Disarmament tough hurdle on road to peace, says British envoy

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 3): Disarmament tough hurdle on road to peace, says British envoy

The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas could become a bottleneck in the events leading up to the final peace agreement but it is one of the most important steps for peace, British Ambassador Stephen Lillie said. In a recent visit here, Lilie said “the tough task ahead would lie on the issue of disarmament.” “This is a very sensitive issue that both sides should talk about and should come into an agreement,” he said. Lillie cited the case of Northern Ireland, where the issue of DDR also became a sticky issue before the Good Friday Agreement came into being.... Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles earlier said that there was no denying that DDR, along with other issues, will not be easy to settle.” Some MILF commanders were reportedly unwilling to lay down their arms even after the final peace deal was signed, citing the case of their former comrades under the Moro National Liberation Front....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/300894/disarmament-tough-hurdle-on-road-to-peace-says-british-envoy