16 October 2003, Putrajaya, Malaysia – Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri today reiterated the full support of the Indonesian Government for the Philippine bid for Observe status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).  President Megawati gave this assurance to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a meeting they held on the sidelines of the 10th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

“During their meeting, President Arroyo expressed her deep appreciation for the role that Indonesia has played inn helping bring peace to the Southern Philippines.  Indonesia is the Chair of the OIC’s Committee of the Eight which has been tasked with monitoring the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement between the Philippines and the MNLF,” Secretary Ople told reporters after the meeting.

At the OIC Summit, Indonesia presented a report that the Philippines had implemented the political and security portions of the 1996 agreement.  “Indonesia’s report was roundly applauded by the OIC and I fully expect that the Summit will adopt this report.  With this report, the OIC will acknowledge that we have resolved the fundamental aspects of the agreement and that we have firmly achieved peace, thereby truly ending our armed conflict with the MNLF,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary said that Indonesia has come up with a formula that would allow the Philippines to become an Observer in the OIC without prejudicing the interests of the MNLF, which also sits as an Observer in the OIC.  “This is a formula that we find most acceptable.  Although there remains certain procedural requirements and prerequisites, I am confident that then Philippines is certainly one step closer to heightening its engagement with the Islamic world, as an Observer in the OIC,” Secretary Ople added.

The Secretary said that the matter of Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi was also taken up.  “Both President’s expressed relief over the fact that Mr. Al-Ghozi will no longer be able to practice his malevolent skills for terrorist purposes,” Secretary Ople said.

“I cannot overemphasize the important role that Indonesia has played in helping us bring peace to the Southern Philippines.  We are profoundly thankful for their efforts.  These are sentiments that President Arroyo conveyed to President Megawati during their meeting today,” Secretary Ople said.  END.