ISLAMABAD, May 17 (Xinhua) — Foreign ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Thursday adopted the “Islamabad Declaration,” condemning the boggy of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims.
“We condemn the growing trend of Islamophobia and systematic discrimination against the adherents of Islam. We call upon the international community to prevent incitement to hatred and discrimination against the Muslims and take effective measures to combat defamation of religions and acts of negative stereotyping of people based on religion, belief or ethnicity,” the declaration said.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri read out the declaration at the concluding session of the three-day conference,chaired by Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukt Aziz.
“We request the Secretary General to continue the OIC initiatives to effectively counter Islamophobia through discussions and debates at various international fora,” it said.
The declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomsoever and wherever, express sympathy to the victims of terrorism and denounce efforts to link terrorism with any religion, theology or culture.
“We reaffirm our commitment to strengthen mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism through, inter alia, mutual exchange of information, capacity building assistance and by addressing the root causes of terrorism such as unresolved conflicts, continued suppression and marginalization of peoples and denial of the right of peoples to their self-determination in situations of foreign occupation,” it said.
The declaration emphasized the need for greater coordination among OIC countries in responding to the challenges of terrorism. “We support the establishment of an international center for counter terrorism,” it said.
The declaration commended the concept of Enlightened Moderation to combat extremism and terrorism, resolve international disputes, conflicts and injustices affecting Islamic countries and peoples, to promote tolerance and harmony in accordance with the real values of Islam.
“We emphasize that inter-civilizational dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding amongst peoples should be effectively used for promoting human welfare and progress and for strengthening international peace and security, tolerance and global harmony,” it said.
The declaration emphasized the importance of early restoration of peace and stability in Iraq.
“We support the continuing efforts for promoting national reconciliation among all the Iraqi people, addressing the causes of violence and terrorism, preserving the inviolability of Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, accelerating the capacity of the Iraqi security forces, and securing the earliest possible withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq,” it said.