|
Intervention by New York, 23 September 2005 Mr. Chairman, Assalaamu ‘alaikum wa-Ra/nnatullahi wa-Barakatuh I would like to begin by conveying the appreciation of my delegation to the Chairman and the Bureau for their diligence and excellent work. I am always delighted to be at this annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers, and I look forward to discussing the various issues on our agenda. Mr. Chairman, More than ever before, we need for greater cohesion and harmony in our organization. Indeed, this is always a good forum in which to promote our unity. Only in such unity can we project to the world the true face and character of the Islam. There are formidable challenges, both external and internal, that have been amplified by the force of globalization and the trend towards liberalization all over the world. These challenges have been rendered more complex by the trend towards unilateralism in world affairs and the continued marginalization of developing countries, including OIC Member States, in international economic decision-making. These challenges call for greater unity and determination on our part to enhance the overall performance and relevance of our Organization. It is imperative that we continue to take steps to revitalize and restructure the OJC General Secretariat and improve the work of our organization at all levels.
Mr. Chairman, In order to put ourselves in a good position to promote the common interest of our members, especially in view of the outcome document of the High-level Plenary Meeting here at the United Nations, we must enhance coordination within the OIC. A lot still needs to be done with regard to the projected Human Rights Council, the reform of the Security Council and the projected comprehensive strategy for combating international terrorism. Let me say a few words, Mr. Chairman, on each of these issues. I would like to reiterate the effectiveness of interfaith dialogue in fostering understanding and harmony between our peoples. That is why we in Indonesia have convened several conferences and workshops to promote it, such as the interfaith dialog on the 21st and 22nd of July 2005 in Bali. On the Human Rights Council. which will replace the Commission on Human Rights, it is important that if it is to avoid the problems that hindered its predecessor, it must be free of politicization and double standards. As to the expansion of the Security Council, it must be part of a comprehensive reform of the Organization. It is also important that the new Security Council reflects today’s geo¬political realities. In this connection, we believe that any expansion of the Security Council membership should ensure the representation of the Islamic Ummah. On the situation in the Middle East, my delegation is pleased to observe what might be a turning point in the situation in Palestine with the pullout of Israel from Gaza. We hope that Israel sees this as the start of a long road, not the end. There are many United Nations resolutions that it has flouted in the past, and is still flouting. It would be recalled that at the request of the General Assembly, the International Court of Justice. on 9 July 2004, rendered an advisory opinion on the “legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the occupied Palestinian territories”. The ICJ declared the construction of the wall to be contrary to international law, and asked Israel to end this construction, dismantle portions already constructed, and annul laws and decrees issued in this respect. All damage caused by the construction of this wall would be compensated and other States were requested to refuse all forms of assistance for the maintenance of the situation that had been created by Israel. Subsequently, the Genera! Assembly, in resolution ES-10/15, called on Israel to heed the advisory opinion of the ICJ and meet all obligations arising from it. Israel has failed to comply. If Israeli impunity is tolerated, attainment of the final status of Occupied East Jerusalem through future peace negotiations is threatened. Also endangered are the two-State solution and the very existence of the Palestinian State—the goals of the Road Map. Turning to Iraq, we welcome the transfer of power to Iraqis, the recent elections, and the progress towards a new constitution. We hope that Iraq will regain, as soon as possible, its full stability, security, and sovereignty. The people of that embattled country continue to suffer a high toll of civilian casualties and immeasurable material losses. It is obvious that Iraq is in a quagmire because the people are embittered by the indignity of foreign occupation. Mr. Chairman, In the economic sphere. OIC cooperation has become more vital in view of fundamental changes in the global economy and the paradigm shift in international economic relations. In this regard, there is great need for the MI implementation of the Putrajaya Plan of Action. We also recognize the need to promote closer cooperation in the social and cultural fields as an expression of solidarity among Islamic countries. We should continue to review the workings of our Organization to ensure that it is capable of achieving its objectives and carrying out its decisions. My delegation calls for earnest cooperation so that we can uplift the welfare of the Ummah and redeem its reputation as a force for progress. Mr. Chairman, Since its birth 36 years ago, the OIC has emerged as a major player in international affairs. And yet, in spite of the fact that its 57 member countries represent more than 25 percent of all the States in the world, its influence has not been commensurate to its size, We must therefore increase the leverage of our Organization by enhancing its internal efficiency and its efficacy in carrying out the resolutions that it adopts. We must make sure that whatever we decide will serve the interests of all members so that all our resolutions will be backed up by the commitment of the entire membership.
Moreover, let us see to it that the OIC subsidiary organs serve their respective purposes. Not all members have benefited from their activities. This may be one reason for the piling up of arrears in the contributions of member states to specific subsidiary organs. If these organs could be made to focus on activities that are more feasible and relevant, they might be of greater value to members and to the Organization as a whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
|
