8/14/2019 Statement on the GRP-MILF Resumption of Talks

1/2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN GRP AND MILF BACK ON TRACK

8 December 2009 Formal peace negotiations between the Government of theRepublic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) openedin Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today.

In his opening statement, Chairman of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel RafaelSeguis, who is also Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, welcomed the start of talks andexpressed optimism that the fresh round of negotiations would lead to a just, lasting,and acceptable peace in Mindanao.

Undersecretary Seguis thanked the Malaysian Facilitator, particularly Datuk Othman binAbd Razak, for assisting both parties resume the peace process. He also thanked the

International Contact Group (ICG) which have wholeheartedly pledged their time andexpertise to the cause of peace in the Philippines.

In a message to the peace panels, which was read by the Malaysian Chief Facilitator,Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razakcongratulated President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her fortitude and continuedcommitment to forge a just and enduring comprehensive peace accord with the MILF.Despite the many challenges and set-backs she has placed the issue of security andpeace on top of her agenda."

At the outset of taking office last April, I introduced the 1Malaysia concept - a

philosophy predicated on mutual trust and respect between all communities. It was notaimed at forging a new nation but as a source of national strength, rather a source ofconflict. I believe this is the right formula for national peace, he added.

The Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his governments desire to have a final peaceagreement cemented within the remaining months of President Arroyos term.

For his part, Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel, saidthere is no other way except the path of peace.

Members of the ICG who were in attendance include Japanese Ambassador to

Malaysia Horie Masahiko, United Kingdom Ambassador to Malaysia Boyd McCleary,Charge d Affaires of the Embassy of Turkey in Kuala Lumpur Yasin Temizkan; DavidGorman of the Humanitarian Dialogue Center; Dr. Steven Rood and Herizal Hazri of theAsia Foundation; Kristian Herbolzheimer and Cyntia Petrigh of the ConciliationResources; and Drs. Din Syamsuddin and Sudibyo Markus of Muhammadiyah.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, I would like to thankH.E. Prime Minister Najib Razak for his kind message of support to and confidence in

8/14/2019 Statement on the GRP-MILF Resumption of Talks

2/2

the peace negotiations between the GRP and MILF. I am excited and brimming withoptimism because we have, at last, reached this day when we formally resume thepeace negotiations, Undersecretary Seguis said.

Japanese Ambassador Masahiko welcomed the resumption of formal peace talks,

stating that Mindanao peace is important for regional peace and prosperity." UKAmbassador McCleary, for his part, urged both sides to continue their peace-buildingefforts, stating that as shown by their experience in the Northern Ireland peace process,there is real benefit in peace.

Meanwhile, the representative of the NGO Muhammadiyah extolled the parties to usesoft power rather than hard power."

The two panels are engaged in discussions on the renewal of the InternationalMonitoring Team, the setting of agenda for the upcoming talks, and other relatedmatters.

The two-day talks will conclude on Wednesday, December 9. END