Gov’t to MILF: Let us move faster towards an agreement

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 – Government panel chair Marvic Leonen today said that the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front “have inched forward but not fast enough” as the 24th formal exploratory talks between the two parties ended today in this Malaysian city.

“The government was earnest in moving towards the crafting of a peace agreement. That would have been the best move forward for both panels,” Leonen said as he expressed concern on the very slight movement in the negotiations.

In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the talks, both parties confirmed “constructive discussions on substantive issues” such as “the concept of governance and the listing of reserved powers of the National Government.”

It likewise stated that “both parties clarified their positions, tentatively identified areas of common ground and agreed to consult with their principals on outstanding issues.” Both the government and the MILF “also considered the drafting of road maps towards the resolution of the Bangsamoro question.”

During the closing ceremony, Leonen said that he arrived in Malaysia with a full delegation, including the panel members, secretariat and the heads of the government ceasefire mechanisms “because we want to achieve and resolve as many of the outstanding issues as possible.”

“We have mentioned principled, just, political opportunities and strong foundations for a long-standing solution to the Bangsamoro question during the negotiations as government’s firm commitment to the peace process,” Leonen said, emphasizing that, “we have laid our cards on the table.”

According to Leonen, “While the negotiations are ongoing, the government will go full blast with its other option – continuing the transformation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

Meanwhile, both parties agreed to meet again in February for the next round of talks.

“This is the opportunity that we have to explore because both sides are willing to come together,” Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed said.

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