June 22, 2001, The Philippine Star, Saudi Arabia Offers $20-M Aid to Mindanao,

June 22, 2001, The Philippine Star, Saudi Arabia Offers $20-M Aid to Mindanao,

Manila, June 20, 2001 - Saudi Arabia is waiting for specific project proposals from the Philippine government on programs that can be implemented in Mindanao with financial assistance from the kingdom.

This was revealed by Dr. Farouk Hussein, a member of the newly formed 15-man executive committee which took over the functions of ousted chairman Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Dr. Hussein, MNLF foreign affairs committee chairman and Misuari's former personal physician, relayed to President Arroyo Saudi Arabia's offer of a $20-million concessional loan to be used for Mindanao development projects.

Hussein, the President's adviser on Mindanao affairs, visited capitals of Muslim countries recently to explain the changes in the leadership of the MNLF.

The MNLF is the only Moro group recognized by the Organization of Islamic Conference as representing the Muslim community in the Philippines. It holds official observer status in the OIC.

Hussein said he was assured by Dr. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Turki of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) of immediate release of the funds once the projects are cleared by the SFD.

The projects would benefit both Christians and Muslims in the South, Dr. Hussein said. The projects will be located in areas where the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) used to operate, especially in Camp Abubakar, he added.

The SFD loan, Dr. Al-Turki said, must give priority to education, health services and infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life in areas earlier occupied by the MILF.

Al-Turki was also quoted as stressing that the Saudi government will do its best to help in the development of Mindanao but emphasized that for development projects to succeed, it is important that peace and stability are achieved as a pre-conditions for development.

Dr. Hussien quoted Al-Turki as saying that based on his long years of experience, development projects are often concentrated on agriculture, rural development projects, environmental preservation, and the construction of infrastructure projects in low-income countries to improve the lives of poor people in depressed areas.

Hussein also quoted Al-Turki as assuring the administration of President Arroyo of Saudi Arabia's continuing support, especially for the government policy regarding secessionist groups in the South.