GMA: RP-MILF peace talks will boost Mindanao investments

JAKARTA (via PLDT) — President Arroyo assured Asian and African businessmen here yesterday of the continuing success of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), saying this would pave the way for a better investment climate in Mindanao and the  country as a whole.

Philippine government negotiators and Muslim separatist rebels announced Wednesday they had made significant progress in the peace talks, resolving several issues relating to the territorial rights of Muslim tribes in the South.

"The forward impetus of the peace talks will continue to jack up confidence and investments, spur agribusiness and provide a wider swath of jobs and livelihood in conflict-affected areas and throughout Mindanao," Mrs. Arroyo said in a speech delivered before the Asian-African Business Summit.

The President spoke about "Managing for Global Competitiveness: Asia Perspective" alongside Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. 

The President noted the breakthrough in the peace talks was driven by a lasting ground-level ceasefire supported by an international monitoring team led by Malaysia, with participating contingents from Libya and Brunei.

Mrs. Arroyo thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, not only for supporting the ceasefire process, but also for hosting and facilitating the substantive negotiations.

"In the Philippines, I’m inspired by a peace process in Mindanao that includes a global cast of friends from Asia, Africa and the Middle East helping us in our quest for peace and stability," she said.

"The lesson of Mindanao for the Philippines is a lesson for our two continents. As we integrate our economies in Asia, Africa and the world, we must also integrate the basic human values of compassion, tolerance and social justice," she added.  

The three-day talks, brokered by Malaysia between Manila and the MILF, "concluded on a high note with both parties expressing deep satisfaction over the result," a joint statement read by chief government negotiator Silvestre Afable said upon arriving from Malaysia.

However, neither side released any details on the agreements reached.

When asked if a final peace agreement can be reached within the year, Afable said: "That is the objective of our panel."