In a final declaration issued at the close of the 50th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Yaoundé, the Organization stressed the need to opt for peaceful means to resolve conflicts, using political, diplomatic and legal mechanisms based on universally recognized principles and norms of international law.

In this sense, the Council expressed its concern about ongoing armed conflicts around the world, stressing the imperative of ending hostilities, avoiding loss of life, increasing humanitarian aid and giving priority to diplomacy.

Foreign Ministers also reiterated their unequivocal support for the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, notably the non-use of force, equal sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

With regard to the Palestinian question, the OIC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have been living in a dramatic humanitarian situation for more than 10 months, following the Israeli aggression that claimed the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians.

In this respect, she called on the countries of the world to act imperatively to put an end to the crime of genocide committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and to implement the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.

Participants in the two-day session, held under the theme “Development of intra-OIC transport and communication infrastructures: a major instrument in the fight against poverty and insecurity”, examined the latest developments in the Palestinian question, the Middle East peace process and developments in the Sahel region. The meeting also addressed political, economic and social issues, as well as questions relating to disarmament and cooperation between the OIC and other international and regional organizations and groupings.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS