ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 20, 2012) – The Aquino government said it would make public the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front before finally signing it with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group.
Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said the government is transparent with its negotiations with the MILF, which is fighting for self-determination.
“There are no hidden agendas when it comes to the government’s negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or with any group, for that matter,” Deles said during a consultation with local politicians and peace advocates in Zamboanga City.
“The promise of the government is that before there is an initialing of a document that is to be signed, it is going to be publicized,” she said.
One in a series of public consultations for the talks between the government and the MILF,
The consultation, once in a series of meetings in Mindanao, gave Deles an opportunity to explain and update the stakeholders in the progress of the peace talks.
“We want to come out with a plan that addresses the concerns of the party we are talking to. Likewise, it should be something that can be accepted not just by the group we are negotiating with, but by the Filipino people.”
“Something to be internationally seen as the best the government can offer under the circumstances,” Deles said.
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