Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 12/11/2007
Jeddah, 12 November 2007 Excellencies Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to address this gathering once again as we come to the end of what has been an important milestone in our efforts to implement the 1996 Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the MORO National Liberation Front. When this meeting was inaugurated two days ago, I expressed the hope that it would build on the successes that had already been achieved in this endeavour. That hope has not been misplaced as we have been able to move forward with the establishment of a framework to rejuvenate the implementation of the Agreement. I would like to thank the members of newly expanded OIC Peace Committee for Southern Philippines for the good work they have done as they have worked tirelessly for many years to help the two sides solve their differences in order to preserve the gains so far achieved. I thank and congratulate both the GRP delegation headed the Hon. NABIL TAN and the MNLF delegation headed by the Hon. Attorney PARCASIO for their perseverance and dedication and the hard work they undertook that made our work a success. Being convinced that lasting peace and security in Mindanao will not prevail without development and reconstruction in the region, I had a long meeting today with the President of the IDB. I am glad to announce that upon my request the IDB allocated 16 million US dollars for the development and reconstruction of the ARMM. 4.2 million dollars is already approved and ready to be utilised. OIC and IDB will get in contact soon with the Government of the Philippines to finalize the administration and financial requirement, so as to benefit from this allocated amount as quickly as possible for the betterment of the people of Mindanao. I hope that Professor Nur Misuari, the Chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front will be able to join us in the next session to benefit from his contribution to this important process. It is my duty to bring to your attention that the OIC Ministerial Council (ICFM) has twice appealed to the GRP to expedite the legal process against him and to see to his early release to enable him to participate in the Tripartite Meeting and to continue his constructive role in leading the Bangsamoro people. I am confident that the days and months ahead will benefit from our concerted efforts and determination to succeed. I wish to conclude by reminding the two sides that the attention of the whole world is focused on us and that we cannot afford to fail. I wish everybody a safe journey back to their various destinations. Thank you.
