Ihsanoglu Urges the Philippines Government To Finalize
Implementation of the Peace Agreement with Moro National
Liberation Front
H.E Professor Ekmeledinn Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of
the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), urged
the Government of the Philippines to honour its
obligations relating to the Peace Agreement concluded
between it and the Moro National Front (MNLF), and to
finalize implementation of the second stage of the said
Agreement which covers economic and social aspects. He
also underlined the need for the necessary budget to be
provided by the Government to develop the autonomous
region in Muslim Mindanao.(ARMM). The Secretary General
pointed out several difficulties and obstacles which
prevent the implementation of the Peace Agreement. He
stressed the need for combined efforts to reach
appropriate solutions to such problems. He expressed
appreciation for the efforts of the Philippines
Government aimed at finalizing implementation of the
items of the Agreement designed to restore peace and
stability to southern Philippines.
The Secretary General made these remarks while receiving
today Monday 3 Zul-Qaida 1426H (5 December 2005), to H.E.
Dr. Alberto G. Romulo, Foreign Minister of the Republic
of Philippines and the accompanying delegation. The
Minister made a brief presentation on the progress of
the implementation of the Agreement signed by the
Government of the Philippines and the MNLF in September
1996.
During the meeting, the Secretary General also expressed
his deep concern over the environment and water
pollution caused by the Power Generation Plant near "Lanao"
lake in the ARMM in southern Philippines, and the
resulting outbreak of serious diseases among the
population. He appealed to the Philippines Government to
urgently take the necessary measures to resolve this
environmental problem.
The Secretary General had received earlier today Dr.
Farouq Hussain, the MNLF Chairman, who briefed him on
the developments in southern Philippines and urged the
OIC to continue its efforts up to the implementation of
the Peace Agreement.
Jeddah
:
5
December 2005
