Press Release No. 129-03
31 March 2003
PEACE
PROCESS ON TRACK; CLEAR COMMITMENTS TO PEACE FROM BOTH SIDES – OPLE
Foreign Affairs Secretary today welcomed the adoption of a Joint Statement
between the Philippines and the MILF. There they agreed to work towards
resuming stalled peace talks and halting fighting which has raged in recent
weeks. They also pledged to take steps to resume the stalled talks
and exercise mutual restraint to minimize, if not put an end to, violence
in Mindanao.
“I would like to congratulate both sides for this major step towards peace.
I would like to congratulate the particular personalities involved for their
perseverance and personal commitment to see the peace process through,” Secretary
Ople said. Secretary Ople also expressed his appreciation for the important
role that Malaysia has been playing to bring peace to Mindanao. The
Secretary, in an earlier statement, had said that international cooperation
was a key element in achieving peace and development in Mindanao. He said
that in today’s inter-connected world, it is in the common interest of every
nation that internal conflicts are resolved and that peace is allowed to
grow.
“With the help of Malaysia and some other friends of the Philippines, both
sides reiterated their commitment to work for a political settlement of the
separatist war that has deprived the people of Mindanao the blessings of
peace and the promise of progress,” the Secretary said. “We are working with
our countrymen and with the international community to bring meaningful peace
and lasting progress to Mindanao,” Secretary Ople said.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs is drafting the blueprint for a US Marshall
Plan for Mindanao, within the framework of a total strategy to bring an enduring
peace in the troubled Southern Philippines,” reiterating an announcement
he had made last week on a comprehensive program for Mindanao, including
peace and development assistance from other countries.
In a previous statement, the Secretary had pledged his personal commitment
to the success of this peace process. He said, however, that “our desire
for peace should not be misinterpreted by armed groups as weakness.
We are committed also to upholding the law and protecting the innocent.
Our military stands ready to carry out its duties, when called upon.
Our military’s sacrifices have been great and they deserve our full support.”
END.