JEDDAH, 16 September 2006 — During discussions leading to the adoption of the final communiqué issued by the seventh Islamic Information Ministers Conference, some ministers asked that certain phrases and aspects be clarified or emphasized in the resolution.

Sudanese Minister of Information Alzahawi Ibrahim Malik insisted on adding the phrase that the conference firmly stands with Sudan in its refusal of interventions by foreign forces in the country’s internal affairs, especially in Darfur.

The conference had only stated their strong support of Sudan in maintaining its unity and independence in the face of media campaigns against it, which was not enough for the minister. The phrase was added.

“My insistence on that phrase is because of the media campaign targeting Sudan that aims at forcing foreign forces on it,” said the minister to Arab News.

“We agreed to have African Union forces because the charter of the union and of the UN state that regional organizations have the right to resolve regional conflicts. African countries ... are more capable of understanding their problems and we have reached a solution to the Darfur conflict. Let’s give Africa a real meaning and role, but there are entities that want to deprive Africa of that and dwarf it again,” he said.

“What Sudan wants from its Muslim brother states is that they stand firmly behind it and not just through relief efforts and donation campaigns, the minister said.

Another key aspect that was discussed throughout the sessions had to do with financing the projects agreed on and country membership fees. The Kuwaiti minister of information, Muhammad Al-Sanousi, was particularly critical. “We have to be honest and make things clear about how to go about implementing these projects in the resolutions. That is why we agreed on having the next sessions public,” Al-Sanousi told Arab News.

Egyptian Information Minister Anas El-Feki pointed to the need of providing support to implement the projects. “The issue is not just about each country paying their annual dues but also about activating our role as Muslims to defend our religion and credibility especially against the organized campaigns targeting us,” said El-Feki.