ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 11, 2012) – The Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ended peace talks on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur with both sides agreeing on many substantive issues.
“Both parties clarified their positions, tentatively identified areas of common ground and agreed to consult with their principal on outstanding issues. They also considered drafting road maps towards a resolution of the Bangsamoro Question,” said a joint statement signed by Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF peace negotiator; and Marvic Leonen, for the Philippine government, sent to the Mindanao Examiner late Wednesday
Among the issues initially discussed during the talks were the concept of governance and the listing of reserved powers of the national government as contained in their respective draft.
The next round of peace talks would be held in February in Malaysia, an influential member of the Organization of Islamic Conference, which is brokering the negotiations.
Both peace panels praised Philippine President Benigno Aquino for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao; and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd. Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in brokering the peace negotiations.
The peace panels also cited Japan, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogues, The Asia Foundation, Conciliation Resources and Muhammadiyah which are all members of the International Contact Group for their roles in the peace process.
The MILF is fighting for self-determination in the restive region of Mindanao.
Chief government peace negotiator Marvic Leonen earlier said that “the golden opportunity to craft an agreement is the first quarter of this year,” adding “this is an administration that wants to see the solution to the Bangsamoro question in motion when it leaves in a little over four years time.”
Leonen expressed that the Philippines will “no doubt benefit with a region for Bangsamoro peoples that is not only genuinely autonomous, but also one where the principles of good and effective governance is in place.”
Manila previously offered a wider autonomy to the MILF, but the country’s largest Muslim rebel group flatly rejected this and insisted on the establishment of a sub-state, a far cry from its original demand for independence.
President Benigno Aquino wants to sign a peace deal with the rebels so he can pursue peace and development in the region. (Mindanao Examiner)
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