Tehran, May 31: The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) today declared its "solidarity with the resistance of the Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese people against occupation" and called for the "speedy restoration of full Iraqi sovereignty." A joint declaration issued after the conclusion of a three-day meeting in the Iranian capital of foreign ministers from the 57-member pan-Islamic body also "emphasised that blind violence and terrorism distort the prospect for a humane solution to common challenges."

But it stated that "unilateralism and intimidation undrmines the cause for freedom and democracy," and "rejected the resort to force and unilateral action which undermines freedom and sovereignty of peoples and nations."

And the member states also "expressed alarm over a rising tendency to disregard international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations charter."

They "expressed deep concern over the dangerous and erroneous association of Islam and the Muslim world with violence and terrorism," and "reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms."

On Weapons of Mass Destruction, the OIC states called or "pressure on Israel to cede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty," and "condemned the continued occupation of the Palestinian and other Arab territories by Israel and its policy and practice of state terrorism against the Palestinian people."

Bureau Report