Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today reiterated the views expressed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that the Philippines is advancing on all fronts in terms of its peace processes.

“Our peace process with the different groups in the country continues to move forward.  We have advanced on all fronts, including the diplomatic front and the President and I are determined to pursue all these efforts to a successful conclusion,” the Secretary said, citing the remarks made by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the Reception she hosted last night in Malacanang to thank the diplomatic community for their strong support for the government and leadership of the Philippines during the Makati Incident.

In her remarks, the President said “It is the business of peace that I am determined to carry out.  Our peace process with the MILF is on track thanks to the singular and central role being played by Malaysia. The United States Institute of Peace will, as all the parties might allow, also help out, primarily by ensuring that there will be resources for economic development once a peace agreement is concluded.

The President also said “With the help of Norway, we will have talks soon with the communist rebels.  We will meet with the representatives of the National Democratic Front in Oslo later this month.  With the help of the OIC, particularly the members of the Committee of the Eight, led by Indonesia, we have been successfully implementing our 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF.”

The Secretary said that he expects that talks in Kuala Lumpur between the Philippines and the MILF will be held soon.  He said that the Philippines continues to be grateful for the assistance that Malaysia has given and which has brought the Southern Philippine one step closer to a meaningful and lasting peace. END.