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On the occasion of the Interreligious and Interfaith Political Forum of the
Dialogue on Religion and Democracy, which took place from November 2-5, 1999, in Tashkent, the participants adopted the following
resolution:
1. The countries of the world, with their different religious and cultural
orientations, are moving closer to each other. This requires constant dialogue on social, cultural and religious levels.
2. All "Religions of the Book" [Judaism, Christianity and Islam] regard universal human values such as love, tolerance, kindness, fraternity and
helpfulness as principles of their creed. They have always aspired to bring and strengthen these commandments within the soul and conscience of
each human being.
3. Tolerance towards representatives of other religions, respect for human
rights and the rights of minorities must be the basis for peaceful coexistence between states as well as within every society.
4. Religion must never again be used for inspiring hatred and instigation
for violence and nor as a means for the pursuit of power.
5. All participants of the Forum stress adherence to the principles of tolerance and respect towards the representatives of all religions and
confessions, as well as towards those who are not members of religious communities.
6. We, the participants of the Forum, stress unambiguously that politico-religious extremism has nothing to do with true faith or with other value oriented convictions. We
vigorously condemn politico-religious extremism and terror. Violence must not be an
instrument for the pursuit of political aims.
7. We hold the opinion that -- on the threshold of the Third Millennium --a constant dialogue between religions, religious communities and cultures
will be of ever greater importance. It must be recognized that the ongoing
process of "Globalization" is having an impact on all aspects of the lives
of men and women, including the religious and intellectual spheres. This dialogue must be
conducted in the spirit of respect towards others and be based upon moral and ethical values.
8. Recognition of the universality of human rights which protects the integrity and dignity of every indidvidual as well as fostering the welfare
of the people must be the obligation of every government. In this context
it is of no significance whether the individual comes to an understanding of the importance of these moral and ethical values due to his belief in
God or by his own erudition.
9. Prejudice is mainly ignorance. Therefore there should be on all levels
of society comprehensive information concerning other religions, cultures and philosophies.
In accordance with this conviction we, THE PARTICIPANTS of this INTERNATIONAL, INTERRELIGIOUS and POLITICAL FORUM of the DIALOGUE on
RELIGION and DEMOCRACY address to the UNITED NATIONS an appeal to announce
the year 2002 as THE YEAR of INTERRELIGIOUS SOLIDARITY against any form of
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM and EXTREMISM
TASHKENT, November 5th, 1999
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