10 February 2005 – The members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) continue to support the efforts of the Philippine Government to successfully conclude its peace process with the MILF and that the current upswing in the Philippine economy would receive a substantial boost from a successful peace process.  These were the sentiments expressed by several OIC-member resident ambassadors during a briefing on the latest developments on the MILF peace process at the Department of Foreign Affairs today.

“This briefing provided an opportunity for the Philippine Government not only to update the members of the OIC on the latest developments in our MILF peace process but also an opportunity for us to thank them for their continuing support for our quest for peace,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said after the briefing.  “During the briefing the OIC ambassadors reiterated their continued support and confidence in our efforts to achieve peace,” the Secretary added.

“In addition, in the context of the current upswing in our economy, several OIC ambassador conveyed to me their strong belief that our efforts to boost our economy would meet with even more success once formal peace talks resume,” the Secretary said.  “Clearly, there is strong confidence not only in our peace efforts but also in our fiscal reforms,” the Secretary added.

With Secretary Romulo at today’s briefing were Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and Secretary C. Silvestre Afable, Chairman of the GRP Negotiating Panel for Peace Talks with the MILF.

In his remarks during the briefing, Secretary Romulo also took the opportunity “to once more convey the Philippines’ appreciation to our partners for peace in the Organization of the Islamic Conference, particularly Malaysia, as well as the countries comprising the International Monitoring Team, namely Brunei and Libya.”

“There is still a lot to be done to ensure that the guns are silenced and that true peace comes to the Southern Philippines.  Through your efforts, Mindanao today gets a large share of assistance as a dividend of peace,” the Secretary told the OIC ambassadors in his remarks.

“We are confident that with your continued invaluable assistance, the conclusion of a peace agreement will soon be achieved. It is my fervent hope that together, we shall remain steadfast in our commitment to work for the peace, harmony and progress of the Southern Philippines,” the Secretary also said. END
 

/jay