OIC Chief Holds Talks With Iranian President, FM
May 27, 1998 - 0:0
TEHRAN The visiting Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Ezzeddin Laraki held separate meetings here with President Mohammad Khatami and Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi. In the meeting between Laraki and President Khatami, the Iranian president said, The Islamic countries need to be pioneers and champions of resolving conflicts and difficulties in the international arena. Expressing optimism over the issue of dialogue among civilizations, President Khatami who is also the current OIC chairman said that in dialogue among civilizations, political issues should be set aside and the focus should be put on culture and thoughts." President Khatami told the OIC secretary general that arrangements should be made for establishment of a committee for dialogue among civilizations, an Islamic academic center and an Islamic art institute.
He said, Such activities were fruitful and influencial in the Muslim world. The OIC chief said, The most important problem facing the Islamic world is the issue of Afghanistan although it cannot be ruled out that the Palestinian issue is far more serious. However, Khatami added, as Muslims, we all stand responsible before Almighty Allah, our history and our posteriors, if we fail to resolve the Afghan problem." The hojjatoleslam went on to say that with the assistance, cooperation and efforts of Muslim nations, particularly the Muslim regional countries Afghanistan, regional crises must be defused and specifically the crisis in Afghanistan needs to be resolved through mutual understanding, and negotiation between all factions." Appreciating the peace initiatives of the OIC Secretary General Laraki, and the special OIC envoy in Afghan affairs Abu Bakr in the Afghan conflict, the OIC president said, It is a matter of great regret that blood letting and flames of war should continue in that country.
What is more hurtful is that the onslaught of war and incessant bloodshed in Afghanistan is in the name of Islam, stated Khatami. OIC secretary general briefing president on the issues of OIC, said that the secretariate is functioning smoothly under a cordial and sincere atmosphere due to full coordination existing between the current president and the secretariate." Thanking the president for his useful guidance, Ezzeddin Laraki said, We are witness to a historical era in the activities of OIC after the 8th OIC summit in Tehran. On the issue of dialogue among civilizations, Laraki opined that the concept needed to be worked out within the OIC framework after attaining a consensus between the 55 member countries of OIC. Laraki also held talks yesterday with Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi. In the meeting, the two sides called for further expansion of cooperation between OIC and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Referring to the forthcoming session in Tehran of the committee on `dialogue, cooperation and confidence', the two officials termed the move as a positive and valuable step towards promoting dialogue and trust among Islamic states. Representatives from all OIC member countries will attend the session, to be held May 27-30. During the 8th OIC summit in Tehran, President Khatami proposed formation of the committee.
His proposal was welcomed by the OIC leaders. The two officials also discussed the critical situation in neighboring Afghanistan, OIC-NAM joint meeting and outcome of Kharrazi's talks with NAM foreign ministers in Colombia. (IRNA)
He said, Such activities were fruitful and influencial in the Muslim world. The OIC chief said, The most important problem facing the Islamic world is the issue of Afghanistan although it cannot be ruled out that the Palestinian issue is far more serious. However, Khatami added, as Muslims, we all stand responsible before Almighty Allah, our history and our posteriors, if we fail to resolve the Afghan problem." The hojjatoleslam went on to say that with the assistance, cooperation and efforts of Muslim nations, particularly the Muslim regional countries Afghanistan, regional crises must be defused and specifically the crisis in Afghanistan needs to be resolved through mutual understanding, and negotiation between all factions." Appreciating the peace initiatives of the OIC Secretary General Laraki, and the special OIC envoy in Afghan affairs Abu Bakr in the Afghan conflict, the OIC president said, It is a matter of great regret that blood letting and flames of war should continue in that country.
What is more hurtful is that the onslaught of war and incessant bloodshed in Afghanistan is in the name of Islam, stated Khatami. OIC secretary general briefing president on the issues of OIC, said that the secretariate is functioning smoothly under a cordial and sincere atmosphere due to full coordination existing between the current president and the secretariate." Thanking the president for his useful guidance, Ezzeddin Laraki said, We are witness to a historical era in the activities of OIC after the 8th OIC summit in Tehran. On the issue of dialogue among civilizations, Laraki opined that the concept needed to be worked out within the OIC framework after attaining a consensus between the 55 member countries of OIC. Laraki also held talks yesterday with Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi. In the meeting, the two sides called for further expansion of cooperation between OIC and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Referring to the forthcoming session in Tehran of the committee on `dialogue, cooperation and confidence', the two officials termed the move as a positive and valuable step towards promoting dialogue and trust among Islamic states. Representatives from all OIC member countries will attend the session, to be held May 27-30. During the 8th OIC summit in Tehran, President Khatami proposed formation of the committee.
His proposal was welcomed by the OIC leaders. The two officials also discussed the critical situation in neighboring Afghanistan, OIC-NAM joint meeting and outcome of Kharrazi's talks with NAM foreign ministers in Colombia. (IRNA)