MAKKAH, 9 December 2005 — With proposals on the table for a new name and a new charter, the Organization of the Islamic Conference has taken the first step on the path to dynamic change. “It is not the same old OIC,” said Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf at a press conference in the Al-Safa Palace yesterday. “With a new name and a new charter and more resources, it will be a forward-looking, dynamic organization.”
Musharraf praised the inaugural address of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. “It was refreshing and motivating,” said the Pakistani leader. “He recognized the need for changes in the OIC charter and he also recognized the urgent need for a new course of action and direction.”
Musharraf added that the OIC leaders have done their job in this regard. “The first step in the path to progress has been taken. Now it is the job of the Ummah (the Muslim global community) to act collectively with a view toward implementing the ten-year action plan,” he said.
He added that Pakistan fully supports the need to change the organization’s name. “Somehow the Organization of the Islamic Conference doesn’t really convey the weight, power and importance of the organization. Let me put it this way: It is not strong enough.”
Musharraf said no country should impose decisions on others. “At such forums we discuss ideas, their merit and the mechanism to implement or execute those ideas,” he said.
He said the one point that everybody underlined at the forum was the need to set up centers of excellence in all OIC member states. “This is a knowledge-driven world. We have all the natural resources, but look at our GDP. One small European country — I don’t want to name it — has a higher GDP than the GDP with countries with all the natural resources. This is pitiful,” he said. “Pakistan is ready to share whatever knowledge we possess. Let every OIC member country set up centers of excellence.
Kashmir remained a strong focus at the summit. “Both in the ten-year action plan and the joint communiqué there are strong words on Kashmir,” said Musharraf. “The new charter includes special mention of a conflict-resolution mechanism. The new charter recognizes all conflicts, including the conflict of Kashmir.”
Musharraf called for the demilitarization and self-rule of the conflict-torn region and expressed gratitude for the presence of Kashmir’s Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at this year’s OIC meeting.
“We are trying the bilateral methodology,” he said. “I proposed demilitarization and self-rule for Kashmir. And I am glad Mirwaiz is here and he represents the people of Kashmir. This is the way forward. The response (from India) has not been positive. We need to take this further. If the people of Kashmir demand something I don’t think anybody will be able to deny it.” Later, Musharraf met Umar Farooq on the sidelines of the summit on its concluding day. The two discussed the issue of demilitarization and self-rule for Kashmir.
