OIC Summit Passes Three Resolutions

From Azeman Ariffin

MECCA, Aug 16 (Bernama) - The extraordinary summit meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which concluded here today passed three important resolutions for immediate implementation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the three resolutions which were fully supported by Malaysia were to suspend the membership of Syria in the OIC, to give recognition to Palestine as a sovereign state and to champion the cause of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

He said the summit meeting also outlined several immediate action that must be taken including supporting the proposal by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Saud for the creation of a Muslim Dialogue Centre to discuss issues pertaining to sectarian ideologies.

"The summit meeting in Mecca in conjunction with the 26th and 27th day of Ramadan had brought about a new spirit for the OIC and awareness among the leaders of Islamic nations to tackle issues affecting the Muslims throughout the world," he told Malaysian journalists, here today.

He said the resolutions passed at the Holy Land of Mecca was something special at the OIC this time.

Meanwhile, when addressing the summit, Najib said Malaysia supported the decision to suspend the membership of Syria after considering the action as a symbolic gesture to send a clear message to Syria on the need to take measures to stop the bloodshed and to embark on a peaceful resolution of the crisis for the sake of the people of Syria.

He said the OIC action against Syria was also to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.

"In taking this decision, Malaysia urges member states particularly the regional players of Arab states to continue their constructive engagement with all concerned parties in Syria to deliver a peaceful and lasting solution to the country", he said.

The Prime Minister said the escalating violence in Syria was sad, shocking and shameful as people continued to witness the carnage, sufferings and unnecessary loss of innocent lives, including women and children.

Najib said thousands of Syrians were being forced to flee their homeland and seek shelter in neighbouring countries and it was hard to imagine how a country like Syria

with such a rich, proud and venerable history

could slide so far, and so fast, into incivility.

"The Syrian government must be told, in no uncertain terms, that it's bombardment of its own people including the indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas by heavy and aerial weaponry, and they must stop.

"It is also hard to imagine after so much killings and inflicting horrendous miseries and hardship to his own people, how could a leader continue to hold on to power without any sense of guilt and accountability," he said.

Najib said there must be an immediate end to the senseless killings and appalling human rights violations, especially against civilians, and Malaysia was deeply concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the failure of the Syrian regime to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

"We urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate with the United Nations and international humanitarian aid agencies for the speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people," he said.

He said Malaysia, at this point of time, still believed that the Six-Point Peace Plan, as outlined by Kofi Annan, presented the best option to resolve the crisis.

"We regret his decision to resign as the Joint United Nations-Arab League Envoy to Syria. Nevertheless, we must continue his efforts to find an effective solution to this crisis.

"We believe that the Plan could restore peace, security and stability in the country. We appeal to all parties, especially the Syrian leadership, to give its full support to efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution," he said.

Najib said in particular, Malaysia called on parties to adhere to the UNGA Resolution adopted on Aug 3 2012, which paved the way for the Syrian people to decide the future of their country in a truly democratic manner.

He said that like other member states of the OIC, Malaysia maintained the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Najib said that with strong determination, commitment and political will, OIC would be able to redress the many problems currently faced by the Ummah.

"We must find effective solutions and resolutions that will alleviate the sufferings faced by our Muslim brothers and sisters," he said.

The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 with public demonstrations as part of the wider Arab Spring and developed into a nationwide uprising, and a civil war in 2012.

Protesters have demanded for an end to nearly five decades of Ba ath Party rule, as well as the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad.

-- BERNAMA