Moussa speech before OIC Ministerial Meeting
Regional, Politics, 6/29/2000

Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa underlined the necessity that Islamic states should adopt a new approach to surrounding facts in the face of globalization.

Amr Moussa, in a word Wednesday to his Organization of Islamic Conference counterparts currently meeting in Kuala Lumpur the global phenomenon.

Speaking of enormous challenges facing the Islamic world, Moussa alerted to the widening gap between advanced and developing countries not only at the economic level, but in terms of ideology as well.

Rejecting globalization as something being imposed, Moussa preferred to view it as an interactive phenomenon.

He also called for modernizing and developing the OIC available economic mechanisms.

In his speech Moussa said that Muslim countries face many challenges including what is known as the clash of civilization.

He cited development the OIC as major challenges that should be addressed.

He lauded the Malaysian experience in promoting its economy and boosting development.

"Globalization should never be considered a conspiracy against Islam but rather a real challenge that should be handled," said Moussa. He added that the Islamic World is in a dire need of an approach to deal with facts as they really are.

"Globalization has become an unchallenged fact that makes use of the Internet and the revolution in communication technology," said Moussa.

The Foreign Minister added that Muslims should contribute to globalization through highlighting Islamic teachings.

Moussa noted that globalization has introduced new ways of living and thinking that should be examined.

"Globalization and the relation between world cultures should not be considered anti-Islam trends but rather means by which Islamic World can achieve more cooperation, progress, security and stability," Moussa expounded.

He called for promoting inter-OIC trade exchange and underlined the need for upgrading OIC mechanisms for the Islamic Forum to become integrated and harmonious to serve interests of the Muslim World.

"Egypt supports a Malaysian proposal to develop the OIC Secretariat General," said Moussa.

He voiced hope that member states would do their best for the good of the gathering.

"Enough of US must be assigned to the acquisition of the necessary knowledge and skills of information age," Moussa added.

On his evaluation of OIC role in the coming phase, Moussa said the role of the organization in the future hinges on many things, foremost among which restructuring itself in order to gain effectiveness.

Asked on the continued UN embargo on Iraq, the Foreign Minister said Egypt backs lifting the nine-year-old sanctions imposed on Iraq, noting that its stance in this regard is clear.

He stressed anew the Egyptian stance calling for an immediate action in order to alleviate suffering of the Iraqi people.

On the Kuwaiti prisoners of war (POWs) in Iraqi jails whose release is being demanded by the Kuwaiti government, Moussa voiced hope all problems would be settled and all detainees return home.

Emerging from one of the meetings Moussa lauded Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed's address to the opening ceremony of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Ministerial four-day meetings.

In Moussa's answer to reporters' questions on Egypt's assessment of the Malaysian Premier's speech before OIC Meetings, Moussa said Mahathir's word is worth of support, adding that it was a clear message on how to work for the benefit of Islamic countries and how to think of the future in light of the progress the whole world is experiencing.

Moussa praised the speech which stressed the importance of looking into the issue of Islam in light of challenges of globalization.

He quoted Mahathir as saying "Islam enjoins us to seek knowledge.

On OIC secretariat nomination, Moussa said there is a consensus among Arab members in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) on backing the nomination of Abdel Wahid Balqaziz Moroccan to replace Ezz-El-Dine Laraki as the OIC Secretary General.

Previous Stories:
  OIC secretary holds Israel responsible for undermining ME peace   (6/28/2000)
  Arab League backs Moroccan candidate to OIC top position   (6/20/2000)
  Saudi Arabia signs agreement on fighting international terrorism   (5/8/2000)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search