GRP, MILF optimistic of progress in peace talks

PORT DICKSON -- Exploratory talks here between representatives of the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to end a 40-year armed conflict in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao ended on an optimistic note Tuesday.

At a news conference at the conclusion of two days of talks, Philippines government delegation leader Silvestre G. Afable said he expected the two-year-long peace talks "to be conclusive before the end of the year".

He said he was deeply satisfied not only with the ongoing talks but also the whole range of talks for the past two years arranged by the Malaysian government.

"We see growing popular support in Mindanao and international support" for the talks, he said.

He was also encouraged by the very strong commitment of Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the peace talks.

Afable said the Philippines government was committed to achieving a just peace in Mindanao and "very happy that MILF had responded with the seriousness and commitment and very good representation" and with all these factors they would reach their goal sooner than expected.

MILF delegation leader Mohagher Iqbal said their hope of achieving a just, comprehensive and durable peace in Mindanao was "getting nearer and nearer."

He said among the issues to be discussed was a political solution between both parties.

A joint statement issued at the end of the 10th round of talks by the two sides said four consensus points on the ancestral domain issues were reached.

It said the consensus points agreed upon included a joint determination of the scope of Bangsamoro homeland based on the technical maps and data submitted by both sides and measures to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people arising from their unjust dispossession and marginalisation.

The other two points were Bangsamoro people's right to utilise and develop their ancestral domain and ancestral lands and economic cooperation arrangements for the benefit of the entire Bangsamoro people.

The two sides also agreed to conduct joint advocacy drives on the ancestral domain issues to broaden public understanding and support for the peace process.

"To achieve this objective, a joint committee was formed to draw up the guidelines, plan the advocacy campaign and seek the participation of non-government organisations, people organisations and civil society groups in advocacy activities," the statement said.

Both sides reaffirmed the need to intensify capacity building programmes with the assistance and support of the international community and donor institutions, and they agreed in principle to the establishment of a Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institue in Cotabato City as a capacity building centre for emerging leaders and professionals.

Also present at the news conference was Datuk Othman Abdul Razak, the adviser of the Prime Minister in the peace talks. (MNNA)