The report of the third meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia - Islamic world” that took place in Istanbul in February 2007.
The general plan
It is necessary to begin the process of institutionalization, which will define the basic parameters for the operating principles: the internal order, the administrative structure and the responsibilities of the Group members.
The vision should be accurately formulated; it will include information about the general philosophy, goals and methods of work of the Group.
The vision should be based on the following principles:
– The equality of all civilizations. Each contributes to the prosperity of mankind.
– Respect for all religions should be above all, an insult to religion is unacceptable.
– Comprehensive consideration in the resolution of conflicts and crises.
– The adoption of a new approach for the solution of political problems because of the inefficiency of military methods.
– Non-use of force and military action in conflict resolution. Return to the use of force is impossible, so the cooperation of civilizations need to be transferred to a higher level.
– The need for the development and introduction of legal sanctions against acts of violence and terrorism. Such qualities as moderation and tolerance should be at the forefront in the fight against violence, extremism and radicalism.
– Determination of the rights of Muslims and other minorities in Russia, Islamic world and elsewhere.
– The expression of readiness for a dialogue of civilizations, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
It is necessary to form a strategy, according to which Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World” will operate.
It is necessary to establish an operational group to discuss explore and address issues under the mandate, logistics, finance and other administrative areas of activity.
It is necessary to create the executive Commission and ad hoc groups for decision-making.
We need to establish a secretariat to coordinate the activities and the implementation of communication between members of the Group. We should also discuss the location, budget, finance and staffing structure of the Secretariat. It is required to examine existing structures, such as the OIC, IRCICA and OIC Youth Forum for the purpose of the possible use of their experience.
We should adopt an action plan to achieve the Group’s goals.
We need to prepare a protocol or a program of action for the meetings of the Group in order to discuss the issues raised earlier.
We need to identify sources of funding and material support for the implementation of projects and activities. Discuss approximate budget.
Plan of activities, projects and methods
As it was approved by the participants, we should begin to implement more specific and thoughtful projects. The participants emphasized that in Russia and Islamic world are expecting further action from Group of the strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World”. The following plan was drawn up.
– To prepare a concept paper.
– To use the SETA document to start operations.
– To discuss working methods for the determination of the main activities.
– To pay equal attention to discussions of strategy, planning and implementation of projects.
– To create a web page in several languages to facilitate the development and ideas of the Group.
– To publish a book on tolerance in several languages, prepared with the involvement of world-class experts.
– To form a commission for preparation a book on the dialogue issues.
– To create a magazine on the Internet in several languages.
– Scientists and experts should study the experience of different civilizations to create a coordinating body for cooperation.
– To discuss the practical issues – what Russia expects from Islamic world and what Islamic world expects from Russia.
– To discuss other aspects such as the impact of globalization; the elimination of the negative phenomena in the regions and the spread of economic and political power; the United Nations activities, to recommend the formation of a body to work on religious issues.
– Particular attention should be paid to education of young people, scientists and journalists in order to ensure the efficient exchange of views.
– To organize camps for young people from Russia and the OIC countries in order to form relationships and to improve mutual understanding among the younger generation.
– To organize annual symposiums with the participation of experts from Russia and the OIC countries, the content of which will published.
– The group should propose concrete recommendations to address regional and global issues, such as political violence, extremism, radicalism and unfair treatment of people and nations.