OIC rejects RP bid for observer status - MILF

MANILA, Philippines - Moro rebels on Monday said the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has rejected the Philippines’ bid for observer status, but the government dismissed the information as propaganda. In an article on its Web site, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said Turkey led those who opposed the Philippine bid for observer status and was supported by Saudi Arabia, Iran and Yemen. “However, Indonesia, the traditional ally of the Philippines, asked the OIC foreign ministers to grant the Philippines an observer status. The motion was seconded by Bahrain and Iraq," it said. An observer status will give the Philippines access to the 57-member OIC, which could become crucial in the government's peace negotiations with the MILF. The Philippines first applied for an observer status way back in 2004 but it has never been approved. Foreign Affairs undersecretary Rafael Seguis meanwhile maintained that all OIC member states welcome the Philippines’ admission as observer. "Some of them, however, would like to defer admission on procedural basis, reason being that rules for observer status under new Islamic Charter have not been adopted yet while many others want to admit GRP now," Seguis said in a text message to reporters. Sequis is currently in Damascus, Syria attending the 36th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM). He is also the head of the government panel negotiating with the MILF. The MILF also attended the CFM session, which ended Monday. - GMANews.TV