EU presses Phl gov't, Muslim rebels to sign peace agreement

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- The European Union on Wednesday urged the Philippine government and Muslim rebels to sign a peace agreement to end the long-running conflict.
EU envoys in Manila visited Cotobato to meet Philippine government and rebel representatives and encourage them to intensify their negotiations "to reach a settlement at the earliest possible moment."
"The EU believes that the timing is right for a decisive push towards an agreement and that such an opportunity must not be missed," an EU statement said.
"The parties need to constantly remember that the conflict has an enormous cost on the region and that economic development will only be possible with peace," it added.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a secessionist group, has been fighting the government troops in southern Philippines since 1969, leaving at least 120,000 people dead and wreaking havoc on the region's economy.

Source: Philippine Star

First peace talk of the Year between Moro and the Government

 

Government, Moro peace panels resume talks on ‘substantive’ issues

PEACE TALKS will resume between the panels of the government and Moro rebels today in Kuala Lumpur with on “substantive” issues expected to be discussed, a Palace official said yesterday.

“As both parties are expected to delve into the substantive aspects of the negotiations, I continue to positively hope that the panels will be able to complete their task and come up with a framework for a political settlement in the soonest possible time,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles said in a text message.

She said the talks will take three days, noting that the government is devoted to bringing about “just and lasting peace” long-desired by the Bangsamoro people, and “put a permanent end to the violent conflict that has plagued Mindanao for decades.”

The two panels last met on Dec. 7.

At the time, government panel head Mario Victor F. Leonen noted that the administration “is looking forward to forge a negotiated political settlement in the first quarter” of this year.

For his part, Mohagher Iqba of the MILF said that while the talks had “moved forward,” the prolonged discussions have been just the “tip of the iceberg.”

The two sides have been at odds over the Moro proposal to form a sub-state in the south in exchange for for dropping its separatist cause.

The government, on the other hand, has proposed an expanded autonomous Muslim region setup. -- JPDP

NO to 2nd All out War in Mindanao

How many wars had gone? How many lives were lost, how much money wasted in our Government's coffers. All pocketed by our good and loyal Generals. What else do you want? Second ALL OUT WAR in Mindanao? No way!!.. Erap fought a very good fight in Mindanao, I admit; but he never succeeded it. You think it would succeed this time? NO! Two wrongs doesn't make it right. I know you care! But you don't get it, and you will never get it. Because you haven't gone through painful and traumatic war in Mindanao. What if the war will clench its claws in your province or gnash its teeth in your city, or near you. For sure you will think twice! Make it thrice if it’s needed!

From 1975 to 2007, we have been spending close to P 300 billion for the war in Mindanao. With this recent  one, expect this to climb up. With this amount, government administration should identify the beneficiaries of these wars. I’m sure those arms dealers are laughing their way to the bank with this one, since this conflict is sure bonanza, with dealers arming both camps. Another General Garcia will raise again.

War is not the answer to peace. Let me give you a bigger picture for you to grasp the veracity of this issue. March20, 2003, when USA invaded Iraq, but until now peace is nowhere. October 7, 2001, when USA invaded Afghanistan. Look where is the peace?

Much better to reserve our AFP's muscles for the issues on the West Philippine sea.

True PEACE is all the remedy. No to war!\

Please check other blogs:

http://msubalita.blogspot.com/2011/09/msu-transformed.html
http://msubalita.blogspot.com/2011/09/msu-orders-demolition-of-illegal_03.html
http://msubalita.blogspot.com/2011/09/msu-news.html
http://msubalita.blogspot.com/2011/09/msu-upgrades-with-p77-m-computers.html 

• 

  MSU - Freshmen's first trip to MSU

  I've passed the MSU SASE, it was under the Baccalaureate category and I thought I was scholar then. My ...
• 

  MSUan: Enrollment Day

  Picture from  Taga MSU-Main Campus jud ka kung?  (Facebook account) A fter all the grumbling and tight squeezing-in trip. I thought I've ...