Moro Note - International Recognition

Independence is a collective right of a people; to be independent is to stand in the community of nations as equal, and to be recognized by the international community is the ultimate sign of being free from the yoke of colonial power.

To declare independence unilaterally is a risky strategy. The more tested strategy is to seek covert recognition even prior to declaration. Recognition cannot be assumed; it should be actively sought and sought properly. Recognition comes in a strand, outright for historical and perceived benefit by countries or political compromise. Seeking recognition comes in the form of support from individual, organization or business within a country. None of these supports matter unless they transform into their government's foreign policy.

Therefore, those in charge of leading the cause of independence should have put in place a viable strategy on how to generate support from overseas governments. Being remiss in this respect could spell disaster for the whole effort and liberation movement.

Malaysia's support to an independent Moroland is conditional on the Sabah issue. Indonesia's support can embolden liberation movement (i.e. Papua) within her borders. Pakistan will thread cautiously as it looks on Kashmir and Baluchistan. Most Middle East countries will not find it beneficial unless they see some imperatives from their American and European partners. How about the US and Spain? Thailand will not support it as it will give credence to the Pattani movement in the Deep South. Sudan suffers the same south problem. Even Timor Leste is beholden to the Philippines for its support. It is also difficult to follow Taiwan's diplomatic feat. What we do not want to happen is to see a unilateral declaration turned into an international pariah.

Save from giving us an 'observer' seat, the OIC hasn't sway far from international convention in helping resolve the Moro problem.

We should learn from the recent experience of Timor Leste, Bosnia and Kosovo. While Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia, the first pronouncement was on the protection of its minorities and later with tacit support from the USA and her allies. Do we have the same tacit support?

Even the ANC of South Africa can teach the Moro liberation movement a thing or two about international support and recognition. In fact, in the case of South Africa, it is the international pressure and isolation that really pressured the Apartheid government to finally crush its own policies.

Unilateral declaration? Think again whether it's eventual recognition or pariah. (By Noor Saada)