ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Indonesia has indicated its intent to join an international force that is monitoring the peace process between the government and Moro rebels in Mindanao.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia has sent a note to the Philippine embassy in Jakarta on the proposal last March 31.
"The Ministry seeks the kind assistance of the [Philippine] Embassy to provide information regarding the steps required for Indonesia to join the IMT (International Monitoring Team)," stated the diplomatic note.
The inclusion of Indonesia in the IMT, which is currently led by Malaysian troops, as well as those from Libya, Brunei, Japan, Norway and the European Union (EU), is seen to further strengthen efforts in maintaining security in the island, said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles.
Manila, she recalled, has offered Jakarta a role in the IMT during the state visit of President Benigno S. C. Aquino III in Indonesia last month.
Indonesia is not coming in cold on the southern peace process.
It chaired the Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for Southern Philippines, which brokered negotiations and facilitated the eventual signing of a peace deal between the government and Moro National Liberation Front in 1996.
Business World | 13April 2011 -read full report
