Gov't-MILF peace deal OK with UN chief

UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the announcement of a peace agreement to end decades of fighting in Mindanao between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance to the parties, as needed, in implementing the Framework Peace Agreement, " Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

Ban expressed his heartfelt wishes for peace and prosperity to the government and the people of the Philippines, in particular the people of Bangsamoro, to be created in Mindanao as a new autonomous political entity in the country, said the statement.

The UN chief hailed the accord as a "landmark achievement," commending President Benigno Aquino III for his "vision and courage" as well as the commitment of the MILF leadership, in reaching the agreement.

Ban also expressed his gratitude to all national and international actors, particularly the government of Malaysia, for their contributions to the success of the peace negotiations.

The landmark deal, announced by Aquino on Sunday, was reached after the latest round of peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia.

After the details are worked out, the framework agreement will be signed by the Philippine president and leaders of the MILF on October 15.

The 11,000-strong MILF had been waging a battle in southern Philippines since 1969 in one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies, and continuing armed hostilities have claimed at least 120,000 lives. report from Xinhua