OIC Chief calls for resumption of Philippines-MILF talks

Jeddah, November 12, SPA -- The Secretary General of the Organization
of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has
expressed his deep concern about the increasing deterioration of the
situation in the southern Philippines due to continued military
operations, severely affecting civilians.


"The uninterrupted military operations have resulted in the
displacement of more than half a million civilians who live in
shelters in dire conditions, " he said in a press statement issued
here yesterday.

Ihsanoglu warned that this situation empowers undisciplined elements
who seek to abort the peace process and fuel extremist feelings.


He urged the government of the Philippines and President Maria
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to rapidly return to the negotiating table in
order to work out creative solutions matching agreements with the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the requirements of the
Supreme Constitutional Court, while continuing to work in the same
positive spirit that led to the accomplishments made so far through
negotiations and build upon these achievements in a bid to reach the
just and durable peace desired by all.

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