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P R E S S S T A T E M E N T |
OPENING
REMARKS OFTHE HON. DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
SECRETARY
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ON
THE OCCASION OF THE COURTESY CALL OF THE
OUTGOING
IMT CONTINGENT
24 AUGUST 2005, CARLOS P. GARCIA ROOM, DFA
I would like to acknowledge the presence this afternoon of Brigadier General Mohammad Bin Sulong, International Monitoring Team Deputy Head of Mission, and the nine outgoing IMT members from the Malaysian contingent.
On behalf of the Government of the Philippines, let me thank you and the Government of Malaysia for your sustained commitment to the peace process in the southern Philippines articulated in your Government’s decision to extend for another year the stay of its International Monitoring Team contingent in the Philippines.
You comprise the second batch of outgoing IMT members from the Malaysian contingent since the IMT was formally deployed to the southern Philippines last 9 October 2004. As you prepare to leave, the second batch of Malaysian monitors that will replace you is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.
We recognize the significant role that the IMT plays in realizing the shared vision of the GRP and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front of a just, lasting and honorable peace in the southern Philippines.
The IMT does not only monitor activities to ensure compliance of both the GRP and the MILF to the ceasefire agreement: The IMT also actively engages key stakeholders in Mindanao – including local chief executives, local AFP and PNP commands, MILF leaders, civil society groups and community residents – and strongly advocates support for the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing GRP-MILF peace process.
As the Philippines continues to build on the gains of peace, we welcome and appreciate parallel efforts at engendering a culture of peace and dialogue, especially from our Malaysian brothers.
We are optimistic that the peace negotiations between the GRP and the MILF shall continue to move forward smoothly.
The sustained and effective implementation of the GRP-MILF ceasefire agreement, the strong cooperation and communication between the GRP and the MILF through existing ceasefire mechanisms and the Malaysian Government’s active participation and support for the GRP-MILF peace process have all immensely contributed to moving the Mindanao peace process closer towards attaining a negotiated settlement.
On behalf
of the President, let me thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a
job well done. Good afternoon. END