EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux
The ambassador of the European Union hoped Wednesday that the deaths of more than 40 policemen in clashes in Maguindanao on Sunday “will not mark the end of the peace process.”
As he condoled with the families of the dead, Ambassador Guy Ledoux acknowledged that the Mamasapano incident “shows that peace is fragile, and it is regrettable that in spite of all the efforts this sort of violence still happens."
"My hope is that this violent event will not mark the end of the peace process,” he said in an interview at the sidelines of a forum on child labor in the country.
“After all the hard work that has been done, the high hopes for a peaceful Mindanao should not be abandoned, the peace process will continue," he added.
At the same time, the EU envoy said the doubts raised by some quarters about the viability of the peace agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, including lawmakers’ suspension of discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, was understandable.
"The peace process should not be stopped, but I also understand that with what happened, there is need for some reflection before we can resume work in Congress," Ledoux said.
While observing that Mindanao had been perceived as relatively peaceful over the last three years, Ledoux said the Mamasapano incident should remind officials and people that "violence can erupt unexpectedly."
The EU has been involved in the peace process in southern Philippines, pouring in resources through partner organizations for the implementation of development projects.
Earlier, it announced the doubling of its development assistance to the country, committing 325 million euros (P17 billion) from 2014-2020, from the 130 million euros (P7 billion) in the previous period.
Most of the new aid is connected to good governance, climate change, and the Mindanao peace process.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/103942/dont-let-mamasapano-mark-the-end-of-the-peace-process---eu-envoy
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