The Expanded Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of Organization of Islamic conference at the level of foreign ministers concluded here today and issued the following final communiqué on Israeli aggressions against Al-Aqsa Mosque. Having considered the Secretary-General's report, Proceeding from the principles and goals of the Charter of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Referring to the Islamic resolutions which affirm that the cause of Al Quds Al Sharif constitutes the essence of the cause of Palestine, Muslims' first cause; Recalling the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, particularly resolutions 465, 476 and 478; Affirming the United Nations Security Council resolution 681 which provided for the applicability of the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the occupied Palestinian territories, including the occupied city of Al Quds: Acknowledging the urgent appeal made to the meeting by the Mufti of Al-Quds who affirmed the seriousness of the situation which threatens the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He also appealed to the Ummah to exert its utmost efforts to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Mufti expressed his confidence that the meeting would examine various ways and means to face this serious challenge which is not only a flagrant violation but also a threat to Islamic civilization: 1. Expresses its grave concern over the escalating Israeli aggression against the holy sites in Al Quds Al Sharif, and particularly in the immediate vicinity of the Holy Aqsa Mosque. 2. Affirms its condemnation of the works and excavations carried out by Israel, “the occupying power”, that threaten the Holy Al Aqsa Mosque and its surrounding area, which is considered an affront to Muslims' sentiments and of one of their most important sanctities; and demands that all these works and excavations be ceased immediately. -- More
