Rabe leaves for peace mission

Former ambassador Raul Rabe, whom President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named special envoy to the Middle East, is leaving for a peace mission on Feb. 11 to get the commitment of Islamic countries to peace and development in Mindanao.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Lauro Baja Jr. said Rabe will first visit the United States and Canada, and then the members of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), particularly the six OIC countries tasked to monitor the peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front.

Baja said Rabe will also discuss with the OIC Mrs. Arroyo’s peace initiative with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other problems in southern Philippines.

Ambassador to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Rafael Sequis will accompany Rabe during his trip to the Middle East. — Aurea Calica