PHL peace panel concerned over slow pace of talks with MILF
The Philippine government panel has expressed concern over the very "slight movement" in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In a press statement released late Wednesday night, government panel head Marvic Leonen said the peace negotiations between the government and the MILF “have inched forward but not fast enough.”
“The government was earnest in moving towards the crafting of a peace agreement. That would have been the best move forward for both panels,” he said.
The 24th formal exploratory talks between the two parties held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia started January 9 and ended on January 11.
The two panels agreed to meet again in February this year for the next round of talks.
The Aquino administration is seeking to have a negotiated political settlement with the MILF within the first quarter of 2012.
In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the talks, the parties said they had “constructive discussions on substantive issues” – such as the concept of governance and the listing of reserved powers of the national government as contained in their respective drafts.
The panels also clarified their positions, tentatively identified areas of common ground and agreed to consult with their principals on outstanding issues. They also considered drafting road maps towards a resolution of the Bangsamoro question.
Also, they expressed appreciation for President Benigno Aquino III's commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and for Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the peace talks.
The parties likewise extended their gratitude to the members of the International Contact Group (ICG), namely Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah, and The Asia Foundation.
During the closing ceremony, Leonen said he arrived in Malaysia with a full delegation, including the panel members, secretariat and the heads of the government ceasefire mechanisms “because we want to achieve and resolve as many of the outstanding issues as possible.”
“We have mentioned principled, just, political opportunities and strong foundations for a long-lasting solution to the Bangsamoro question during the negotiations as [these are part of] government’s firm commitment to the peace process,” Leonen said.
“We have laid our cards on the table,” he added.
Moreover, he said that while the negotiations are ongoing, the government will go full blast with its other option such as continuing the transformation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, for his part, said: “This is the opportunity that we have to explore because both sides are willing to come together.” — LBG, GMA News
In a press statement released late Wednesday night, government panel head Marvic Leonen said the peace negotiations between the government and the MILF “have inched forward but not fast enough.”
“The government was earnest in moving towards the crafting of a peace agreement. That would have been the best move forward for both panels,” he said.
The 24th formal exploratory talks between the two parties held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia started January 9 and ended on January 11.
The two panels agreed to meet again in February this year for the next round of talks.
The Aquino administration is seeking to have a negotiated political settlement with the MILF within the first quarter of 2012.
In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the talks, the parties said they had “constructive discussions on substantive issues” – such as the concept of governance and the listing of reserved powers of the national government as contained in their respective drafts.
The panels also clarified their positions, tentatively identified areas of common ground and agreed to consult with their principals on outstanding issues. They also considered drafting road maps towards a resolution of the Bangsamoro question.
Also, they expressed appreciation for President Benigno Aquino III's commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and for Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the peace talks.
The parties likewise extended their gratitude to the members of the International Contact Group (ICG), namely Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah, and The Asia Foundation.
During the closing ceremony, Leonen said he arrived in Malaysia with a full delegation, including the panel members, secretariat and the heads of the government ceasefire mechanisms “because we want to achieve and resolve as many of the outstanding issues as possible.”
“We have mentioned principled, just, political opportunities and strong foundations for a long-lasting solution to the Bangsamoro question during the negotiations as [these are part of] government’s firm commitment to the peace process,” Leonen said.
“We have laid our cards on the table,” he added.
Moreover, he said that while the negotiations are ongoing, the government will go full blast with its other option such as continuing the transformation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, for his part, said: “This is the opportunity that we have to explore because both sides are willing to come together.” — LBG, GMA News
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