(In Photo)- Left- Lord Jack Wilson McConnel, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim; MILF 2nd Vice Chairman Aleem Pangalian Solaiman and right- Mr. Thomas Phipps- Luwaran photo
Lord Jack Wilson McConnell, 1st Minister of Scotland from 2001 to 2007 paid visit to the administrative base of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Darapanan, Sultan, Kudarat, Maguindanao on October 6, where he was welcomed by MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and some of the Moro Front’s Central Committee members.
Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, Scotland was accompanied by Mr. Thomas Phipps. He purposely came to share some insights and experiences in their quest for autonomous Scotland.
“Having observed the situation in the region, it is statistically different and dramatically far beyond than other regions in the country”, Lord McConnell noticed. He also said there are lot of challenges that the Bangsamoro will be facing in the transition period and mentioned importance of preparing for a Parliamentary System.
A peace advocate himself, Lord McConnell, answered one Central Committee member’s concern on the way the legislators interprets signed agreements, vis a vis the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as unconstitutional, hence, it is one of the reasons why passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law is being hindered.
Lord McConnell answered that “the delay could be an opportunity as well as frustrations to some”. . Opportunity for the MILF to prepare for governance, strengthen its political party and improve the life’s condition of people.
A Mathematics teacher in his professional life and Council Secretary of Scottish Labour Party (1992-1998), Lord McConnell related that there is a continuing negotiation between autonomous Scotland and the United Kingdom resulting to an increase in some powers and stronger autonomy in handling its block grants provisions.
The insights given by the peace advocate from United Kingdom brought more hope, despite what seemingly obstructive legislators are showing.
On its part, the MILF leadership also believes that continuing negotiation is the best step to achieve the implementation of signed agreements between the Government and the MILF.
On behalf of the Central Committee and the MILF, Chairman Al Hajj Murad conveyed his thanks and gratitude for Lord McConnell’s visit and the very fruitful meeting.
Lord McConnell was too glad for having the chance to impart his knowledge and experiences and being able to visit Bangsamoro. His message: “Wishing you, (Bangsamoro) very well, you have real potentials, though there are challenges, still you are pointing at the right direction”.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/603-scottish-1st-minister-lord-mcconnell-visits-milf-administrative-base-in-maguindanao
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