Muslim rebel leader optimistic on realization of initial pact

From the Philippine Star (Jan 20): Muslim rebel leader optimistic on realization of initial pact

Rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim expressed optimism today on the fulfillment of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) as peace talks with the Philippine government resumes in Malaysia tomorrow. "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 Government of the Philippines (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 stressed that FAB will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro.

"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. The government and the MILF will hold the 35th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur with the hope of reconciling the differences on the four annexes of the FAB.

 http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/20/899286/muslim-rebel-leader-optimistic-realization-initial-pact