THE 42nd Exploratory Talks between the Negotiating Panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended today with the completion and signing of the Annex on Power Sharing to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The Annex embodies the Parties’ agreement on the delineation and sharing of power between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government within the territorial jurisdiction of the prospective Bangsamoro political entity. The Annex shall guide the Bangsamoro Transition Commission in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. It also provides principles of intergovernmental relations to ensure the harmonious partnership between and among the different levels of government.
With this significant progress, the Parties are confident that they will finish the Annex on Normalization and an addendum on the matter of Bangsamoro Waters in order to complete the comprehensive peace agreement between the GPH and the MILF in January 2014.
The Parties acknowledge the challenges in ensuring the support of all branches of government, civil society, as well as other political organizations. In the spirit of transparency and inclusivity, the Parties shall continue to dialogue with and consult the various stakeholders. They commit to preserve the ceasefire and enhance the capacities of the ceasefire mechanisms in preventing hostilities and other untoward incidents. They urge the public to join the efforts to bring a just resolution to the conflict in Mindanao.
The Parties expressed their appreciation to His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, to His Excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the GPH-MILF Peace Talks, and to the members of the MILF Central Committee headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for their continued commitment to the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro Question.
The Parties also extend their gratitude to the members of the International Contact Group, namely Japan, Republic of Turkey, the United Kingdom, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah, and the Community of Sant’Egidio.
Signed by Miriam Ferrer, for the Philippine government, and Mohagher Iqbal, for the MILF.
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