The Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD), an international non-governmental organization (INGO) sworn to work for peace worldwide, has accepted its membership in the International Contact Group (ICG), which was created to help move the stalled Mindanao peace process forward.

Dr. David Gorman, CHD country representative in the Philippines, confirmed this Saturrday in an email to the Manila Bulletin, saying his group welcomed and accepted the invitation to join the ICG.

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) invited CHD, together with the United States-based The Asia Foundation (TAF) to become members of the newly created ICG.

GRP and MILF negotiators met with representatives of states and INGOs invited to join the ICG in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last week.

It was learned that the CHD was pleased with the invitation.

“The creation of the ICG is a significant step forward. It represents a unique and important accomplishment towards resolving the conflict in Mindanao.” Gorman said.

He cited the significant role the ICG will play in sustaining the peace process.

“It demonstrates the commitment of the two parties, the successful efforts of the Malaysian facilitator, but most importantly it will help generate positive momentum for the next critical phase of the peace process which formally begins once the ICG is finalized,” the CHD official said.

GRP peace panel chairman Ambassador Rafael Seguis and his MILF counterpart, Mohagher Iqbal, signed on September 15 the framework agreement for the ICG, which is tasked to help move forward the 12-year-old Mindanao peace process.

Its membership “will consist of interested parties accompanying the peace process preferably drawn from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the European Union as well as accredited INGO to be invited by the Parties in consultation with the Third Party Facilitator (Malaysia).

Its Web site says CHD, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is “an independent organization…dedicated to helping improve the global response to armed conflict.”