Profile: Organisation of the Islamic Conference

Formally established in September 1969 after the burning of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is made up of countries whose peoples are mainly followers of the Islamic religion.

Its aims are, among other things, to promote all-round cooperation among its member states, to safeguard Islamic holy places and to work towards eradicating racial discrimination and colonialism.

The OIC comprises 57 states dispersed over four continents, spanning from Albania (Europe) in the north to Mozambique (Africa) in the south, and from Guyana (Latin America) in the west to Indonesia (Asia) in the east.

But, despite its size, which includes nearly one-third of the members of the United Nations, its numerous committees and the scope of its stated activities, the OIC is run on a shoe-string budget.

The supreme body of the OIC is the Conference of Heads of State, which convenes every three years. The first summit conference, held in Rabat in 1969, decided that member states would "consult together with a view to promoting close cooperation and mutual assistance in the economic, scientific, cultural and spiritual fields, inspired by the immortal teachings of Islam".

In the interval between summits, OIC foreign ministers meet to oversee the implementation of decisions taken by the heads of state. The first foreign ministers' meeting took place in 1972, when the OIC Charter was adopted.

However, the day-to-day running of the OIC is left to the Secretariat, which consists of a secretary-general and four assistant secretaries-general.

Di pos oleh Arbain Muhayat pada 25 May 2008