OIC concerned about Philippines violence

Jeddah, Sep 15 (IANS/WAM) Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is deeply disturbed by the resumption of violence in the city of Zamboanga and other places in Mindano in southern Philippines.

He condemned the loss of innocent lives and called for calm and maximum restraint to avoid further bloodshed and to allow peaceful resolution to these incidents.

At least 56 people have been killed in a six-day standoff between government troops and Muslim rebels in the port city.

Ihasanoglu said the OIC strongly rejected all unlawful acts and expressed its deep concern at the shortcomings that occurred in the peace process which led to the resumption of violence and unlawful acts.

The organisation also called for the resumption of the tripartite review process as soon as possible in order to attend to the remaining unresolved issues that impeded the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) to pave the way for a just and durable peace in Mindanao.

The OIC warned against the untimely termination of this process as it would create a vacuum that was not conducive to building peace or enhancing security.

It stood ready to offer all possible assistance to ease the tension and resume the peace process, according to Ihsanoglu.

--IANS/WAM

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