19 September 2005, United Nations, New York - In a meeting today at the sidelines of the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Libyan Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham expressed confidence in the success of the peace process in the Southern Philippines and reiterated Libya’s support for these efforts, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.

“During our meeting today, Foreign Minister Shalgam warmly welcomed the news that the Philippines and the MILF had reached an understanding on ancestral domain, one of the more difficult issues that had to be resolved before concluding a peace agreement.  He agreed that with the resolution of this issue, a peace agreement cannot be far behind,” the Secretary said.  Secretary Romulo added that “Minister Shalgam also reiterated Libya’s continuing and strong support for this process.”  Foreign Minister Shalgam is also Libya’s Secretary of the General People’s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation.

The Secretary said that Libya is currently a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that is overseeing the ceasefire with the MILF.  The IMT is headed by Malaysia, which is also brokering the peace talks with the MILF.  Brunei is the other member of the three-nation IMT.

During their meeting, Minister Shalgam also reiterated his country’s support for the promotion of the rights of Muslim minorities but not for separatist movements.  “Minister Shalgham also said that he believed that the Philippine experience at peace building in the Southern Philippines will serve as an example and encourage other countries with similar problems,” the Secretary said.

“With our record of peace building and promotion of inter-faith dialogue, coupled with our excellent relations with OIC members, Minister Shalgam assured me that Libya will insist that the Philippines be granted observer status in OIC.” Secretary Romulo revealed.

Secretary Romulo and Minister Shalgham also discussed the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos in Libya.  “Minister Shalgam was all praises for the Filipinos in Libya and ensured that Libya will protect their rights and promote their welfare,’ Secretary Romulo said. The two officials also discussed the issue of United Nations reform, particularly the reform of the Security Council. END