13 September 2005, United Nations, New York – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo today said that in reiterating his acknowledgement of the commitment of the Philippine government to building peace in Mindanao, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan gave the Southern Philippines peace process another important boost.

During the ASEAN-UN Summit today, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said “I also welcome the commitment of the Philippines to peace in Mindanao, and its efforts to promote peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.”

“This is an important reiteration by Secretary-General Annan of his support for our peace efforts and a recognition of the progress that we have made, together with the MILF, and with the active participation of Malaysia, in out search for peace in the Southern Philippines,” the Secretary said.

Secretary-General Annan also acknowledged the important role of Malaysia, saying that    “Malaysia’s role in facilitating this process, as well as the deployment of regional monitors to verify the ceasefire, is another important instance of ASEAN cooperation.”

“As a nation seriously engaged in the search for peace, we deeply appreciate the political support given by the Secretary-general to our peace process just as we appreciate the support that is given by the development agencies of the United Nations that is helping to fuel growth and progress particularly in the post-conflict areas,” Secretary Romulo said.

The Secretary recalled that in previous meetings with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and with his own meetings, Secretary-General Kofi Annan was always supporting of Philippine peace efforts. END