EU lauds PH, MILF for signing last annex

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - 11 years ago

DEAL SIGNED Government peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer shakes hands with Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal after the signing of the last annex to the Bangsamoro framework agreement on the fourth day of talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With them are Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The European Union (EU) has lauded the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for inking the normalization annex, the last document needed to seal a comprehensive peace agreement between the two parties.

“Signing of the Annex on Normalisation marks the end of a long and difficult process of peace negotiations,” Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative, said in a statement Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

“It is a truly historic moment, demonstrating the Parties’ commitment to achieving long lasting peace on the Philippines’ island of Mindanao through a unique and holistic concept of normalization that encompasses the gradual decommissioning of arms, overall demilitarization, and its economic and social development,” she added.

The annex, signed in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, will pave the way for the deactivation of the MILF’s 11,000-strong armed force and the laying down of their weapons.

Ashton said the EU will continue to monitor and support the implementation of the agreement.

She said sustainable peace in Mindanao will only be achieved through an inclusive approach and the demonstration of goodwill.

The EU also commended Malaysia for facilitating the peace talks.

MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal was quoted saying that they want to sign the comprehensive agreement soon.

Meanwhile, Philippine government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the signing was the beginning of the end of formal negotiations.

She said there are still “some more finishing touches that would be necessary of the bigger challenge ahead, which is the bigger challenge of implementation.”