EU acknowledges GPH, MILF on the signing of Annex on Normalization

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26): EU acknowledges GPH, MILF on the signing of Annex on Normalization

The European Union (EU) acknowledged the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the signing of the Annex on Normalization last Saturday in Kuala Lumpur.

It also extended credit to the contribution of the Malaysian facilitator of peace talks, Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tenku Mohamed and members of the International Group.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, in a statement said that the conclusion of peace negotiations was “truly a historic moment”.

“(The) Signing the Annex of Normalization marks the end of a long and difficult process of peace negotiations,” Ashton said.

“(It) demonstrate(s) the Parties’ commitment to achieving long lasting peace on the Philippines’ island of Mindanao through a unique and holistic concept of normalization that encompasses the gradual decommissioning of arms, overall demilitarization and its economic and social development,” she added.

Ashton also noted that the EU, as a member of the International Monitoring Team and major development partner in Mindanao since 1990, will continue to fully support the implementation of the 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,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=609523