MNLF Seen Keeping OIC Observer Status

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 16): MNLF Seen Keeping OIC Observer Status

Even with the signing of the Framework Agreement (FA) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is expected to keep its observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This is because the OIC at the height of the conflict in Mindanao in the late 1970’s had granted the MNLF an “unprecedented” and “permanent” observer seat. Dr. Abdurahman Amin, MNLF liaison officer to the OIC and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), said the OIC recognized the MNLF as the “sole legitimate representative of the Bangsamoro people” about two years after the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement. On the other hand, a source from the local diplomatic corps noted that the MNLF has a “permanent” observer status with the OIC. There are new rules adopted by the OIC in granting observer status, he said. “With the new rules there is no chance for other non-state groups, including Moro groups, like the MILF, to be admitted as observer anymore, because the new rule for granting the observer status requires that an applicant is a state,” the source, a veteran of OIC affairs who asked for anonymity, told the Manila Bulletin....

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377491/mnlf-seen-keeping-oic-observer-status