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OIC-EU JOINT FORUM ON TURKISH PRESSThis bulletin has been prepared by the Directorate General of Press and Information of Turkey from excerpts of the Turkish Press Reviews (11.02.2002 – 14.02.2002)
11.02.2002OIC-EU JOINT FORUM TO BEGIN TOMORROW IN ISTANBULTomorrow Istanbul will begin hosting the very first Organization for the Islamic Conference-European Union (OIC-EU) Joint Forum. The forum, proposed first by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, is being convened in an effort to bring together the Islamic and Christian worlds in the wake of last September's terrorist attacks. Representatives from 71 EU and the OIC member states, including 51 foreign ministers, will attend the two-day summit. Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Cem are expected to address the meeting. Cem yesterday stated that the meeting would be a wholly unique one. Pointing to the importance of such a forum, Cem said, "The meeting will give the whole world a message of peace, cooperation and harmony." /All Papers/ CEM TO MEET HIS IRAQI COUNTERPARTTurkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem is expected to meet with his Iraqi counterpart Naci Sabri during the OIC-EU Joint Forum which is scheduled to begin tomorrow in Istanbul. Sabri is to arrive in Istanbul today to attend the meeting. Evaluating the letter which Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein recently sent to Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Turkish diplomats remarked that Turkey would continue to encourage Iraq to act in line with United Nations resolutions no matter what the letter said. /Cumhuriyet/ DIALOGUE BETWEEN CIVILIZATIONSBy Zeynep GURCANLI (STAR)Columnist Zeynep Gurcan comments on the upcoming meeting between the EU and the Organization for the Islamic Conference (OIC). A summary of her column is as follows: "This week is very important for Turkey. We will host a meeting which will bring top-level representatives of the Muslim and Christian world together for the first time since the last September's terrorist attacks. The foreign ministers of 29 countries from the EU and OIC will attend the meetings to discuss ways to improve dialogue between the two civilizations. Let's have a look at the summit's topics so that we can understand what it's all about. The first topic on the agenda will be 'Preventing Political and Cultural Fissures." Then, three separate panels will be held on 'Overcoming Common Problems', 'Media and Politics' and 'Who is the Other?' During these panels, attendees will try to find solutions to humanity's common problems which have emerged due to the world's rapid globalization. Another important aspect of the EU-OIC meeting is the attendance of prominent social theorists and intellectuals such as Bernard Lewis, Thierry de Montbrial and Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan Bin Tallal. The contribution of those prominent figures is of great importance since they will add a civilian voice to what is too-often a politicians-only chorus. One of the most sensitive issues slated to be discussed at the meetings is the future of Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah will represent the new Afghan government in Istanbul. Although nobody expects the meeting to reach concrete accomplishments, there is nonetheless no doubt that it will be a great step forward for the world towards improving dialogue and discussions of common problems." 12.02.2002 OIC-EU JOINT FORUM BEGINS TODAY IN ISTANBULA Joint Forum of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the European Union, intended to bring together the Western and Islamic worlds in the wake of last September's terrorist attacks on the US, begins in Istanbul today. Representatives of 71 countries, including 51 foreign ministers, arrived in Istanbul yesterday to attend the forum. Last night, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, hosted a "Welcome Reception" at the Ciragan Palace. The two-day forum will begin with a speech by Cem, who first proposed such a meeting, and later all the participants will pose for a group photograph. Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit are also scheduled to address the participants during a working lunch. Additionally, panels on "Overcoming Mutual Issues" and "Media and Politics" will be held today, and following a dinner, the participants will attend a performance of the famous "Sultans of.the Dance", at Mydonose Showland. /All Papers/ ECEVIT: "INTERVENTION IN IRAQ IN SPITE OF TURKEY WOULD BE DIFFICULT"Speaking to reporters yesterday about the Iraq situation, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, "I believe that a solution to this problem can be found without resorting to war. Furthermore, any military intervention launched in spite of Turkey would be difficult." Ecevit added that the US would consult Turkey about any possible military strike against Iraq, but that Turkey wanted to resolve the situation without conflict. Ecevit also said that during the Organization of the Islamic Conference-European Union (OIC-EU) Joint Forum, which begins today, the Iraqi and Iranian foreign ministers had requested a meeting with him. /Hurriyet/ SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTER PRAISES TURKEYSpeaking to Turkish daily Hurriyet yesterday, Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail said that Turkey was doing a wonderful job. Evaluating the current Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum, he stated, "I was very happy to be invited to the meeting, there was a need to start this dialogue between the West and Islam." Ismail also remarked that terrorism was peculiar to no religion, race or state. /Hurriyet/ JORDANIAN PRINCE SUGGESTS "PARLIAMENT OF CULTURE" FOR ISTANBULJordanian Prince El Hassan bin Talal suggested yesterday to Turkish Culture Minister Istemihan Talay that a “parliament of culture" be established in Istanbul for the purpose of encouraging dialogue across borders. Hassan made the remark while attending the joint Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union meeting in that city. Talay replied that Yildiz Palace would be a fitting setting for this project and added, "The dialogue between the OIC and the EU in Istanbul is a positive step forward which shows Turkey's role in the world." Talay further stated that a recent book by Prince Hassan on Christianity in the Islamic world would be published in translation by the Turkish Culture Ministry." /Milliyet/ OIC-EU JOINT FORUMBy Yilmaz OZTUNA (TURKIYE)Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on the OIC-EU Joint Forum being held in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows: "The OIC-EU Joint Forum which begins today in Istanbul is a very important initiative. Representatives from 71 Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and European Union member and candidate countries are attending the forum. Turkey is unique as the only country with member or candidate ties to both organizations. More than 50 of the meeting's participants are representing their countries at the foreign minister level. Others include statesmen, cultural, political and religious thinkers. As an intellectual, I was also invited to the forum. However, I am unable to attend the meetings. I will watch the developments on television and comment on them. First of all, I want to congratulate Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and our Foreign Ministry, both of which have been criticized for not pursuing a more active policy, for their tremendous initiative in organizing such a comprehensive and significant meeting. The forum will prove vital to the whole world as it brings together two different civilizations and cultures. During the meetings, statesmen from both the Islamic and Christian worlds will have the chance to discuss various topics. There will be numerous joint interests and unifying elements. However, history is full of conflicts. Today, a theory speaking of a "clash of civilizations" has gained both attention and currency. Islam has been accused of fomenting terrorism. But this idea is incorrect as well as unfair. There are terrorists in all societies worldwide. All of these topics will be discussed at the meetings. The possibility of an attack on Iraq disturbs many nations, Turkey included. The two sides should work to understand each other. Iraq's foreign minister is also attending the forum. Turkey took a leadership role in organizing such a meeting. The meeting may see negotiations, conflicts, heated arguments and discussions. All these are normal. The important thing is that the participants get a healthy dose of reality." EU AND OIC MEET FOR THE FIRST TIMEBy Yalcin DOGAN (CUMHURIYET)Columnist Yalcin Dogan comments on the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and European Union Joint Forum. A summary of his column is as follows: "Attendance at the forum is political, whereas its discussions are academic, and we must wonder whether there will be a significant joint declaration following the meeting. When these facts are taken into consideration, the stance of Turkey becomes clear. It is being extremely careful and trying to provide one more opportunity for the issue to be reviewed by the public without offending anyone. Therefore, to expect concrete results from this forum and their reflections to the world arena would be extremely optimistic. The EU and OIC are coming together for the first time to discuss an extremely sensitive issue for both of them. The two sides, the Islamic world accused of sheltering political terrorists and the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, are confronting each other. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem observed a tension between the sides, the clash between Islam and Christianity. In order to ease this tension, which could lead to great dangers, he launched his initiative for a meeting. Turkey has avoided labeling the Christian-Islamic tension as a 'conflict'. 'Therefore, the joint declaration worked on by the representatives of 88 nations at the forum is mainly based on the principle of living together peacefully without touching on sensitive issues. However, the US, Russia and China should also have been invited to this forum. These nations belong to neither the OIC nor the EU. However, the issue concerns all of them as well." 13.02.2002 SEZER, ECEVIT CALL FOR COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISMAddressing the OIC-EU Joint Forum yesterday, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that terrorism was the chief issue before humanity for it to wrestle and solve. He added, “To find a solution, a common definition of terrorism is needed and its social, political and economical dimensions must be clearly delineated.” He additionally pointed to the importance of a united international stance on the issue. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit also delivered a speech at the forum saying that disputes between ideologies and hatred between races have caused wars and holocausts. He said, “The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks showed that committing acts of terrorism is very easy and cheap, but precautions against such acts are very difficult and expensive. For this reason, an effective international cooperation is urgently needed.” Recalling claims by some that the tenets of Islam justified last September attacks, Ecevit said, “This is a great deception which is unsupportable and wholly unacceptable.” /Turkiye/ TERRORISM DISCUSSED AT OIC-EU JOINT FORUMThe Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum bringing together the Christian and Islamic worlds began yesterday in Istanbul. The historic meeting’s opening speech was delivered by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Pointing to last September’s terrorist attacks on the US, Cem said that terrorism had no religion or region. “There is no excuse for terrorism,” he added. While Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Settar said that there was a greater need for peace today than at any time since World War II, his Iranian counterpart Kemal Harrazi underlined the importance of civilizations encountering each other at the forum to prevent conflicts between them. Additionally, EU Secretary-General and High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solona said, “The EU rejects any linkage between terrorism and Islam.” He also remarked on the importance of dialogue between civilizations. Another speaker, Palestinian Foreign Minister Faruk Kaddumi, claimed that the main reason for terrorism was the occupation of lands by certain countries. He said, “Palestine has been resisting such action. However, it needs the support of the whole international community.” /Turkiye-All Papers/ CEM, PAPANDREOU SPUR NEW DIALOGUE ON AEGEANTurkey and Greece have decided to start a new process of dialogue in order to work out their differences on the Aegean. Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou met yesterday in Istanbul during the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum and resolved to discuss the Aegean and continental shelf issues at the level of general director. /Hürriyet/ SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER PRAISES TURKEY’S RECENT EFFORTSIn a press conference yesterday at the OIC-EU Joint Forum in Istanbul, EU Term President Spain’s Foreign Minister Josep Pique spoke to the domestic press about Turkey’s bid for EU membership, the Cyprus issue and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). Praising Turkey’s resolve, Pique remarked that Turkey had taken significant steps with its recent political and economic reforms. Pique stated that Turkey had displayed the necessary determination to fulfill the EU’s political and economic criteria, adding that there was still a great deal to do in order to implement the reforms. Underlining the importance of structural reforms for the Turkish economy, Pique said that in the past Spain had also overcome its problems through implementing such reforms. /Cumhuriyet/ ISTANBUL TRUCEBy Ozdemir INCE (HURRIYET)In his column in the daily Hurriyet, Ozdemir Ince writes on the meeting of civilizations taking place in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows: “The joint meeting of the EU and OIC countries at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul has a symbolic importance. On the one side there are the EU countries, all of which are Christian and on the other side the Organization of the Islamic Conference countries, all of which are Muslim. The organizer of the meeting is Turkey, which is a member of one group and a member candidate of the other. Turkey is a partner of both sides. Towards the end of his address to the meeting, President Sezer stressed an important point, “Terrorism must not be attributed to only one religion, or ethnic group. In order to solve this issue it is of utmost importance to formulate a common definition of terrorism, describe its social, political and economic dimensions and take joint action on a global scale. We believe that terrorist groups should be identified not as it suits the purposes of some particular interest but on the basis of objective definitions, and that we should continue the war against terrorism with this in mind.” President Sezer certainly knows that the main cause of terrorism stems from the conflicts between the rich and prosperous North and the poor and miserable South, and that ‘the damned of the earth’ living in the South, mainly made up of nonwhites and non-Christians, are on the verge of desperation. President Sezer is right in that a joint definition of terrorism must be arrived at. However, will biased countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway will agree to this? I believe that these countries will not agree to a rational definition of terrorism. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said, ‘Another result of the Sept. 11 attacks is the emergence of a new awareness. This awareness stems from our realizing the fact that we know very little about the other, and that we need a new set of relations and solidarity on the basis of respect for cultural diversity.’ With these words he was expressing one of the most provocative factors behind the Sept. 11 tragedy. Turkey, leading the way with a moral responsibility, has shown that it has reached maturity. This is indeed a good sign.” HYPOCRITES!!By Güngör MENGI (SABAH)Columnist Gungor Mengi writes on the OIC-EU meeting in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows: “Istanbul, the meeting point of civilizations, is hosting the most important conference of the new century. Robert S. Robins and Jerrold M. Post in their book ‘Political Paranoia’ search for an answer to the question what can be done against the merchants of hatred who want to lead the world to a clash of civilizations. The writers say that nothing deeply rooted can be exterminated. However we can always be on alert against the danger of political paranoia. Remaining indifferent to the issue means making a deal with the devil. If enough care is not taken, the paranoid tendency will grow, be exploited and explode as a policy of hatred psychology. The Organization of the Islamic Conference and European Union countries and member countries met in Istanbul against a background similar to that of the UN General Assembly to discuss this danger threatening the future of mankind. They are searching for an answer to the question what can be done about the common enemy, which perpetrated the most tragic attack in order to escalate terrorism into a clash between religions. The first answer coming to mind is dialogue. The clash of religions deeply rooted in history can only be solved through reason, faith and sincerity. NATO member and EU candidate member Muslim Turkey has shown that Islam is compatible with democracy and has played an effective mediator role in the meeting of a great number of countries and thus increased its own importance and respectability. Hate, whatever the reason, be it religious or ethnic, leads to terror. First of all mankind has to denounce terrorism whatever the cause and stand in unison against it. When this basis is damaged by self-interest, terrorism finds the swamps it thrives on. As civilization and harmony were being discussed at the Ciragan yesterday, we received a report laying out the relation between the PKK and some EU countries. According to the document obtained by our intelligence units, advice from some European countries lies behind the PKK’s politicization drive. These countries are advising the PKK to adopt policies they believe will facilitate their hand in supporting them. The blind self-interest of willfully ignoring an evil right under one’s nose because it isn’t threatening you in particular can still ensnare the wing of civilizations meeting in Istanbul, which boasts of being ‘modern.’ This hypocrisy is sabotaging humanity’s hopes for compromise and peace.” 14.02.2002 CEM, PAPANDREOU WORK TO ELIMINATE MUTUAL PREJUDICESTurkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou yesterday attended a discussion panel entitled “Who is ‘the Other?’ Does it Really Exist?”, the final panel of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum in Istanbul. The two ministers stressed the importance of mutual respect and understanding to surmount the current problems between Turkey and Greece, which have mutually considered each other “the Other” at times in the past. In his speech at the panel moderated by European Council Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer, Turkish Foreign Minister Cem stated that although just five years ago the Turkish and Greek nations considered each other “the Other,” the two countries had recently entered a period of rapprochement which altered the prevailing negative value systems. “The concept of the other, at one time, had negative connotations since countries used it to indicate countries which they considered as their enemies,” said Cem. “There were national interests behind this mentality. However, the term is changing nowadays. It is being redefined in line with universal values rather than national interests. The concept of the other is used today to refer to groups which work to destroy universal values. For example, terrorist organizations which have no regard for universal human rights can be considered ‘the other.’” Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou expressed his wish that Turkey and Greece could overcome all their bilateral problems and praised recent mutual efforts aimed at bolstering relations. “Although we still have certain problems, I believe we can eliminate all the established clichés which have alienated the two nations from each other,” said Papandreou. “We should educate our nations and encourage them to contribute this rapprochement process.” /Cumhuriyet/ OIC-EU JOINT FORUM ENDSThe Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum ended yesterday in Istanbul. A joint press statement was issued at the end of the forum, which was held with the participation of 71 countries from Europe, Asia and Africa at the invitation of the Turkey’s foreign minister, Ismail Cem. Cem remarked that Turkey’s initiative was of great importance not only for the region, but also for all worldwide nations. The press statement said, “History has taught us that a lack of mutual knowledge and respect among civilizations can greatly affect world stability and peace. Harmony and welfare are nurtured when different peoples make communication a priority, taking the time to express and listen to each other’s views and interests, acknowledging and tolerating differences, while at the same time seeking out commonalities that can help build strong relationships and promote political and economic cooperation.” Despite some disagreements among the attendees over certain sensitive issues such as Israel-Palestinian dispute, significant decisions were taken at the end of the forum. The following points were agreed upon: “1) The Forum reaffirms its strong belief that cultures, in their diversity, complement and enhance one another. 2) The main means to support unity and solidarity and to avoid racial, religious and cultural prejudices is to enhance our knowledge of one another through communication and cooperation for the promotion of common universal values. 3) The Forum affirms that terrorism cannot be justified for any reason whatsoever. It recognizes the joint responsibility to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations within the framework of the UN, in conformity with its Charter and its resolutions. 4) The Forum underlines that in order for peace, stability and harmony to prevail, the Middle East conflict must be settled in a just and comprehensive manner and in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions.” /All Papers/ ISTANBUL SPIRITBy Ali SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)Columnist Ali Sirmen writes on the OIC-EU Joint Forum held in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows: “During the OIC-EU Joint Forum attended by 51 ministers and representatives from 75 countries, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine said that the term ‘clash of civilizations’ should not unsettle anyone. The important point was to turn it into a dialogue and mutual understanding. He also stressed that in order to achieve this aim, the sides should discuss their problems seriously and comprehensively, and bring the issues they do not understand about the others to the table in a friendly manner, instead of at diplomatic forums where no one can fully express their problems and end up leaving satisfied. ‘For example, we find it hard to understand the secondary role of women in Islam, and we must express this view. In return, they don’t understand the modern family structure of the West, and don’t view it favorably when old people are left alone with their fate living on their own. They must express these views to us. A real dialogue begins in this way. This meeting has formed an Istanbul spirit on the issue. Istanbul is the most convenient place for such a meeting. We must act without creating new bureaucracies and work to benefit from this spirit.’ Mr. Vedrine’s words best summarized this conference. However, if an operation against Iraq is carried out and Turkey stands by the US, such a conference cannot be convened in Istanbul again. A probable intervention in Iraq and Turkey’s participation in it, however small, would lead to grave consequences for Turkey both economic and political. What will happen to the Istanbul spirit if such a strike takes place? How long would we have wait to revive this spirit? PUTTING OUR HOUSE INTO ORDERBy Semih IDIZ (STAR)Columnist Semih Idiz writes on the OIC-EU Joint Forum held in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows: “The OIC-EU Joint Forum, which is an obvious success at the hands of Foreign Minister Ismail and his close friends, has also shown the significance of Turkey clearly. As a consequence, it lays a burden of important responsibilities on Turkey’s shoulders. However, if Turkey will play a role focused on ‘tolerance’ and respect for ‘the other’ with its special identity based on a synthesis of the East and West, it must overcome a series of concerns regarding its important shortcomings as well as groundless suspicions. Otherwise, no one will respect a country calling for tolerance abroad when intolerance reigns high within its borders. We must accept that FM Cem’s success has lifted Turkey’s respectability on an international level. However, it is also certain that there are some who feel disturbed by this. They hate concepts such as ‘cultural diversity’ and ‘searches to overcome monotony’ which the Forum brings to mind. It must be recalled that there have been culture ministers who said that they didn’t recognize any culture other than their own national culture in Turkey. We are witnessing the presence of others who believe in not opening a can of worms, lest they would not be able to deal with political problems which could erupt. The presence of this opposition front is well known and the news that the EU is showing the way to the PKK terrorist organization are believed to bear its stamp. This front may slow down Turkey’s development or its process oftaking its place on the international stage as a respected state. However, in time all the pieces will fall into place. This is neither a political nor a cultural preference. It is the inevitable result of urbanization and industrialization. When Italian fascism, German Nazism, and Soviet totalitarianism are studied, this fact becomes evident. All distorted systems which tried to shunt humanity’s natural process of evolution into certain directions in the modern world were eventually discarded. These mistakes resulted in the loss of life for innocent millions. The Forum held in Istanbul has once more shown the greatness of Ataturk, as he didn’t pursue a restrictive or narrow ideology. He pointed to a lifestyle obliged to get into step with civilization and developments based entirely upon human values. The opposition front doesn’t want to see this. As they are afraid of the European and universal values when Turkey is strong, Ataturk had seen that the precondition for Turkey was to evolve into a nation from a Muslim society when the country was at its lowest point. The OIC-EU Joint Forum has clearly pointed out the important role Turkey can play in the international arena. However, in order to play this role and feel its importance, Turkey has to put its own house into order and as soon as possible.” TURKEY’S CONTRIBUTIONBy Engin GUNER (AKSAM)Columnist Engin Guner writes on the OIC-EU meeting in Istanbul and the need to define terrorism. A summary of his column is as follows: “The Sept. 11 attacks brought the concept of ‘clash of civizilations’ first put forth in 1997 by Samuel Huntington to the table for discussion. Meetings based on tolerance and dialogue among religions and cultures have been held before. However, the meeting which ended in Istanbul yesterday was important because it covered a wide range of countries and brought the OIC and EU nations together. This is the first time the East and the West have come together since the declaration of war against terrorism by the US. This helped them to begin a dialogue towards understanding each other. The aim of the meeting was to eradicate misunderstandings, get to know one another better, and search for solutions to problems through dialogue. This was not going to be easy. The beginning of such a process in Turkey is meaningful. Apart from its geographical location, Turkey’s role as a bridge between three continents is enough to demonstrate how important this initiative is. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, predominantly Muslim Turkey sets an example for other Muslim countries. It isn’t easy to abolish all prejudices and animosities stemming from different cultural legacies. In order to eradicate misunderstandings leading to these, one must try to understand and show respect to the cultural identity of the other. That is why dialogue is a must. However it is not always easy to get results. Everyone knows the difficulty of defining terrorism in a way which is acceptable to all. As it uses violence instead of ideas, an effective fight must waged against it. However, no one should forget that terrorism cannot be abolished through force alone. Understanding the reasons which foster terrorism is more important. It should be recalled that terrorism is nourished by poverty, injustice, ignorance, anger and hate. It is not possible to eradicate all these scourges in a very short time. The tolerance shown by the Ottomans for cultural, religious and ethnic diversity is nowhere to be found in many countries today. We have to fight against poverty and ignorance, establish justice in place of revenge, dialogue in place of violence, conciliation instead of clashes, and take mutual confidence building measures.” OIC-EU JOINT FORUM PRESS RELEASE The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OIC Member and Observer
Countries and the EU Member and Candidate Countries came together, on
12-13 February 2002, for a Joint Forum in Istanbul at the invitation of
the Foreign Minister of Turkey, to share their assessments of the
world's present political situation and to promote understanding and
harmony among civilizations.
During its deliberations,
the OIC-EU Joint Forum has acknowledged the various activities,
resolutions, recommendations and reports of international and regional
organizations, such as the UN and the UNESCO, the QIC, the EU, the
Council of Europe, the OSCE, the Arab In the course of discussions the following points were agreed upon: -The Forum reaffirms its strong belief that cultures, in their diversity, complement and enhance one another. The Forum also confirms its belief in the harmony among civilizations and in its attainability. -The main means to support
coherence and solidarity and to avoid racial, religious and cultural
prejudices is to enhance our knowledge of one another through
communication and cooperation for the promotion of common universal
values, such as those enshrined -The Forum affirms that terrorism cannot be justified for any reason whatsoever. It recognizes the joint responsibility to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations within the framework of the UN, in conformity with its Charter and its resolutions. -The OIC and EU countries are committed to defining problems emerging from cultural prejudices and political and economic injustices and to promoting solutions that will contribute to universal peace, welfare and stability. -The Forum underlined that
for peace, stability and harmony to prevail, the Middle East conflict
must be settled in a just and comprehensive manner and in accordance
with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. In
this context, the "two state" solution will contribute to bring peace
and security to the peoples concerned. -The Forum noted with appreciation the invitation of His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar in his capacity as current Chairman of the OIC to host a OIC-EU Troika meeting in the second half of the current year, in Doha.
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