SPEECH OF MIRWAIZ UMER FAROOQ DURING
OIC Annual Meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers
OIC Annual Meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers
The United Nations New York
September 23, 2011 Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished guests, Excellencies and ladies and gentlemen,
Assalam-u-Alaikum Warahmatulah-e-Wabarakatuu,
It is truly a great honor for me to address this annual meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, especially in this volatile world of ours, and to share with you the prospects of peace for one of the longest continuing conflicts on our planet which is Kashmir.
The basic principle for a just solution of Kashmir was laid down here at the United Nations in the international agreements embodied in the Security Council resolutions of 1948 & 1949 to which the governments of India and Pakistan are parties. That principle is self-determination. This essential principle can never become obsolete, nor overtaken by events, as India argues. In fact it has become more relevant after the world has witnessed the Arab Spring in 2011.
Excellencies,It’s time for a ‘new vision of OIC.’ Not just one that recognizes the unsustainability of our global economic policies, nor the ecological dangers posed by unbridled exploitation of the natural resources. It’s time for a ‘new vision’ that takes into consideration the transformation of the present world order. Not only can our planet not sustain current levels of global consumption, but, also, more importantly, the peoples of the world are refusing to tolerate the current levels of injustice and inequality. Of course, there are many who will insist that change is not forthcoming. However, let’s leave no room for doubt, that the naysayers are only those resisting forces beyond their control. It is time for a ‘new vision’; one that acknowledges the sweeping changes occurring throughout the wider Middle East. From Morocco to Indonesia, from Kosovo to Kashmir, and, yes, finally from Palestine – people are alive, awake and ready.
The wondrous fragrance of the Arab Spring, the courage of Turkey, the people’s revolt in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, and the sagacious leadership of OIC are just a few signs signifying this unbelievable resurgence in the Islamic world. A great tide of change is sweeping the heart of the Middle East and people are willing to sacrifice all to tear down those walls of tyranny that were, for too long, dishonoring the dignity of the common man. This renaissance has already led to the surfacing of a striking new vision: one that is working with peoples of all colors and creeds to promote an inclusive world. This vision is brave, confident and empowering. Critically, it respects the traditions of the masses and does not feign them to be sheep that need to be led, but rather leaders that need to be nurtured.
Today, we are about to witness a tremendously auspicious moment in history: A free, democratic, sovereign Palestinian state. The people of Kashmir are uniquely tailored to understand that deep grievances of the Palestinian people. We, too, are occupied, besieged, humiliated and scattered throughout the world. We, too, travel on documents that do not reflect our national aspirations. We, too, have numerous UN resolutions in the books that mandate our inherent right to self-determination. We, the Kashmiri people, understand the suffering of Palestinians better than others, since we too, are living a similar nightmare. Militarily powerful adversaries are trampling the rights of our peoples. India flagrantly abuses international law whether it is the imprisonment of political prisoners or the recent gruesome unearthing of more than 2,000 mass graves in Kashmir. This ‘new vision’ on the horizon refuses to accept that anyone is above international law.
Earlier this week, the United Nations General Assembly President His Excellency Nassir Abdul-Aziz Al-Nasser of the State of Qatar said, “History has shown that peaceful settlements, including those brokered through mediation efforts, provide the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution for disputes.” The leadership of the people of Kashmir endorses the bold initiative of Ambassador Al-Nasser and hopes that the OIC wholeheartedly supports this noble aspiration.
First, as testament to the ‘new vision’ – a sovereign, Palestine free, standing proud amongst the comity of nations.
Second, let us promise to support the people of Kashmir by giving the full membership in this august body of the OIC.
Let me say to the people of Palestine, that the people of Kashmir, proudly, are the first to congratulate you on your bold initiative. Let it be written in history that an oppressed people, suffering under occupation are overjoyed looking at you in your moment of glory, confident that our time will soon come.
We have faith that the United Nations policy towards Kashmir will be shaped not by the relative strategic value to the U.N. of India or Pakistan but by the principles of a just and durable peace. We also hope that the United Nations will not continuance any attempt to ignore the wishes of the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and by pass the expression of those sentiments.
Excellencies, I want to express my deep appreciation for your indulgence and patient hearing. I thank you.
September 23, 2011 Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished guests, Excellencies and ladies and gentlemen,
Assalam-u-Alaikum Warahmatulah-e-Wabarakatuu,
It is truly a great honor for me to address this annual meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, especially in this volatile world of ours, and to share with you the prospects of peace for one of the longest continuing conflicts on our planet which is Kashmir.
The basic principle for a just solution of Kashmir was laid down here at the United Nations in the international agreements embodied in the Security Council resolutions of 1948 & 1949 to which the governments of India and Pakistan are parties. That principle is self-determination. This essential principle can never become obsolete, nor overtaken by events, as India argues. In fact it has become more relevant after the world has witnessed the Arab Spring in 2011.
Excellencies,It’s time for a ‘new vision of OIC.’ Not just one that recognizes the unsustainability of our global economic policies, nor the ecological dangers posed by unbridled exploitation of the natural resources. It’s time for a ‘new vision’ that takes into consideration the transformation of the present world order. Not only can our planet not sustain current levels of global consumption, but, also, more importantly, the peoples of the world are refusing to tolerate the current levels of injustice and inequality. Of course, there are many who will insist that change is not forthcoming. However, let’s leave no room for doubt, that the naysayers are only those resisting forces beyond their control. It is time for a ‘new vision’; one that acknowledges the sweeping changes occurring throughout the wider Middle East. From Morocco to Indonesia, from Kosovo to Kashmir, and, yes, finally from Palestine – people are alive, awake and ready.
The wondrous fragrance of the Arab Spring, the courage of Turkey, the people’s revolt in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, and the sagacious leadership of OIC are just a few signs signifying this unbelievable resurgence in the Islamic world. A great tide of change is sweeping the heart of the Middle East and people are willing to sacrifice all to tear down those walls of tyranny that were, for too long, dishonoring the dignity of the common man. This renaissance has already led to the surfacing of a striking new vision: one that is working with peoples of all colors and creeds to promote an inclusive world. This vision is brave, confident and empowering. Critically, it respects the traditions of the masses and does not feign them to be sheep that need to be led, but rather leaders that need to be nurtured.
Today, we are about to witness a tremendously auspicious moment in history: A free, democratic, sovereign Palestinian state. The people of Kashmir are uniquely tailored to understand that deep grievances of the Palestinian people. We, too, are occupied, besieged, humiliated and scattered throughout the world. We, too, travel on documents that do not reflect our national aspirations. We, too, have numerous UN resolutions in the books that mandate our inherent right to self-determination. We, the Kashmiri people, understand the suffering of Palestinians better than others, since we too, are living a similar nightmare. Militarily powerful adversaries are trampling the rights of our peoples. India flagrantly abuses international law whether it is the imprisonment of political prisoners or the recent gruesome unearthing of more than 2,000 mass graves in Kashmir. This ‘new vision’ on the horizon refuses to accept that anyone is above international law.
Earlier this week, the United Nations General Assembly President His Excellency Nassir Abdul-Aziz Al-Nasser of the State of Qatar said, “History has shown that peaceful settlements, including those brokered through mediation efforts, provide the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution for disputes.” The leadership of the people of Kashmir endorses the bold initiative of Ambassador Al-Nasser and hopes that the OIC wholeheartedly supports this noble aspiration.
First, as testament to the ‘new vision’ – a sovereign, Palestine free, standing proud amongst the comity of nations.
Second, let us promise to support the people of Kashmir by giving the full membership in this august body of the OIC.
Let me say to the people of Palestine, that the people of Kashmir, proudly, are the first to congratulate you on your bold initiative. Let it be written in history that an oppressed people, suffering under occupation are overjoyed looking at you in your moment of glory, confident that our time will soon come.
We have faith that the United Nations policy towards Kashmir will be shaped not by the relative strategic value to the U.N. of India or Pakistan but by the principles of a just and durable peace. We also hope that the United Nations will not continuance any attempt to ignore the wishes of the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and by pass the expression of those sentiments.
Excellencies, I want to express my deep appreciation for your indulgence and patient hearing. I thank you.
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