Conference of Islamic Councils:Condemn terror, right to resist occupation,
return of refugees
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Dakar, March 11, SPA (Saudi Press Agency) -- The Conference of the
Federation of Councils in the Muslim Countries ended here on Wednesday
evening its deliberations.

The delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the two-day Conference was
led by Dr Salih bin Abdullah bin Humeid, the Chairman of the Shoura
(consultative council).

The Conference condemned the biased media campaign launched against the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries following the incidents
of Sept 11, 2001.

Meanwhile, the final communiqué issued by the Conference voiced opposition
to the Middle East initiative, and branded it as a flagrant interference in
the domestic affairs of the countries of the region.

The Conference made it clear that the process of reform and development is
the responsibility of the nations of the region.

On the other hand, the Conference expressed anxiety over the situation in
Iraq, and reiterated the right of the Iraqis to restore their political and
economic sovereignty, and called for exerting all possible efforts for the
reconstruction of Iraq.

The Conference condemned all forms of terrorism, and called for its
combating under the umbrella of the UN.

On the other hand, the Conference confirmed the right of nations to resist
foreign occupation by all possible means in line with article 51 of the UN's
convention.

The conference called for extending support to the ongoing efforts to
enhance dialogue between the Islamic parliamentarians and their western
counterparts.

In the economic sphere the Conference underlined the importance of
activating economic cooperation among the Muslim countries in a manner that
paves the way for the establishment of the common Islamic market.

The Conference called for positive and influential contribution to the
dialogue of civilizations, and underscored the importance of taking all
required measures for confronting the biased campaign launched against Islam
and correcting wrong concepts and ideas about Islam.

The Conference noted that Islam is the religion of tolerance and moderation,
and said Islam has nothing to do with terrorism and fanaticism.

On the Palestinian issue, the Conference condemned the repressive measures
taken by the Israeli authorities against the Palestinians, and said the
Israeli settlement policy runs counter to the international conventions and
treaties.

It condemned the Israeli attempts to change the demographic characteristic
of Al-Quds, and reiterated the right of the Palestinians to return to their
homeland in line with the resolution 194, issued by the UN.

The Conference condemned the Israeli aggression against Syria, and welcomed
the international efforts for the revival of the peace process in the
region in line with the Arab initiative, approved at Beirut Summit.
--SPA