gains support from international communities
The signing of Annex on Normalization and Addendum on Bangsamoro waters between the peace panels of the Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has gained full support from the international community welcoming it as a significant step towards lasting peace and development for Mindanao.
"Switzerland welcomes today's signing in Kuala Lumpur of the Annex on Normalization and the Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters to the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro... which mark the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations between the two parties," says a statement from Embassy of Switzerland in Manila.
"This is a momentuous milestone towards a long lasting peace in the southern Philippines. It signals the end of a lengthy and complex negotiation process and demonstrates the parties' commitment to achieve peace through this historic agreement."
The Switzerland government statement congratulates President Benigno Aquino III and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for achieving this landmark, as well as the Malaysian facilitator, Tengku Datu Abdul Ghafar Tengku bin Mohammed.
"Recognition is also due to the members of the International Contact Group, which comprises the Geneva based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD)," the statement continues.
It also welcomes the MILF's pledge as a signatory to the Geneva Call's Deed of Commitment banning anti personnel mines, and that it has agreed to work Geneva Call on the prohibition of sexual violence and the protection of women.
According to the Switzerland government, the conclusion of te negotiations marks a crucial step for the establishment of the Bangsamoro in Mindanao.
"Switzerland is confident that the full adherence of the parties to the provision of the four annexes of the agreement and the support of all groupings in the region towards the successful implementation of this peace settlement will significantly enhance stability and the human security of the people in the southern Philippines."
It further hopes that the conclusion of the agreement will contribute towards the resolution of other conflicts and positively influence the stability in the country.
The European Union (EU) through its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton says the signing of Annex on Normalization marks the end of a long and diffcult process of negotiations.
"It is truly a historic moment, demonstrating the Parties' commitment to achieving long lasting peace on the Philippines' island on Mindanao through a unique and holistic concept of normalization that encompasses the gradual decommissioning of arms, demilitarization and its economic and social development.
The EU, as a member of the International Monitoring Team and major development major partner in Mindanao since 1990, will continue to fully support the implementation of the peace process. "Sustainable peace in Mindanao requires an inclusive approach and all stakeholders, including the Moro National Liberation Front, need to demonstrate their goodwill for long lasting results," the statement says.
The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), meantime, says its is indeed great and historic news to and for all of us that the last four Annexes to the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro have been agreed upon, and that it is even greater news that the most contentious issue of Bangsamoro on Waters has been successfully refined and defined, clearing the way and hopefully in quick succession, for the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the much awaited Comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to finally see and be seen by the waiting world."
The IID expresses admiration of the commitment of both panels at definitively overcoming all majopr hurdles, and their joint commitment at persevering and creatively seeking solutions to 40 years of conflict and 16 years of tumultuous and at times contentious negotiations.
It also lauds the peace panels and supporters of both the GPH and MILF, saying that their contributions are now part of collective history of building peace and reconciliation.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomes the comprehensive peace agreement in the Philippines and encourages quick and full implementation by all parties.
In his statement, Mr. Hague says the successful conclusion of negotiations between the GPH and the MILF for a comprehensive peace agreement is a significant step towards lasting peace and development for Mindanao.
The British foreign official ending the long-running will not just benefit the region, including Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao, but is vital for the security and economic development of the Philippines as a whole.
"As we know from our own experience, many of the most difficult challenges will emerge as the parties work towards implementing the agreement. But the courage and leadership shown by the parties gives great hope that these can be overcome and we are ready to provide whatever further support we can to help the people of Moro and the Philippines recover from this devastating conflict," says Mr. Hague.
The last Annex on Normalization which provides measures for the eventual demobilization of the MILF as a fighting force and the Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters outlines the delineation and jurisdiction of Bangsamoro waters in the region were signed by peace panels of the GPH and the MILF led by Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, respectively, on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15 months after the signing of the FAB in Malacanang. Hader Glang
No comments:
Post a Comment