December 01, 2007	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 20, 1428

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 30: The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Thursday called on the international community to pledge complete commitment to the creation of an independent Palestinian state and “throw their full moral, diplomatic, political and economic support for its early realisation”.

Speaking on behalf of the OIC, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Munir Akram told the UN General Assembly on the ‘Question of Palestine’ that an early comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the core issue of Palestine, “must be our collective strategic objective”.

Mr Akram stressed that “the consequences of failure would be grave – the rise of extremism and violence that could engulf the entire Middle East.” He declared: “While remaining fully committed to the just cause of the Palestinian people, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference will play its rightful role in this collective endeavour to establish lasting, just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”

“The unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict, in particular the core issue of Palestine, constitutes a grave and persistent threat to international peace and security, especially after 40 years of occupation. This cauldron of conflict has over the decades resulted in widespread death and destruction, caused misery, aroused anger and frustration and bred mistrust and antagonism between Israel and the Arab and Islamic world.”

Saying that “the Islamic world has a natural and strong emotional attachment to the issue of Palestine, as well as a deep commitment to its just and peaceful settlement,” Mr Akram pointed out that “the centrality of the cause of Al Quds Al Sharif for the whole Islamic Ummah should be clear to all.”

“Hopes for peace have been dashed repeatedly by Israel’s prolongation of the illegal occupation of the Arab territories and the propensity to resort to the threat and use of force.