MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 28, 2012) – The Philippines said the recent signing of 10 Decision Points on Principles with the country’s largest Muslim rebels, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is transparent and to make public the direction and substance of the peace negotiations.
Marvic Leonen, chief Philippine peace negotiator, said that making the document open to the public by laying down commonalities in the proposals of both parties serves to “engage the public to learn and understand” the status and projection of the peace process.
“The government wants to know the viewpoints of the public on the peace process,” Leonen said.
Peace negotiators signed Tuesday documents containing a list of initial agreements that will serve as a guide in the discussions on the substantive agenda of the negotiations.
“It should be read as a memorandum for the parties of the general directions of the substantive negotiations to navigate the details and context in crafting a comprehensive peace agreement,” Leonen said.
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