OIC FOREIGN MINISTERS CALLED FOR AN END OF TURKISH CYPRIOTS’ ISOLATION

Organization of the Islamic Conference’s (OIC) Foreign Ministers called for an end of Turkish Cypriots’ isolation in their final declaration issued on Wednesday (21 June).

            The declaration entitled “Baku Declaration”, which was adopted following the 33rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baku, Azerbaijan between 19-21 June, referred to the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots and stated the following:

“We express our support for the process of settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of political equality of the two parties, and reaffirm our solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Northern Cyprus. We appeal to the international community, including the OIC Member States to make all necessary efforts to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and to build cooperation in economic, cultural, scientific, technological and other fields.”

            The OIC Foreign Ministers also passed a resolution on Cyprus entitled “The Situation in Cyprus”, which is as follows: 

            Recalling its Resolution No.5/32-P on the Situation in Cyprus adopted at the 32nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, on 28-30 June 2005, which, inter alia, reaffirms the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus and strongly calls upon the international community to take, without further delay, concrete steps to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people; 

            Reaffirming the previous resolutions of the Islamic Conferences on the question of Cyprus which express firm support for the rightful cause of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus who constitute an integral part of the Islamic world; 

            Reiterating its continued support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General under his mission of good offices towards a comprehensive settlement; 

            Mindful of the necessity to respect the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus in order to facilitate the efforts towards a comprehensive settlement; 

            Reiterating once again its call on the two parties in Cyprus to reciprocally acknowledge each other’s equal status; 

            Recalling that the UN Plan of March 2004 for the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue aimed to establish a new state of affairs in Cyprus in the form of a new bi-zonal partnership with two equal constituent states; respecting the principle of equal political status of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides, while acknowledging that neither side may claim authority or jurisdiction over the other; 

            Taking note of the results of the simultaneous referenda held separately on 24 April 2004 in both sides of Cyprus; and deeply regrets that contrary to international calls, the Greek Cypriot side overwhelming rejected the UN settlement plan, whereas the Turkish Cypriot side approved the plan with a clear majority for the reunification of the Island and the EU membership;

            Nothing the desire of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus to fully integrate with the International Community, whereas they are still left in isolation as the victim of an outcome in which they have no fault; 

            Monitoring with grave concern the unfortunate initiatives to prevent any financial or moral assistance towards the Turkish Cypriots and calling the related party/parties to give and end to these unjust activities; 

            Welcoming the proposal declared by the Republic of Turkey on 24 January 2006 for simultaneous lifting of all restrictions on both sides of Cyprus; qualifying this initiative as timely and constructive in the framework of the aim of the realization of peaceful, just and lasting solution of the Cyprus issue; 

            Also welcoming the contacts of an OIC delegation headed by Ambassador Atta El-Mannane Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for International Affairs, with the Turkish Cypriot side in March 2006; to determine the economic and social conditions and thus explore the ways and means of achieving a just political settlement in the island; 

            Expressing its solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots and its appreciation for their constructive efforts to attain a just and mutually acceptable settlement; 

            Considering that the massive arms build-up and the establishment, as well as continuing construction of air and naval bases by the Greek Cypriot side constitute a threat to peace and stability in the Island and the region, 

            Expressing regret that, the Greek Cypriot side unilaterally breached the understanding of mutual cancellation since 2001 of annual military exercises; 

            Noting the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Cyprus contained in document ICFM/33-2006/POL/SG.REP.4 

1.         Reaffirms the full equality of the two parties in Cyprus as the principle enabling them to live side-by-side in security, peace and harmony without one having the ability to govern, exploit, oppress or threaten the other. 

2.         Supports the establishment of technical committees between the two parties which aim to build mutual confidence. 

3.         Expresses its profound disappointment over the unwillingness on the part of the Greek Cypriot side towards finding a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue. 

4.         Calls upon the international community to urge the Greek Cypriot side to work for an early comprehensive solution of the Cyprus question on the basis of the UN Settlement Plan. 

5.         Repeats its call to the international community to take, without further delay, concrete steps to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people. 

6.         Calls upon the Member States to strengthen effective solidarity with the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus, closely associating with them, and with a view to helping them materially and politically to overcome the inhuman isolation which has been imposed upon them, to increase and expand their relations in all fields. 

7.         Invites the Member States in this framework:

-         to exchange business delegations with the Turkish Cypriot side with a view to exploring the opportunities of economic cooperation, investment in the areas such as direct transport, tourism, information;

-         to develop cultural relations and sports contacts with the Turkish Cypriot people;

-         to encourage cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot universities, including the exchanges of students and academicians. 

8.         Strongly encourages Member States to exchange high level visits with the Turkish Cypriot side. 

9.         Reaffirms its previous decisions to support until the Cyprus problem is solved, the rightful claim of the Turkish Muslim people of Cyprus, for the right to be heard in all international fora where the Cyprus problem comes up for discussion, on the basis of equality of the two parties in Cyprus. 

10.       Requests the Secretary-General to secure the continuation of the necessary contacts with the Islamic Development Bank with a view to seek ways and means of the latter’s assistance for the development projects of the Turkish Cypriot side. 

11.       Decides to remain seized of the request of the Turkish Cypriot side for full membership of the OIC. 

12.       Urges the Member States to inform the Secretariat of the action taken regarding the implementation of its previous resolutions and particularly Resolution No.2/31-P. 

13.       Requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary measures for the implementation of this resolution, make further commendations as appropriate and to report thereon to the Thirty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.