‘Substantial progress’ in latest peace talks

From the Business World (Nov 18): ‘Substantial progress’ in latest peace talks

 The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday ended talks citing "substantial progress" on the key issues of sharing wealth and power, as well as the decommissioning of rebel forces. In a joint statement released after the meeting, both parties said the latest round of talks in Malaysia ended on a positive note. "The panels and their technical working groups (TWGs) made substantial progress in crafting the annexes on Power-sharing and Wealth-sharing. The TWG on Normalization was convened for the first time. Its members agreed on an outline of issues and had initial positive exchanges on these matters," the joint statement said. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told BusinessWorld yesterday that he is confident the two sides could strike an agreement in the next round of talks in December. The three major points will serve as the annexes to complete the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that the parties signed in mid-October. "Both parties are committed to finish the annexes by yearend. I am satisfied with the results," he said referring to the recent talks. This was echoed by government chief negotiator Mario Victor F. Leonen, who said that both sides are determined to "finish the comprehensive agreement, the annexes, as soon as possible before the deadline this 2012." "I know that we will succeed and I know that there will be a consensus on the annexes because I have seen the sincerity of the Republic of the Philippines, the sincerity of this administration," Mr. Leonen said in a statement. "We’re past the major issues but there are still adjustments to be made concerning the details. Both parties know of the decision points needed. Both parties have publicly and officially committed to finish within the year," he added. He said the recent talks, which ended early, suggested that things are going to be smooth as the technical working groups reached "substantial common points." ......

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