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Al-Ahram Weekly 1 - 7 July 1999 Issue No. 436 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 1 - 7 July 1999 Issue No. 436
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Profile Features Special Interview Travel Living Sports Time Out Chronicles People Cartoons Letters Islamic conference
Mona El-Nahhas
urges greater cooperationDelegations representing 75 Islamic countries and six international Islamic organisations passed recommendations urging greater inter-Islamic cooperation at the conclusion of a four-day conference last Friday. The 11th Cairo International Islamic Conference met under the title "Towards a civilised plan for the renaissance of the Muslim world." The event was organised by the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, an affiliate of the Ministry of Al-Awqaf (Religious Endowments).
During 10 working sessions, the conference debated 47 research papers submitted by prominent Muslim figures from all over the world.
For the first time since the rupture of Cairo-Tehran diplomatic relations 20 years ago, the conference saw the effective participation of Iran. Mohamed Ali Taskhiri, head of Iran's Islamic Relations Society, said Tehran's participation indicated a wish to improve relations between the two countries. Bilateral political relations will soon see tangible progress, he added.
The conference's recommendations covered the cultural, social and economic fields. In cultural terms, the recommendations urged greater attention to the study of shari'a (Islamic law), jurisprudence and sunna (the Prophet Mohamed's sayings and life) in the various educational institutions. It said that the gap between the different Islamic sects should be bridged.
The conference also said the necessary steps should be taken for the establishment of an Islamic court of justice.
Urging greater attention to the Arabic language, the conference advocated the Arabisation of foreign expressions and scientific subjects. It said the press and media in Islamic states should work on propagating worldwide the "true" Islamic culture, both in Arabic and foreign languages.
In the social field, the conference called on governments of Islamic states to provide job opportunities, educational and health services, as well as the necessary care for the aged, the handicapped and for orphans. Governments should also give non-governmental organisations a fair opportunity to play an effective role in social services and development, as well as ensuring a minimum wage for all that guarantees an "appropriate" living-standard, delegates argued.
Women should be able to exercise their political rights, the conference said, adding that all obstacles hindering women's work should be removed.
In the economic field, participants viewed a common Islamic market as the best way of achieving economic integration between Islamic states.
The conference called for the launching of joint ventures to lure back capital invested outside the Islamic world. It likewise urged financial institutions in the Islamic world to encourage exchange between Islamic states and develop the public's economic awareness in the fields of production and consumption. The conference underlined the necessity of using the funds available in Islamic banks for financing education, health and other services.
The conference demanded that an economic conference be organised for top Islamic economists and sociologists to draw up a detailed agenda for the economic development of the Islamic world.
Delegates also urged the world community to make greater efforts to implement UN Security Council resolutions to ensure Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights and south Lebanon, as well as abiding by the signed peace agreements. Participants also condemned the Israeli raids against Lebanon, particularly last week's attack, which had destructive effects on the population and infrastructure.
The conference praised international efforts made to end the ethnic cleansing of the Kosovo Albanians. But it urged the world community to take the necessary measures to ensure the return of refugees to their homes.
On the conflict in the Indian sub-continent, the conference urged both India and Pakistan to exercise self-restraint.
