OIC group talks Moro peace<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Representatives from six nations of the
\nOrganization of Islamic Conference (OIC) yesterday gathered for a
\none-day meeting here to discuss developments in the peace process
\nbetween the Philippine government and the secessionist Moro
\nNational Liberation Front.<\/p>\n
The six countries -- Bangladesh, Indonesia, Libya, Saudi
\nArabia, Senegal and Somalia -- are part of the joint committee
\nestablished by the OIC to oversee the peace talks.<\/p>\n
\"There have been new developments, so all sides need to meet
\nand exchange views on it,\" said Indonesian Minister of Foreign
\nAffairs Ali Alatas as quoted by Antara Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
Some five million Moslems, known as Moros, have for centuries
\nbeen fighting to establish an autonomous state in the south of
\nthe Philippines.<\/p>\n
Under the aegis of the OIC, Indonesia has sponsored several
\nformal peace talks between Manila and the Moro National
\nLiberation Front.<\/p>\n
The last round of talks were held in November last year.<\/p>\n
Apart from delegates from the six countries, yesterday's
\nmeeting was also attended by representatives from the Philippine
\ngovernment and the Moro National Liberation Front.<\/p>\n
Alatas explained that one of the obstacles left remaining was
\nthe question of a plebiscite.<\/p>\n
He said the Moro National Liberation Front were adamant about
\nbeing given autonomy in 13 provinces in the southern island of
\nMindanao, as stipulated in the Tripoli agreement, without having
\nto hold any plebiscites.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Manila would only accede to such demands if a
\nplebiscite was taken. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/oic-group-talks-moro-peace-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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