Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Australian gov’t to provide $4M for peace process in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 17): Australian gov’t to provide $4M for peace process in Mindanao

The Australian government reaffirmed its support to the peace process in Mindanao, saying that it will provide $4-million over the next three years for the joint security and justice mechanisms of the peace process.

“In my meeting with Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, I confirmed Australia’s commitment to promoting development and prosperity in conflict affected regions of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines,” Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement.

“In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress Organisation, the Australian Government will provide $4 million over the next three years to support the joint security and justice mechanisms of the peace process,” she said.

This includes support for ceasefire monitoring to ensure the continuation of peace and stability.

“Australia’s contribution will also enable responsible business investment in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous area and will support economic development,” she said.

Australia’s support for the peace process has included technical expertise to the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP) during the negotiation period.

“Australian support and expertise through NGOs including the Asia Foundation and International Alert, has also increased the capacity of Philippines Government and the MILF to implement the peace process,” she said.

The government is negotiating a peace process with the MILF for the establishment of a Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

It will be recalled that President Aquino himself handed over the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to the leaders of both Houses of Congress on September 10, 2014 in Malacañang.

The government and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malacanang on March 27, 2014.

The Aquino administration hopes to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law within President Aquino’s term.

http://www.mb.com.ph/australian-govt-to-provide-4m-for-peace-process-in-mindanao/

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