Yt Framework

The government panel in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has reiterated its commitment to fast track the ongoing peace process as it pushes for a final political settlement with the rebel group by next year.

Lawyer Marvic Leonen, government peace panel chair, issued such commitment as he urged the MILF to reciprocate the government’s peace efforts by pushing for the early resolution of the remaining issues of the peace negotiations.

“Let us complete our task within the first quarter of next year,” Leonen said in statement at the ongoing 23rd formal exploratory talks that opened Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He stressed the need for both panels to be focused on its task to “bring about a negotiated political settlement within the soonest possible time.”

Leonen cited that the government’s proposal for a political settlement not only provides for a “workable pragmatic framework” but also “a platform for true deliberative democracy among all our people.”

He characterized the government’s proposal as “flexible" pragmatic to myriad interests and principled.”

For its part, the government chief peace negotiator noted that the government peace panel is ready to move forward with the negotiations.

“We are satisfied with the current ground conditions. We reiterate our commitment to respect our agreements relating to the cessation of hostilities as well as those in relation to the setting up and maintenance of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group,” Leonen said.

He urged the MILF to show more of its commitment by actively assisting the government in pursuing lawless elements within their territories.

“Let us prove that our ceasefire mechanisms are not havens for kidnappers, murderers and terrorists,” he added.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal also emphasized their commitment to the peace process.

“We are here to discuss hard issues in order to move the peace process towards the signing of a peace agreement,” he said.

The peace process was stalled since August following the MILF panel's rejection of the government's proposed peace accord.

The government has offered enhanced autonomy to the largest Muslim rebels in the country, while the MILF has been seeking for the creation of a sub-state in the southern Philippines.

By PNA