Mr. Ola Almgren, the new United Nations Resident Coordinator for the
MILF
Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim , 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar and members of
the Central Committee gladly welcomed Almgren and his delegation who
travelled via Davao
City
Mr. Almgren
in his introductory statement said that, “I’m here to make a courtesy call and
begin to understand the complexities of the area, and how U.N. can best serve
the area”.
On behalf
of the MILF Central Committee, Chairman Al Haj Murad expressed thanks and
gratitude for the United Nations’ continued commitment of support to the
GPH-MILF Peace Process.
Moreover,
he said, “The assistance that the different agencies of United Nations being
provided to the Bangsamoro people are very worthy and meaningful. They (UN)
have engaged in the Bangsamoro since the early stage of the peace process, and
for these, we are very grateful”.
Chairman Al
Haj Murad gave some updates on the peace process, particularly mentioned were
the challenges being faced in the implementation of the signed peace agreements
due to the delayed passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress.
Despite all
the challenges, the MILF leadership is still optimistic that finally, a true
and meaningful resolution of the Bangsamoro Question will be arrived at.
Unmindful of the uncertainties of the BBL, the MILF is committed to continue
with the peace process
Updates on
the status of Normalization process were also taken up. UN’s experts and
technical assistance in the aspect of normalization were humbly requested to
Almgren.
The
necessity to make the people feel that something is happening on the ground
brought about by the peace process were well-explained by the MILF
Chairman.
He told the
U.N. Coordinator that even before the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on
Bangsamoro (CAB), the MILF had already agreed to the implementation of
Socio-Economic programs in the conflict- affected areas.
After
hearing those words from the MILF chairman, Mr Almgren commended the MILF for
their sincerity in pursuing peace, for their patience and determination to
remain in the right direction. “Another commendable thing is the support and
coordination of MILF in the program of UNICEF for children”, he added.
1st Vice
Chairman Ghazali Jaafar aired his personal opinion on the challenges posed by
the peace process. Frankly he said, “If there is no implementation of the CAB,
there will be no solution to the Mindanao
problem”.
Afterwards,
MILF Chairman expressed the leadership’s hope that the UN will continue to
assist in the peace process.
As the
meeting winds up, happy for being in the area, Mr. Almgren thanked the MILF for
their expression of confidence in the UN. Although he feels it is more
difficult for the fact that UN has also its challenges, Mr. Almgren said “We
are certainly ready to raise our voice and to do what we can to support the
process, for we can see the will and intention, by the Administration and
MILF”. He admits that the dividends of peace have to be demonstrated to
the people for them to see that it is the right path.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/633-un-resident-coordinator-almgren-pays-visit-to-milf-leadership
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.