Malacañang on Thursday said the Philippines remains hopeful in its bid for an observer seat in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) amid rumors some of its supporters have not only backed out but are actually blocking its bid. "We believe in the information from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that we have substantial backing. At the earliest possible time, our application will be placed on the agenda," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said. Bunye admitted the Philippine bid will have to be considered by more members of the OIC but held out hope. "We are hoping for the best. Let's wait for the results of their deliberations," Bunye said. A member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and a Middle East country belonging to the powerful Committee of Eight that previously supported the Philippine bid have reportedly turned around. | My guess would be Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. |
Securing an observer seat and the goodwill of the 57-member OIC is deemed crucial for the government in its efforts to end the protracted strife in Mindanao and bring to a successful conclusion its peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The OIC, or at least some of its members, provided big help brokering the peace treaty signed by the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996 and has many occasions expressed appreciation over how the terms of the agreement have been followed by both parties. | (insert uncontrolled laughter here) |
In the ASEAN Summit last year, OIC countries expressed support for the peace talks between the government and the MILF brokered by Malaysia. They also promised funds for the establishment of a islamic state rehabilitation in the affected areas in Mindanao. |