by Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP)
Thursday, Apr. 28, 2011 at 12:49 PM
ajlpp_us@yahoo.com 213-241-0906 337 Glendale Bvld. Los Angeles, CA 90026
The Alliance-Philippines or the AJLPP supports the demand of the largest Muslim revolutionary group in the Philippines that urged the Philippines government to end a decades-long armed struggle by the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front for Muslim self-rule in the southern Philippines, the homeland of minority Muslims in the mostly Roman Catholic country.
The Alliance noted that in the speech of MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal pointed out that peace talks has been "too long a process." The exploratory talks was held yesterday April 26-27, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Alliance noted that the Philippine government and the Muslim groups have been negotiating with the government since 1976. The peace talks had been off and one since then in a classic “ talk, talk, fight, fight “ mood.
Iqbal urged the Philippine government to submit a draft of a comprehensive accord when both sides hold their next meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Upcoming talks are expected in June.
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ALLIANCE NEWS
April 27, 2011
ON MILF-GPH PEACE TALKS: AJLPP SUPPORTS MILF DEMAND
Los Angeles—The Alliance-Philippines or the AJLPP supports the demand of the largest Muslim revolutionary group in the Philippines that urged the Philippines government to end a decades-long armed struggle by the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front for Muslim self-rule in the southern Philippines, the homeland of minority Muslims in the mostly Roman Catholic country.
The Alliance noted that in the speech of MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal pointed out that peace talks has been "too long a process." The exploratory talks was held yesterday April 26-27, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Alliance noted that the Philippine government and the Muslim groups have been negotiating with the government since 1976. The peace talks had been off and one since then in a classic “ talk, talk, fight, fight “ mood.
Iqbal urged the Philippine government to submit a draft of a comprehensive accord when both sides hold their next meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Upcoming talks are expected in June.
Meanwhile government negotiator Marvic Leonen voiced concerns about whether a peace deal can be implemented if there were "unaddressed splinter groups." He added that patience was necessary for consultations on complicated issues.
US Hand in the peace talks
What is noteworthy is that Iqbal said last September that his group was no longer demanding independence from the Philippines but status similar to a U.S. state.
The United States, which has hundreds of troops training Filipino soldiers, is supporting the peace process with the aim of denying sanctuary for al-Qaida-linked militants.
The MILF also include the brutal Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for kidnappings and beheadings, and Indonesian militants linked to the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.
The peace process stalled in 2008 when a preliminary accord expanding an existing autonomous Muslim region fell apart and was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The government has accused Kato and rebel fighters of killing dozens of civilians when they rampaged through Christian communities to protest the failure of talks.
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Iqbal urged the Philippine government to submit a draft of a comprehensive accord when both sides hold their next meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Upcoming talks are expected in June.
Meanwhile government negotiator Marvic Leonen voiced concerns about whether a peace deal can be implemented if there were "unaddressed splinter groups." He added that patience was necessary for consultations on complicated issues.
US Hand in the peace talks
That is noteworthy is that Iqbal said last September that his group was no longer demanding independence from the Philippines but status similar to a U.S. state.
The United States, which has hundreds of troops training Filipino soldiers, is supporting the peace process with the aim of denying sanctuary for al-Qaida-linked militants.
The MILF also include the brutal Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for kidnappings and beheadings, and Indonesian militants linked to the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.
The peace process stalled in 2008 when a preliminary accord expanding an existing autonomous Muslim region fell apart and was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The government has accused Kato and rebel fighters of killing dozens of civilians when they rampaged through Christian communities to protest the failure of talks.
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