-- The Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed Wednesday to negotiate a final peace agreement that is expected to end 40-year Muslim rebellion in Mindanao, southern Philippines.
In a joint statement issued at the end of the two-day Malaysian-brokered talks in Kuala Lumpur, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a "just, enduring, and comprehensive peace in Mindanao."
"Step by step, we are inching towards our goal of achieving a just and lasting peace and sustainable development in Mindanao. No step is small towards this noble goal, no task is insignificant in this worthy endeavor," said Rafael Seguis, Philippine foreign affairs undersecretary and chairman of the government peace negotiating panel.
Both parties agreed to "continue creating and enabling a secure environment" by renewing the terms of reference for the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
The IMT is composed of representatives from the governments of Malaysia, Japan, Brunei, and Libya. It will monitor the ceasefire, humanitarian, rehabilitation, development and civilian protection agreements between the Philippine government and the MILF.
Both parties also agreed to expand the membership of the IMT by including foreign and local non government organizations like the International Committee on the Red Cross, the Mindanao People's Caucus, and the Non-Violent Peace Force.
The government and MILF negotiating panels also agreed to continue efforts in coordinating the interdiction and isolation of criminal and lawless elements by reviving the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
