments to expressly recognize the horrify of Azerbaijan citizens by Armenian forces in the town of Khojaly of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 26 February, 1992 which resulted in a few hours of the right of 25/26 February, in the massage of 613 civilians including 106 women and 83 children demands to take to justice the perpetrators of the genocide starting from 2012 which marks the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.

 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.14


RESOLUTION No.14-PFR/8-CONF
ON
SITUATION IN CYPRUS


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling the resolutions No.2/31-P and 6/34-P on the situation in Cyprus adopted at the 31st and 34th Sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Istanbul and Islamabad, on 14-16 June 2004 and 15-17 May 2007 respectively, which enabled the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus to participate in the OIC under the name of Turkish Cypriot State as envisaged by the UN Secretary-General’s comprehensive settlement plan;

Recalling Resolution  No. 4 on the situation in Cyprus adopted at the Fourth Session of the Organization of Islamic Conference Parliamentary Union (PUIC) held in Istanbul, on 8-13 April 2006, which enabled the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus to participate in the PUIC under the name of Turkish Cypriot State in accordance with the relevant OIC resolutions;

Also recalling the resolutions on the situation in Cyprus adopted by the 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th, 38th and 39th Sessions of the Islamic Conference of  Foreign Ministers held in San’a (5/32-P), Baku (5/33-P), Islamabad (6/34-P), Kampala (No.5/35-P), Damascus (No. 6/36-POL) Dushanbe (7/37-POL), Astana (7/38-POL) and Djibouti (6/39-POL) on 28-30 June 2005, 19-21 June 2006, 15-17 May 2007, 18-19 June 2008, 23-25 May 2009, 18-20 May 2010, 28-30 June 2011 and 15-17 November 2012 respectively, as well as the resolution adopted by the 11th Summit Conference held in Dakar on 13th and 14th of March 2008 (3/11-P (IS) which called upon the Member States to take concrete steps to end the economic, political and cultural isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and reaffirmed the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus;

Also recalling Resolutions No. 10 adopted at the Council of the PUIC meeting in its Ninth Session held in Kuala Lumpur on 15-16 February 2007, which supports the efforts of the UN Secretary General in the framework of his good-offices mission to achieve a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus based on the established UN parameters;

Noting the report of the Secretary General on the situation in Cyprus contained in document OIC/CFM-39/2012/POL/SG-REP;

Bearing in mind that the Turkish Cypriot State accepted UN Secretary-General Buotros Ghali’s Set of Ideas, Perez de Cuellar’s Document and the Annan Plan, whereas the Greek Cypriot side refused all these;

Regretting that this last negotiation process aiming to reach a settlement, on the basis of political equality of the two sides and the equal status of the two Constituent States to bring about a new bi-zonal Partnership State, which would then have been able to assume the Presidency of the European Union on July 1st, 2012 in line with the expectation of the UN Secretary-General, was unable to produce a result despite the dedicated efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side.  

Noting the desire of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus to fully integrate with the international community, whereas they are still left in isolation as the victim of conditions in which they have no fault.

  1.  Calls upon the states of the PUIC Member Parliaments to support effective solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot State and maintain close links with it, aiming to help it overcome the inhuman isolation imposed on it, and consolidate and strengthen their relations with the Turkish Cypriot State in all fields.
  2.  Calls for extending effective assistance to meet the legitimate demands of the Turkish Cypriot State concerning the right of Turkish Cypriots to have their voice heard in all international fora on the basis of equality between the two parties in Cyprus until a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus question is achieved.
  3.  Reiterates the necessity of a just and lasting political settlement in Cyprus and shares the view that a negotiated and mutually agreed solution can be reached through the efforts of the UN, based on the inherent constitutive power of the two peoples, their political equality and co-ownership of the Island.
  4.  Calls upon the international community to encourage the Greek Cypriot side to work constructively for an early comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the established UN parameters culminated in the UN Settlement Plan of 2004.
  5.  Recalls and welcomes in this regard the constructive proposal made by the Turkish Cypriot President on 29 September 2012 in New York regarding the equitable distribution of the hydrocarbon resources of the island of Cyprus and calls on the Greek Cypriot side to reconsider its position and accept this positive proposal.
  6. Welcomes the willingness shown by the Turkish Cypriot State and Turkey for a political and viable agreement, and shares the UN Secretary-General’s view that the negotiation process cannot be open-ended.
  7. Expresses its recognition that the Muslim Turkish Cypriot people shall not be left isolated, welcomes the call of the UN Secretary-General (S/2007/699) to the international community to maintain economic, social and cultural relations with the Turkish Cypriot people, and stresses that there is no contradiction between ending the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots and the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

 



 
 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.15

 

RESOLUTION No.15-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE SITUATION IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Reaffirming the principles and objectives of the PUIC Statute and the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United  Nations relating to the importance of achieving people's rights  of self-determination and recalling the resolutions of the United Nations relating to the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir that have not been implemented yet,

Referring to the Simla Agreement concluded between the governments of Pakistan and India stipulating to find a final settlement to Jammu and Kashmir issue,

Emphasizing the declarations relating to Jammu and Kashmir issued by the 7thand 10thConference of the Islamic Summit and the two Extraordinary Sessions of the Islamic Summit Conferences held in Casablanca in 1994 and in Islamabad in 1997 and all the previous resolutions issued by the PUIC and the OIC on the conflict of Jammu and Kashmir, specially the resolution No. 34/2-P  as well as the reports of the ministerial meeting and that of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir and supporting the recommendations set in it,

  1.  Calls for finding a peaceful resolution for the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and Agreed provisions of the Simla Agreement.
  2.  Supports the current efforts deployed by the government of Pakistan in order to find a peaceful solution for the Jammu and Kashmir conflict by using all ways and means, including substantive bilateral talks with India according to the will of Jammu and Kashmiri people and their legitimate right in self-determination.
  3.  Appeals to the States of the PUIC Member Parliaments to mobilize resources and generously contribute to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
  4.  Calls on India to allow international human rights groups and humanitarian organizations to visit Jammu and Kashmir
  5.  Calls on the international community, including the UN, to closely monitor the situation inside Jammu and Kashmir, occupied by India, as well as to follow up the dialogue between Pakistan and India aimed at reaching a solution to the dispute in Jammu and Kashmir.


 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.16

RESOLUTION NO. 16-PFR/8-CONF
ON
QUESTION OF MUSLIMS IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Bearing in mind the OIC resolutions and the recommendations of the OIC Peace Committee in Southern Philippines (PCSP) and the question of Muslims there;

Reaffirming all previous OIC Summit and Ministerial Conferences resolutions adopted concerning the question of Muslims in Southern Philippines;

1-     Renews its support for the Peace Agreement between the Government of Philippines (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) initiated on 30 August 1996 in Jakarta and officially signed in Manila on 2 September 1996.
2-     Calls for quick and full implementation of the provisions of 1996 Final Peace Agreement on implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement concluded between the GPH and the MNLF with good intention and genuine interest so that just and lasting peace and comprehensive development can be achieved for the Bangsamoro people.
3-     Calls on the GPH to show flexibility that would allow progress on the pending major difficulties, namely the size of the autonomous region, transitional mechanism or transitional period arrangements and an agreed definition of strategic minerals, also calls upon it to sponsor the request by the MNLF on conducting a new plebiscite under neutral supervision to consult the population on whether they are willing to join the autonomous rule region.
4-     Welcomes the conclusion of the Framework Agreement between GPH and MNLF signed on October 15, 2012 and express the hope that it shall be implemented in good faith and that its fate would be different from that of its predecessors which were either retracted, such as the Memorandum of Agreement concluded with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which was not implemented due to a Philippine Constitutional Court order, or the Peace Agreements of 1976 and 1996 concluded with MNLF which have not been fully implemented so far.
5-     Invites all parties to improve on the Framework Agreement by linking it to the Peace Agreement of 1976 and abiding by the area of the autonomous region stipulated in this Agreement and reconfirmed in the Final Peace Agreement of 1996.
6-     Appeals to the GPH to see to the early resolution of the reported environmental problems resulting from the failure on the part of power and electricity plant in Lake Lanao and its surroundings to observe environmental standards, which resulted in serious and adverse environmental effects with damaging fallouts on local population’s health and economic and social conditions.
7-     Urges OIC Member States, as well as Islamic charitable organizations in Member States to increase their medical, humanitarian, economic, financial, and technical assistance for the development of Southern Philippines with a view to accelerating the pace of social and economic development.
 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.17


RESOLUTION No.17-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE TURKISH MUSLIM MINORITY IN WESTERN THRACE AND
THE MUSLIM POPULATION OF THE DODECANESE

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Aware that the Muslims living in Greece are an integral part of the Muslim world;

Recalling the principles and objectives of the OIC Charter, the Resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences, Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers, the Council and the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC (Cooperation) Member States and all international conferences as well as declarations and conventions calling for observance of human rights, namely political, social, cultural and economic rights and freedom of worship, and most particularly the Lausanne Peace Treaty which defines and guarantees the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace such as to use their Turkish language, to practice their religious rites and to elect freely their representatives in all areas;

Recalling that the Muslim Turks living in the Dodecanese should be treated as a minority and that the fact that those islands were not part of Greece when the Lausanne Peace Treaty was signed should not be a reason to deprive the Turkish population on the islands of their minority rights within the same legal space;

Recalling also the treatment of the Republic of Turkey of the Greek minority in Turkey and requesting Greece to treat the Muslims in Greece in the same manner;

Further recalling the UN General Assembly Declaration on Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief;

1. Urges once again Greece to take all measures to respect the basic rights and freedom as well as identity of the Turkish Muslim Minority in Western Thrace emanating from the bilateral and international agreements;

2. Commends resolutions No: 10 adopted by the Fifth PUIC Conference in Cairo on 30 and 31 January 2008, No: 16 adopted by the Sixth PUIC Conference in Kampala on 30 and 31 January 2010 which request Greece to recognize the elected Muftis of Xanthi and Komotini as the official Muftis;

3. Calls once again on Greece to take the necessary steps for the election of the administrative boards of the waqfs by the Turkish Muslim Minority with a view to ensuring their self-governance; to enable the elected Muftis to supervise the properties of the waqfs and to put an end to the expropriation of the waqfs’ properties and imposition of excessive taxes on them;

4. Urges once again Greece to reinstate the citizenship rights of tens of thousands of Turkish Minority members who were stripped of their citizenship under the now-repealed Article 19 of the Greek Citizenship Law No: 3370/1955;

5. Regrets once again the ban imposed by Greece on the activities of the Turkish Muslim Minority’s non-governmental organizations on the grounds that their titles bear the word “Turkish” and considers this as discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin;

6. Expresses regret once again over the measure taken concerning the appointment of 240 imams by a committee of Orthodox Government officials despite the reaction of the Turkish Muslim community and urges Greece once again to abolish the related legislations;

7. Invites Greece once again to take the necessary and urgent steps to address the Turkish Muslim communities’ educational problems which are directly linked to the socio-economic development of their region and also to ensure that same treatment is made for the Muslim living in Dodecanese;

8. Deplores that the mosques and Muslim cemeteries are either subjected to repeated acts of vandalism or left to time’s mercy; and invites Greece once again to take the necessary measures to protect the places of worship and cemeteries; and to ensure that religious monuments and cemeteries are adequately protected so that their further deterioration as in the case of Murat Reis Complex and Recep Pasha Mosque is averted;

9. Calls on Greece to introduce the necessary amendments in its laws regarding these areas in close consultation with the Muslim community representatives.



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.18

RESOLUTION No.18-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE DYNAMICS OF THE ISLAMIC PEOPLES

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 H corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of every country,

Noting the political developments in the Islamic World and the increasing participation of the people in the political process and establishment of democratic government through peaceful transition and general elections,

Expressing serious concern at the worsening security situation, including armed conflict, and the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation due to the lack of progress in achieving political settlement, and the potential for further escalation of violence,

  1.  Calls the States of the PUIC Member Parliaments to ensure their governments to comply with their commitments under the international human rights law and the international humanitarian law, to allow their peoples to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to peacefully demand redress of their grievances and freedom of expression, including the mass media, and take action to end attacks on civilians and civilian targets.
  2.  Calls upon the States of the PUIC Member Parliaments to ensure an inclusive, orderly and peaceful transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the people in respective countries through transparent and credible political process.
  3.  Emphasizes the importance of the support of the UN, regional organizations, and countries in the region, including their parliaments, to the governments in the Islamic World to undertake a peaceful and democratic and peaceful transition.
  4.  Calls upon the PUIC Member States which have not successfully made peaceful transition of power to constructively support the ongoing process of consolidation in accordance with their respective norms and culture by sharing best practices and lessons learned in promoting the world values of democracy, human rights in accordance with the lofty Islamic precepts through bilateral, regional and international forums such as: Bali Democracy Forum,
  5. Encourages the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to all countries in needs, and in this regard requests all parties in their respective countries to facilitate the work of the United Nation agencies and other relevant organizations, and ensure full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of the humanitarian aid to persons in need and to inform the states concerned.

 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.19

 


RESOLUTION No.19-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE ROLE OF THE PARLIAMENTARY UNION OF OIC MEMBER STATES (PUIC) IN SUPPORTING THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF MUSLIM COMMUNITIES AND MINORITIES IN NON-OIC MEMBER STATES

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Reaffirming the principle and objectives of Statute of the PUIC;

Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam and other relevant international instruments, including the UN General Assembly Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief;

Referring to the objectives and principals of the PUIC Statue, especially those calling for strengthening, coordination and cooperation between the States of the Islamic Nation in that confronting challenges relating to human rights;

Recalling also the PUIC Resolutions relating to the Promotion of Solidarity and Unity among Muslim;

Expressing its concern about the negative stereotyping of religions and the insults directed at religious personalities, books and holy symbols, which impede enjoyment of human rights, including the right to worship.

Emphasizing that everyone has the right to freedom of religion, including freedom to manifest religion in worship, observance,
Practice and teaching,   

Emphasizing also that education shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society, promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups.

Deeply concerned about incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on their religions or belief in all regions in the world, including in the West;

Strongly Deploring all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their homes, business, properties, schools, cultural centers or places of worship;

Re-emphasizing the obligation of State to promote and protect human rights of its people, including the right to freedom of religion, in a non-discriminatory manner;

Recognizing the role of international community, in which PUIC is an important component, in contributing to the efforts of the promotion and protection of human rights.
 
Recognizing the value of Muslim solidarity and the principles of the noble Islamic teachings;

Recognizing the common responsibility of all Islamic countries and Muslim individuals to support their brothers and sisters at any place in the world:

1. Reiterates PUIC commitment to the Muslim Communities and Minorities living in non-OIC Member States, and to contribute to the efforts to assist and contribute to the settlement of their problems, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and PUIC statute;
2. Calls on the Parliaments of the non-OIC member states, in discharging their mandate, to strengthen efforts in promoting and protecting the right of Muslim in their countries, including the rights to participate directly or indirectly in politics and democracy; the rights to possess religion and its manifestation, observance and practices; and the protection of the holy and historical places of Islam;
3. Stresses the importance of dialogue in opening up communication with counterparts in the non-OIC member states. In this regards, tasks the Secretary-General of PUIC to study the possibility for PUIC to have a regular dialog with parliaments of the non-OIC member states, including, inter alia, the European parliament and the parliaments of the Western States;
4. Determines to enhance efforts by the PUIC member parliaments in providing assistance, including in the fields of education, economy and socio-cultural to the Muslim Communities and Minorities living in non-OIC Member States. In this regards, tasks the Secretary-General of PUIC to conduct of study on the role of PUIC in those fields.
5. Stresses that the real image of Islam is the one which reflects the content of its tolerant message which is based on propagating justice, peace and renunciation of violence and interaction with others in such a way as to serve humanity and achieve the progress of nations and peoples, and focuses on confronting Western and Zionist campaigns against Islamic values and Islam and obliteration of its true image. The Holy Quran says” You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah”.  Also declares that the religious minorities in the Islamic world are an integral part of its society and state, and emphasizes that they must receive all their rights and that they must carry out all their duties, and that these minorities must be provided with all the protection and necessary guarantees in their respective states. Calls on the States of the West not to play the sectarian and doctrinal game in order to cause division between the constituent parts of peoples, or to incite sedition.
6. Stresses also the necessity for respecting the rights of the Turkish Muslim Community in Bulgaria and the return of the properties of Muslim endowments which were confiscated in past eras.  Calls on Muslims in Bulgaria to unify their efforts and enhance the status of the office of the Grand Mufti in order to serve the interest of Muslims there.
 


 
 
 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.20

RESOLUTION NO. 20-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE SITUATION OF THE ROHYNGIA MUSLIMS IN MYANMAR

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 H corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and pursuant to relevant resolutions on Muslim communities and minorities calling for assistance to Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC Member States to preserve their dignity and cultural and religious identity,

Recalling Resolution No. 3/4-EX (IS) adopted by the 4th Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on the Rohingya Muslim Community in Myanmar and previous ministerial resolutions in this regard;

Alarmed by the numerous reports from reliable sources, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who, in 27 July 2012, took note of a stream of reports from independent sources alleging discriminatory and arbitrary responses by Security forces, and even their instigation of and involvement in clashes;

Noting also the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights “that the crisis highlighted the long-standing and systematic discriminations against the Rohingya Muslim Community, who are not recognized by the State and remain stateless;

Expressing dismay at the derogating language used against the Rohingya by the State Media in Myanmar;

Appreciating the Secretary General’s initiative to dispatch a humanitarian high level delegation to Myanmar and subsequent contacts with the Myanmar authorities, including the Head of State as well as the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkish Red Crescent and the Myanmar Red Cross on 15 August 2012 and the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indonesian Red Cross and its Myanmar counterpart and the close engagement of ASEAN Member States on this issue.

Taking into consideration that the plight of the Rohinga Muslims in Myanmar cannot be tackled from a purely humanitarian perspective, and should be dealt within the framework of inalienable rights as citizens.

1-     Condemns the continued atrocious acts perpetrated systematically against the Muslim Rohingya community in Myanmar which constitute a grave and blatant violation of international law and international human rights covenants; and in particular the participation of security forces and Buddhist militias in the killings and forced expulsion of inhabitants and the burning of their homes and places of worship.

2-     Calls on the Government of Myanmar to abide by its obligations under the international law and human rights covenants and to take all necessary measures to stop immediately the displacement of and discriminating practices against Rohingya Muslims and continued attempts to wipe out their culture and Islamic identity; and reiterates its call for the Myanmar Government to restore the citizenship of the Rohingya Muslim community, which was revoked in the Citizenship Act of 1982.

3-     Regrets the retraction of the Government of Myanmar of its agreement to open an OIC Office for humanitarian affairs in Yangon after signing a Memorandum of Cooperation with the OIC to that effect and calls upon the Government of Myanmar to reconsider its decision considering that the purpose is to provide pure humanitarian assistance without distinction between the victims of violence.

4-     Condemns the new wave of violence, killings, expulsion, and arsons against Muslims during Eid ul Adha that took the form of ethnic cleansing; and calls upon the government of Myanmar to take serious effective protection measures that ensure non-recurrence of these acts pursuant to its obligation under the applicable international laws.

5-     Calls on OIC Member States to continue their efforts in conjunction with those of the international community and the United Nations to ensure the return of all Myanmar refugees displaced from their homes in Rakhine (Arakan) province.

6-     Encourages the continuation of the ongoing process of democratization and reform in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and calls upon the Myanmar authorities to adopt an inclusive transparent policy towards ethnic and religious components of Myanmar people, including the Rohinga Muslims, as an integral part of this process and consider them as an ethnic minority in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution 238/64 of 26 March 2010, and encourages the Myanmar Government to accentuate peaceful solutions through dialogue in order to achieve national unity.

7-     Urges the Myanmar authorities to take all necessary measures to restore stability; to launch a comprehensive reconciliation process concerning all segments of the Rohingya community including those who lost their citizenship, all internally displaced persons and those who took refuge outside Myanmar.

8-     Calls upon the authorities in Myanmar to cooperate with all related parties and allow the humanitarian assistance to unconditionally reach all people and affected groups


 
 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.21

RESOLUTION NO. 21-PFR/8-CONF
ON
FIGHT AGAINST INTOLERANCE, ISLAMOPHOBIA AND XENOPHOBIA


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 H corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,  

Reminding the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions 66/3, 66/154, 66/167 and 66/208 which stress the importance of cultural diversity and address the necessity for combatting intolerance, negative stereotyping,  stigmatization and discrimination,  

Acknowledging all the reports prepared by the Islamophobia Observatory of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and deploring the fact that its findings reveal mounting levels of Islamophobic and xenophobic incidents each year,

Reaffirming basic human rights obligations stemmed from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam and other related international law, reaffirming also the obligation to prohibit all kinds of discrimination on the basis of religion, race and  gender,

Deeply concerned of the increasing number of incidents of intolerance, Islamophobia and xenophobia and deploring the insufficient response given to these actions,

Appreciating efforts and initiatives under the auspices of the UN, such as the Alliance of Civilizations to create a forum to discuss solutions to intolerance and Islamophobia threatening the understanding of living together and inviting  member states to join these efforts and take a common stance,

Reminding the importance of culture in human development and the fact that cultural diversity is a source for further development and enrichment of mankind and its heritage.

Reiterating the fact that states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, media and opinion leaders have the duty to take a stance against intolerance, Islamophobia and xenophobia to promote universal values,

Expressing the importance of education in this area to eliminate the roots of intolerance, Islamophobia and xenophobia,

Taking note of the fact that mutual understanding and respect among cultures are vital to maintain peace within societies and are conducive to make the world a better place to live in,

Underlining the importance of being together to fight against these problems,

1.   Condemns all kinds of intolerant, Islamophobic and xenophobic acts unequivocally and expresses its sympathy with the victims of these incidents.
2.   Urges all states, political parties and institutions to review their policies and to give up any discourse inciting these acts, calls for international community to take a harsher stance against intolerance, Islamophobia and xenophobia,
3.   Calls for action to weed out negative stereotypes about Islam and to take a stance against actions causing the formation of these stereotypes and to adopt a collective action plan.
4.   Urges member parliaments to set up mechanisms (e.g. committees, task forces etc.) to examine such acts and to develop plans to overcome these problems.
5.   Further calls for all States to adopt necessary measures to prevent these acts and to enact necessary legislation criminalizing these kinds of acts and bringing deterrent punishments,
6.   Supports the creation of multi-dimensional programs to promote mutual understanding and respect and establish programs to foster tolerance and living together,
7.   Urges all member states to adopt strategic plans to fight against intolerance, Islamophobia and xenophobia in their own countries and to strengthen cooperation to increase global awareness to this end,
8.   Expresses its strong determination to fight against intolerance, Islamophobia and xenophobia.
 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.22

RESOLUTION NO. 22-PFR/8-CONF
ON
VISA FACILITATION AMONG MUSLIM COUNTRIES

The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 H corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,  

Believing in the verses of Holy Quran stating “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49 / 13)

Recalling the objectives of Ten-Year Programme of Action to Meet The Challenges Facing the Muslim Ummah In The 21st Century and  the PUIC Resolution On Strengthening Islamic Unity adopted by the Fifth Conference held on 30-31 January 2008 in Cairo ,

Emphasizing the fact that visa facilitation among the Member States of the OIC is an important stage for strengthening solidarity in terms of economic and social relations and interaction and eventually increasing people to people contacts among Muslim Ummah,

Reminding that increasing dialogue among the people of OIC member states will improve the economic and cultural relations between member states,

Emphasizing that enabling visa policy process will also promote the academic activity and also reminds that mentioned activity improve the education and dialouge among especially young citizens of the PUIC member states,

  1.  Calls upon all members to enable their visa policy more efficient and transparent for citizens of all Member States of OIC,
  2.  Also calls Member States of OIC to simplify the required documents for a visa application, to abolish time-consuming and degrading bureaucratic practices, adopt a standard policy on visa procedures and to increase the number and accessibility of consular offices,
  3.  Welcomes all agreements on visa facilitation among Member States of OIC,
  4.  Invites all member states to establish and maintain cooperation and solidarity with each other in all fields.

 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.23

RESOLUTION No.23-PFR/8-CONF
ON
THE NECESSITY TO CONDUCT CONSULTATIONS AND PRIOR COORDINATION BETWEEN ISLAMIC PARLIAMENTS ON THE SIDELINES OF INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 H corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Inspired by the noble Islamic principles and teachings which enjoin on Muslim people, inter alia, to consult equality among themselves, to unite their ranks and consolidate their unity,

Reaffirming also the objectives of the Union particularly the provisions of the 3rd paragraph of Article - 1 of its Statute which stipulates that "the creation of a framework for the achievement of full and fruitful coordination and cooperation between the PUIC Member Parliaments in international fora and organizations and meetings represents one of the Union's objectives,

Taking note of the resolutions of the PUIC and the Islamic Conferences of Foreign Ministers among the Member States of the OIC in order to adopt a unified stance in international fora which calls for coordination and consultation.

Recalling the resolutions adopted by previous Sessions of the PUIC Council and Conference on the establishment of a mechanism for regular consultation between Member Parliaments on the sidelines of meetings of international parliamentary organizations and fora in order to adopt a unified position concerning issues of common concern for the Islamic Ummah.

Considering the growing challenges facing the real image of Islam and also the common interests of the Islamic World in a world in which the tempo of interacting complexity and globalization is increasing that necessitates strengthening  cooperation and coordination among States of the PUIC Member Parliaments, including parliaments of these States in international fora,

Considering that the PUIC Member Parliaments constitute 45% of total votes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which greatly facilitates the promotion of its goals in the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Expressing its concern about attempts by some bodies inside the Inter-Parliamentary Union to undermine the Islamic principles and values in one way or another.

  1.  Commends holding consultative meetings on the sidelines of the IPU sessions and the role of the PUIC General Secretariat in this respect, and considers this an essential demand for realizing the common interests of the Ummah especially in the age of regional blocs and the growth of globalism.
  2.  Emphasizes the IPU condemnation to the Canadian authorities’ decision   rejecting to grant entry visa to its territories for some delegates and not granting the visa to the other delegates or delaying in granting the visa. This decision is considered to be a dangerous precedent in the history of the IPU and calls for not to be repeated in future on the part of any parliament hosting the meetings of the IPU.    
  3.  Emphasizes the importance of urging the Parliaments of OIC Member States which do not enjoy membership of the PUIC to join immediately, in addition to their participation in other activities of the Union, and to actively take part in all meetings in order to consolidate the role of Islamic Parliamentary Group in the activities of international parliamentary organizations and fora, especially the Inter-parliamentary Union.
  4.  Emphasizes that beside the other causes of the Islamic Ummah, the Palestinian issue and the question of Al-Quds Al Sharif as well as the defense of Islamic values and principles and combating obliteration of the image of Islam and Muslims should be the major issues on which Member Parliaments should take a unified stance in international fora.
  5.  Invites all Member Parliaments to participate effectively in meetings of the Islamic Parliamentary Consultative Group in order to take its resolutions into consideration.
  6.  Mandates that the PUIC General Secretariat to inform the Member Parliaments about the date for holding the consultative meeting which will convene on the sidelines of the IPU Conferences one month before the meeting

 



 CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.24

RESOLUTION No.24-PFR/8-CONF
ON
PUIC – ICYF-DC COOPERATION


The Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, in its 8th Session, held in Khartoum, Republic of the Sudan on 9 – 10 Rabi ul Awwal, 1434 H corresponding to 21-22 January, 2013,

Recalling the resolution 3/32-C(a) on the “Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation” adopted by the Thirty-second Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen (21-23 Jumadi Ul Awwal 1426H / 28 - 30 June 2005) which granted the ICYF-DC with the status of institution affiliated to the OIC; as well as the resolution 8/39-C adopted by the Thirty-ninth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation held in Djibouti, the Republic of Djibouti (01-03 Muharram, 1434H / 15-17 November, 2012) which “appreciates the activities of ICYF-DC in promoting the program of “The OIC Memorial Day for commemoration of humanitarian catastrophes of Muslim communities throughout the Twentieth century”, including partnership with ISESCO and Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States to this end and calls upon the Member States to actively take part in the program”;

Aimed at establishing horizontal cooperation between the international institutions functioning within the OIC domain in particular with a view of exercising coordinated efforts for successful implementation of the OIC 10 - Year  Programme of Action adopted by the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on 7-8 December 2005;

Reiterating the importance of undertaking all necessary measures in order to achieve harmonized and speedy development of youth in the OIC countries in all areas, including poverty alleviation among youth and creating income generating opportunities for them, enhancing technical capacity of youth organizations as well as developing and enhancing the education background and technical skills of the youths in science, technology, culture, heritage, sustainable development and moral improvement; and assisting national institutions in strengthening the human resource development among the youth;  
 
Desirous of promoting cooperation among the member parliaments in areas concerning youth issues;
 
1. Welcomes cooperation between PUIC and ICYF-DC in all spheres of common interest as well as the Memorandum of Understanding signed between PUIC and ICYF-DC, reflecting various dimensions of cooperation between two institutions;

2. Welcomes ICYF-DC proposal on raising youth awareness on the culture of parliamentarianism through ICYF-DC Programme of the “OIC Model” as well as modeling of National Youth Parliaments/Councils and invites member parliaments and PUIC Secretariat to actively cooperate with ICYF-DC in implementation of these programmes;

3. Supports the OIC Memorial Day initiative launched as a result of the OIC Inter-governmental Meeting of High-Level experts organized by ICYF-DC in partnership with ISESCO on 16-17 May 2008 in Istanbul (Turkey) aimed at commemoration of human-made catastrophes perpetrated against Muslim communities throughout the Twentieth century; as well as cultural programs and joint actions under the initiative designed to raise Muslim youth in the spirit of true solidarity and raise awareness on threats and challenges to Islamic world;

4. Welcomes Justice for Khojaly international civil awareness Campaign initiated by Mrs. Leyla Aliyeva, ICYF-DC General Coordinator for Inter-Cultural Dialogue in the framework of the OIC Memorial Day Initiative and aimed at disseminating of historical truth on the genocidal by Armenian forces of Azerbaijani civilians in the town of Khojaly (the Republic of Azerbaijan on) on 26 February 1992.

 



 Annex to CONF/8-2013/PFR-RES.3
SSCP/1-2012/ROP.1/FINAL


RULES OF PROCEDURE
OF PALESTINE COMMITTEE

PREAMBLE

As the cause of Palestine constitutes an important major pivot in the activities of the PUIC and its various organs;

Enhancing the PUIC role in coordination among its members to confront the plans of the Israeli entity which precludes the realization by the Palestine people of their legitimate and inalienable rights to liberation from occupation and the establishment of the Palestine State on the entire soil of Palestine with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital;

Stressing the attention paid by Muslim Parliaments and peoples to the Palestinian cause and their support to the steadfastness of the valiant Palestinian People and to enabling them to restore their legitimate rights, the PUIC held three Extraordinary meetings in 2009 and 2010 for facing the challenges caused by the Israeli war on Gaza, and adopting a unified Islamic Stance vis-à-vis Israeli continued building of new settlements in the occupied city of Al-Quds, and for lifting the unjust blockade against Gaza;

In implementation of Resolution No.2-PE/7-CONF adopted by the 7th Session of the PUIC Conference, held in Palembang, Republic of Indonesia, on 30 – 31 January, 2012, it has been decided to establish a Standing Parliamentary Committee on Palestine, to be as follows:-

OBJECTIVES

    The Committee shall act to realize the following objectives:-

  1.  Supporting Palestinian Parliamentary action with all available capabilities to enable it to shoulder its full responsibilities for achieving its cherished objectives.
  2.  Supporting Palestinian Unity at this critical turning point in the history of the Palestinian cause, considered as a safety-valve for the unity of the steadfast Palestinian people in all their constituent categories in order for them to proceed with their legitimate resistance for the recovery of their usurped rights.
  3.  Stressing that the Palestinian cause is the core of the Middle East conflict, and must remain the major issue on which the Parliaments of Member States ought to adopt a unified Islamic position in international and regional Fora.
  4.  Confronting Israel’s illegal attempts to impose its cultural, political and economic hegemony on the Palestinian society in the occupied territories and adopting appropriate measures, recommendations and decisions on such issues.
  5.  Acting to end Israeli practices such as isolating and blockading the Palestinian people, as well as the Israeli’s repressive measures involving assassinations, detention,  demolition of houses, bulldozing of land, establishing settlements and erecting a racist separation wall. Also acting to end the unjust siege imposed by Israel on the steadfast Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza Strip.
  6.  Providing a framework for fruitful cooperation and coordination between PUIC Member Parliaments at regional and international levels in matters relating to the cause of Palestine, specially the request to recognize the State of Palestine and to accept it as a full UN member, as well as rejection of Israel’s bid to proclaim the occupied city of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel and the Jewish People.
  7.  Following up implementation of resolutions adopted by the PUIC conference, the General Committee, and other international organizations which support or agree with the PUIC position; contacting other organizations; submitting proposals to the Member Parliaments which the Committee deems as appropriate for implementing the resolutions and achieving its objectives; and taking steps on developments which may fall within the terms of reference of the Committee.
  8.  Recovering Al-Aqsa Mosque and protecting holy places in the city as well as the cultural, religious and architectural heritage.
  9.  Acting immediately to save the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
  10.  Extending material and assistance in kind to the Palestinian people, institutions and the Maghdsi Palestinians to enable them to maintain their steadfastness.

MEMBERSHIP AND DURATION
ARTICLE ONE:

  1.  The Committee shall be composed of 20 members from the PUIC Member States ( the Committee shall include who have been chosen in Palembang Conference, added to them 6 new members plus the country hosting the Committee Meeting).
  2.  Other PUIC Member Parliaments may participate in the extraordinary meetings of the Committee without the right to vote.
  3.  The membership of any parliament in the Committee shall be dropped in case of its absence from attending the meetings of the Committee for two consecutive sessions.    
     
    MEETINGS
    ARTICLE TWO:
  4.  The Committee shall meet at least once annually on a date and venue to be decided by the Committee.
  5.  Any PUIC Member may request holding of an extraordinary meeting. In case of the approval of the majority of the Committee Members, its Chairman shall convene the extraordinary meeting.
  6.  The PUIC General Secretariat shall send invitations for the Committee meeting two weeks at least prior to the date of the meeting.

CHAIRMANSHIP
ARTICLE THREE:

  1.  At the beginning of the first session, the Speaker of the Parliament of the host country shall be elected chairman of the Committee.
  2.  The outgoing chairman of the Committee shall preside the opening session until the election of the chairman.
  3.  The Committee shall elect two vice-chairmen from among the heads of delegation and that the First Vice Chairman shall be from Palestine and the second Vice Chairman shall be from other delegations in addition to the rapporteur.
  4.  The Bureau of the Committee shall be composed of: Chairman of the Committee, two vice-chairmen and the Rapporteur.

POWERS OF THE CHAIRMAN AND THE BUREAU
ARTICLE FOUR:

  1.  Sending invitations for the Committee meetings.
  2.  Steering discussions and organizing proceedings of the Committee.
  3.  Taking the floor is by permission of Chairman.
  4.  Chairman shall decide on all points of order.
  5.  Chairman shall give the floor to the members of delegation who wish to exercise the right to reply.
  6.  Chairman shall announce at the conclusion of the meeting the recommendations or statements made by the meeting.
  7.  Rapporteur shall prepare reports of the meeting and submit them to the Committee.

ARTICLE FIVE:
AGENDA OF THE MEETING

  1.  The PUIC General Secretariat shall prepare the draft agenda of the Committee meetings in consultation with the Member Parliaments of the Committee.
  2.  The PUIC Secretary General shall send the draft agenda to the Committee members two weeks at least prior to the meeting of the Committee.
  3.  Any delegation may submit a proposal for the inclusion of additional item/items to the draft agenda.
  4.  The Committee shall adopt its agenda at the beginning of its session.
  5.  The extraordinary meeting shall not consider any other item(s) except the item(s) for which it is convened.

ARTICLE SIX:
DISCUSSIONS

The Committee shall discuss only those subjects concerning Palestine affairs.

ARTICLE SEVEN:

The Discussions of the Committee shall be held in public. No session shall be held in camera except by a decision passed by the majority of participating members.

QUORUM
ARTICLE EIGHT:

  1.  No meeting shall be held without the attendance by a majority of Members of the Committee.
  2.  Quorum shall be obtained on the basis of the number of delegations who actually participate in the first session.

RECOMMANDATIONS
ARTICLE NINE:

  1.  The Committee shall adopt its recommendations by mutual consent, if possible, otherwise by a two-thirds majority of members participating in the meeting.
  2.  The Committee shall submit its recommendations to the PUIC Conference for adoption.

 
SECRETARIAT
ARTICLE TEN:

  1.  The PUIC Secretary General shall be responsible for organizing the secretariat of the meeting.
  2.  The PUIC Secretary General, or the Assistant Secretary General or the representative of the Secretary General may, at any time and upon the request of the Chairman, offer consultation to the Committee on any subject under consideration by the Committee.
  3.  The PUIC Secretary General shall refer, as soon as possible, all the documents concerning the meeting to the member parliaments of the Committee.
  4.  The PUIC General Secretariat shall circulate the final documents of the meeting to all the Member Parliaments.

EXPENSES OF THE MEETING
ARTICLE ELEVEN:

    The host parliament shall bear all the expenses of the meeting including interpretation and translation of the debates and documents in the three PUIC working languages.

CONCLUSION OF MEETING
ARTICLE TWELVE:

  1.  The Committee shall recommend to the PUIC Conference for adoption and amendment of its Rules of Procedure by a majority of two-third of the members present.
  2.  Proposals relating to amendment of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee shall be dispatched in writing together with an explanatory note to the PUIC General Secretariat one month prior to the convening of the Committee. The General Secretariat shall send these proposals immediately to all the member parliaments of the Committee.
  3.  Request for amending the Rules of Procedure shall be included in the agenda of the Committee meeting.