“The agreement reached in Kuala Lumpur for the resumption of formal talks in April is a tribute to the sincere commitment of the GRP and MILF to peace, to end violence and to bring to the people of Mindanao renewed hopes for a brighter future,” Secretary Albert said.

“I would like to reiterate our appreciation for the commitment and dedication of Malaysia, a true partner in the search for peace in the Southern Philippines,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary said that she agreed with the President who called the agreement a major milestone. “The President said it best when she said that peace has gained another milestone,” the Secretary said.

“We have removed remaining obstacles and are now ready to discuss and negotiate a final peace agreement,” she added.  The Secretary said that the agreement in Kuala Lumpur will boost efforts to gather more international support for a post-conflict Mindanao.

“This agreement brings us closer to peace and will boost our efforts to mobilize the international community in bringing assistance and cooperation to Mindanao, particularly in post-conflict areas,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary said that she is looking forward to the deployment of the Malaysian monitors. “We will be working on the operational details of the deployment of Malaysian peace monitors,” the Secretary said.

The February 20 Joint Statement of the GRP and MILF peace panels was signed by government peace panel chair Silvestre Afable and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal. END.