OIC CALLS FOR END OF ISOLATION OF TURKISH CYPRIOTS

Hurriye
June 20 2008
Turkey

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) called on Friday
for an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots in the "Kampala
Declaration" adopted at the foreign ministers’ meeting of the
organization in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

In the declaration, the organization reiterated its commitment to a
fair solution of the Cyprus problem.

"The organization once more reaffirms its solidarity with its Muslim
brothers in North Cyprus," the declaration said.

The declaration called on the international community, including
OIC member states, to take concrete steps to end the isolation of
Turkish Cypriots.

OIC member states also voiced their support for a peaceful solution
to the Arab-Israeli dispute, and welcomed the signing of the Doha
Agreement that solved the political crisis in Lebanon.

The declaration also supported efforts to ensure national compromise
among all Iraqi people, and emphasized the importance of preservation
of Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.

In the declaration, the organization condemned the terrorist attacks
in Afghanistan and called on the international community to extend
more assistance to the Afghan government and people.

The organization said that member states had the right to use nuclear
energy for peaceful purposes, and also said that the Iran nuclear
energy controversy should be solved through peaceful means.

The OIC member states condemned Armenia’s aggressive attitude towards
Azerbaijan, and asked Armenia to withdraw from the Azerbaijani
territories immediately and without precondition.

In the statement, the organization also condemned all acts of
terrorism, and underlined importance of cooperation against terrorism.

The members also condemned Islamophobia and discrimination against
Muslims, and called on the international community to take efficient
measures to prevent them.