Press Release No. 163-03
10 April 2003

SUCCESS OF UNITY TALKS PROVE MNLF LEADERS ARE COMMITTED TO PEACE; CRITICAL ROLE OF LIBYA DEEPLY APPRECIATED – OPLE

 Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today welcomed the commitment expressed by the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to unite under one organization and one leadership.  This commitment was contained in the Tripoli Declaration issued during the unity and solidarity meeting of the MNLF leaders in Tripoli, Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, on 7 April 2003 (copy of Declaration Attached). 

“The decision of the different leaders and factions of the MNLF to unite under one organization and one leadership is a major step towards the full realization of our 1996 final peace agreement and proves that the leaders of the MNLF are truly committed to a just and lasting peace for the people of Mindanao,” Secretary Ople said. 

Difficulties arose in the implementation of the 1996 peace accord between the Philippines and the MNLF when different factions surfaced and claimed the right to represent the MNLF.  This situation made it particularly difficult for the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to carry out its role of overseeing the implementation of the peace agreement, an important element for the faithful implementation of the 1996 accord. 

“I would like to thank in particular the Government of Libya for the crucial role it has played in unifying the MNLF and for all that it has done for us in the past in helping bring peace to Mindanao. The Philippines is deeply indebted to the leadership of Col. Moammar Alquaddafi and for his efforts on behalf of peace,” the Secretary said. 

Secretary Ople also expressed his appreciation to Libyan Ambassador Salem Adam for laying the groundwork for the unification talks in Libya and for all his actions on behalf of the people of Mindanao. “Ambassador Adam is also responsible for bringing the World Islamic Call Society (WICS) to Mindanao.  In the short time that WICS has been in Mindanao, it has already brought millions of pesos worth of assistance and relief and has committed to bring much more,” the Secretary said. 

The Tripoli Declaration
Unity and solidarity meeting of the MNLF leaders
Tripoli-Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
5-7 April 2003

Recalling the fraternal concern and support to the great people of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya under the steadfast leadership of the great Leader of the 1st September revolution colonel Moammar Alquaddafi, to the struggle for genuine autonomy of the Bangsamoro people under the leadership of the Moro National Liberation Front.

Cognizant of the relentless effort of the Leader to bring to a peaceful political settlement the armed struggle of the MNLF which led to the signing of the Tripoli Agreement of December 23rd, 1976, subsequently the final peace agreement of September 2nd, 1996.

Aware of the immense effort of the members of the organization of Islamic conference for granting the MNLF a permanent observer status in the prestigious and influential organization and recognizing the MNLF as the sole and legitimate representative of the Bangsamoro people.

Aware of the sincere desire of the Leader to sustain the gain of the Peace Agreement between the MNLF and the GRP.

Aware of the noble intentions of Alqaddafi International Foundation for Charitable Associations under the chairmanship of Sayf Alislam Qaddafi to bring about peace and development in Mindanao to improve the devastated economy of the Bangsamoro people as a consequence of the nearly three decades of armed struggle of the MNLF.

Cognizant of the immense role of the World Islamic Call Society in extending humanitarian assistance to the Bangsamoro.

Aware of the good relations between the government of the Philippines and the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Recognizing the role of the Great Leader of The 1st September Revolution in solving the problem in the southern Philippines.

Acknowledging the fraternal political and moral support of every member nation of the organization of Islamic Conference to the Bangsamoro struggle.

Abiding by the wise advise and guidance of the Leader, we the leaders of the MNLF gathered here in Tripoli-Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, under the auspices of General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison Bureau and International Cooperation of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, affirm our unity and solidarity and commit ourselves to pursue relentlessly and achieve the MNLF vision and objective of securing for our people justice, freedom and security.

And finally affirm our stand to observe at all times the principle of MNLF under one organization and one leadership.

Issued in Tripoli- The Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab

 Jamahiriya, 5th April 2003