Asean supports RP bid as OIC observer

The Philippines received overwhelming support from member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in its bid for observer status at the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said yesterday.

Ople said some members of the 57-nation OIC, which included Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Senegal, also backed the country’s application to the OIC on May 28. Ople formally submitted the application of the Philippines for observer status to OIC Secretary General Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz.

Ople, who is currently in Tehran attending the 30th session of the Islamic Conference Foreign Ministers, said he held separate meeting with his counterparts from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia and informed them of the Philippine bid in the OIC.

"Our ASEAN brothers listened very carefully to the reasons for our application and expressed full understanding for our desire to increase our engagement with the OIC," Ople, who was invited to the Muslim ministers’ meeting, said.

He added, "they view our initiative in a positive light and are generally supportive of it."

"The support of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia is of critical importance because they are also members of the Committee of Eight that the OIC has tasked with overseeing the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) peace process," Ople said.

He said the countries which supported the country’s bid for observer status are aware of the peace efforts and stability in Mindanao.

Ople said Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Syed Kamal Kharrazi also welcomed the expressed support for the Philippine bid, giving his government’s and personal support.

Ople added he was able to obtain the support of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Senegal, member countries of the OIC’s Committee of Eight, overseeing the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF.

"During my meetings, these key leaders of the OIC welcomed our application, and to one degree or another, they were supportive of our efforts," Ople said.