British embassy hails peace pact
President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during the Courtesy Call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, March 27, 2014. Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacañang Photo Bureau
MANILA, Philippines–The signing of the historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is the solution to end the decade-long secession in Mindanao, which all Filipinos can be proud of, the British Embassy in Manila said Thursday.
“The CAB is a truly Filipino solution to the conflict that will not just bring benefit to Mindanao but to the country as a whole and of which all Filipinos can be proud,” the Embassy said in a statement.
It said that the agreement would not only bring lasting peace in Mindanao but would also boost economic growth in the region.
“Successfully implementing this agreement will demonstrate the Philippines’ increasing political maturity, its ability to accomplish things that have been intractable in the past and its potential to emerge as one the world’s economic powers,” it said.
It added that those who would eventually assume key roles in the Bangsamoro would carry the hopes and wishes of the nation on their shoulders.
“They will be judged not by the importance of their positions, but by the tangible improvements they bring about in the daily lives of citizens,” the statement said.
It mentioned that there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, however, “with the continued commitment, courage and creativity that has made this agreement possible, the dividends of peace will inevitably be realized.”
The embassy also commended the attendance of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak despite the crisis Malaysia is facing on the disappearance of the Malaysian Airlines.
“Given Malaysia’s important role in facilitating the talks, it was fitting that amidst the tragic disappearance of Malaysian Air flight MH370, Prime Minister Najib and Tengku Abdul Ghafar was able to attend and witness the signing,” the embassy said.
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