After ‘technical stalemate, ’gov’t, MILF resume talks

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 21): After ‘technical stalemate, ’gov’t, MILF resume talks

After declaring a technical stalemate during their last meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will again meet in the same venue for the 35th round of Formal Exploratory Talks which will primarily seek to flesh out the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer described the next round of talks as “crucial” as it intends to settle most of the remaining issues in the annexes on Power-sharing, Wealth-sharing, Normalization and Transitional Arrangements and Modalities. The annexes, together with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, will make up the comprehensive agreement with the MILF.

She stressed that in the upcoming talks “much work is still needed to find a middle ground on certain core issues.” However, she said that both parties are open to consider options on the remaining difficulties, across the annexes, including the “technical impasse” pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Both parties are bringing technical experts to provide advice on matters relating to natural resources and other other issues. “This is to ensure that we will make informed decisions on these issues,” Coronel-Ferrer said.

The government panel chairman expressed optimism that both parties will be able to wrap up discussions on the annexes. “However, there may be some items that we would have to confer once more with our respective principals before we seal the texts,” she said. Coronel-Ferrer called on the support of the people to “keep the faith with us as we move closer to completing the Agreement.” “With conviction, goodwill, and earnest partnership with the MILF, we can make this happen very soon,” she said.

MILF website luwaran.com also reported that MILF chairman Al Haj Murad remains upbeat on the success of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Murad also cited the effectiveness of the moderation approach of the Malaysian government in the signing of the FAB at Malacanang last October 15, 2012. “Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the GPH and MILF, the Malaysian Government being the Third Party Facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooepration (OIC),” Murad said.

He said the framework agreement will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro, adding “the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia significantly help both sides in realizing the Framework Agreement.” “The MILF, the Bangsamoro and even the Filipino people could not thank enough Malaysia for its role and contribution in the success of the GPH - MILF Peace Process,” Murad added.

Murad pointed out that the Philippines was second to Japan as the most progressive country in Asia before the rise of the Bangsamoro struggle for freedom and self-determination during the 60’s but the armed conflict and the emergence of the Bangsamoro liberation movement at that time had severely affected the country in many aspects — politically, economically, socially and even culturally.

“We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the FAB, the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation,” he said. Murad said the FAB is not only an achievement of the MILF but a victory of the entire Bangsamoro – the traditional leaders, political leaders, Moro National Liberation Front, MILF, all sectors of the Bangsamoro.

“We take this opportunity to convey our most profound gratitude to YAB Dat’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for all the invaluable facilitation, contribution and commitment of continuing support and assistance for the success of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Murad said. “We learn a lot from the moderation approach of the Malaysia government and we significantly consider it in the establishment and administration of the Bangsamoro government considering the nature of a pluralistic society in the Bangsamoro,” Murad said.

“When we can fulfill the sought success of the FAB then radicalization in the Bangsamoro will also be addressed,” he pointed out. Murad made the statement in several media interviews at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where the three-day Malay Archipelago Seminar – Islam in Southeast Asia: Challenges and Hopes is currently held. Murad spoke on the topic “Islam in the Malay Archipelago: The New Rise of the Bangsamoro.”

The other speakers are Dato’ Prof Dr. Sidek Baba, Islamic International University Malaysia (UIAM), Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zainul Fithri bin Datuk Othman, Management Science University, Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia, Deputy Rector of Islamic University of Yala, Thailand, Dr. Fadlan bin Mohd Othman, Al-Madinah International University, Felicitous Prof. Dr. Jamil bin Hashim, Sultan Azlan Shah Islamic University College, Mohd Yusof Bin Din, Presdient of Smart Generation Society, Prof Datuk Dr. Zainal bin Kling, UUM College of Law, Prof Datuk Dr. Adbullah Zakaria bin GHazali, University of Malaya, Felicitous Mohd Mohiyuddin bin Mohd Sulaiman, MARA Technology University, Prof Muhammad Hussain bin Mutalib, National University of Singapore, Dr. Yusri bin Mohd, Islamic Research and Strategic Institute, Prof Dr. Haji Ali Mustafa Yakub, Imam of Istiqlal Mosue of Indonesia, Prof Dr. Eajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance, Haji Zakaryya Adam, Member of Cambodian Parliament, Datuk Nik Mustapha bin Nik Hassan, Institue of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, and Hon Datuk Haji Ahmad bin Haji Maslan, Prime Minister Department.

More than 1000 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia attended the forum.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/9438-after-‘technical-stalemate-’gov’t-milf-resume-talks