Islamic Common Market likely soon

By P. S. Suryanarayana

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 28. The ``intention'' of creating an Islamic Common Market was endorsed by the economic affairs committee of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) during its deliberations here today.

Indicating this, the president of the ongoing 27th session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM), Mr. Hamid Albar, said the ``concept'' of an exclusive common market had now become an ``intention''. However, an actual decision and follow-up action would take time.

The OIC was not, now thinking of forming a nucleus of the more developed member-States as a starting point for such a common market, according to indications.

As for the political side of the ICFM's agenda, Mr. Hamid said that the question of Muslim communities and minorities in non- Muslim countries was taken up, with particular reference to the Moros in southern Philippines and their perceived plight. The point noted in the deliberations was that the Moros were indigenous people of that part of the Philippines and their rights and obligations should be seen in that light. It was, of course, recognised that the Filipino Government's version should also be evaluated.

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Section  : International
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