4 February 2013, Male';The Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Dr Abdul Samad Abdullah has reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to the principles and values of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) today.
Speaking at the Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cairo, Minister Samad praised the OIC for its unity and solidarity, despite the diversity in its membership, and congratulated the Organisation for its efforts to lead the Islamic Ummah in the face of emerging challenges.
On specific issues, the Minister reiterated the Maldives' commitment to the Palestinian causeand called on Israel to "withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territory to the pre 1967 borders…stop the settlements in the occupied territory…uphold and respect the fundamental human rights of the Palestinians [and] … refrain from any activity that would endanger the Arab and Islamic character of the Al-Quds Al-Sharif".
Similarly, the Minister reaffirmed the Maldives position on the situation in Syria and condemned the recent aggression by Israel against Syria. "The Maldives believes that protecting and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria is a necessary condition for restoring peace in that country and in the region", said the Minister. On behalf of the Government of Maldives, the Minister welcomed all initiatives taken by several member States of the OIC in resolving the conflict and in helping the tens of thousands of refugees displaced by the conflict.
Continuing his address, Foreign Minister Samad condemned the atrocities being committed in Mali and described the attacks as being "against the very values Islam teaches us to uphold".He further urged for the Organisation to revitalise its efforts to counter extremism and promote tolerance and dialogue.
The Summit is themed on "new challenges and expanding opportunities" facing the Islamic world. To this effect the Minister commended the work of the OIC and the General Secretariat, headed by the Secretary General, for the leadership it had demonstrated in the face of contemporary issues.
The 12th Summit of the OIC is being held from 2-7 of February. The Foreign Ministers meeting forms part of the preparatory meetings ahead of the Summit scheduled to begin on 6th February. The Maldives also participated in the preceding Senior Officials Meeting.
Ends