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| Southeast Asia |
| Philippine government endorses MILF autonomy in Mindanao |
| 2012-02-18 |
| The Philippine government has reportedly agreed to the Muslim autonomy proposed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The Oman Tribune quoted chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal as saying that President Benigno Aquino has approved the proposal through a parliamentary form of government similar to that of Malaysia, which is brokering the peace negotiations. Mohagher Iqbal said, "No less than His Excellency President Benigno Aquino 3rd agreed to the MILF proposal." The MILF proposal calls for the direct election by the people of the leaders of the autonomous region to be led by a chief minister similar to the parliamentary government in the federal states of Malaysia, according to Iqbal. Iqbal said the proposed government would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, composed of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao and Maguindanao. But it was not immediately known how many more provinces would be included in the proposed expansion of Muslim autonomy. Peace negotiators ended three-day talks in Malaysia on February 15 and a joint media statement said they would meet again next month to continue the discussion on substantive issues, among them governance and the reserved powers of the national government as contained in their respective draft. The MILF said the issues that most concerned the negotiators were issues on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and interim mechanism. chief government peace negotiator Marvic Leonen said, "The peace process with the MILF has moved forward. Now, we have moved at least a few feet. The day will come, I hope very, very soon that we will be able to sign a peace agreement." |
| Posted by:ryuge |
| #2 And the Christians affected say what? |
| Posted by: tipover 2012-02-18 12:46 |
| #1 bad move |
| Posted by: Frank G 2012-02-18 08:27 |