We call on the separatist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to prove its sincerity to the ongoing peace process by surrendering wanted MILF commander Dan Laksaw Asnawi to the authorities.
Their refusal is a blow to the peace process. Coddling wanted individuals and the criminally accused does not speak well of their motives and intentions. The MILF, like the GRP, should learn to bite the bullet if it truly wishes to see the peace process see fruition. The MILF should not play hardball lest it become tagged as a terrorist organization uninterested in peace and wanting only to sow terror and mayhem until its objectives are met. We are for peace and we challenge the MILF to show that it is truly sincere in wanting peace as well.
The President has shown his commitment to peace by flying to Japan to meet (MILF Chairman) Murad Ebrahim. PNoy went out on a limb for peace; MILF should be willing to do the same. PNoy showed his commitment by action and not merely by words. We challenge the MILF to do the same.
Swift, decisive action for peace is what we want to see from the MILF leadership. Mere talk of peace is not enough.
Showing posts with label basilan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basilan. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Temporarily suspend ceasefire talks with the MILF
We support the President’s call for sobriety in not going for an all-out war against the MILF, but we urge the MILF to come out with a categorical statement in regard to their so-called ‘lost commands’ that have been sowing violence in Basilan over the past weeks. We also urge the President to suspend peace talks with the MILF temporarily. The GPH and the MILF must first strengthen the mechanisms of the peace talks, specifically the provisions on ceasefire violations.
Unless the loopholes in the provisions on ceasefire violations are addressed, we fear that violations will continue and more lives will be lost.
Ceasefire violations are a hindrance to genuine peace talks. The strengthening of mechanisms against such violations is crucial to both parties moving forward with the peace negotiations. This must include provisions on bringing to justice those perpetrators who, with their actions—regardless of their motives—have resulted in the loss of lives.
Unless the loopholes in the provisions on ceasefire violations are addressed, we fear that violations will continue and more lives will be lost.
Ceasefire violations are a hindrance to genuine peace talks. The strengthening of mechanisms against such violations is crucial to both parties moving forward with the peace negotiations. This must include provisions on bringing to justice those perpetrators who, with their actions—regardless of their motives—have resulted in the loss of lives.
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