Gov't optimistic about power sharing deal with MILF

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Aquino administration is optimistic that both the government  and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels can finish the power sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), a senior official said today.

"Both sides are extremely optimistic that... they both expressed their optimism as well as their commitment to have something done by this round," deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte told reporters.

She said the government peace negotiators are optimistic to reach an agreement with the MILF, at least on the power-sharing annex, following the resumption of the 41st formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia early this week.

Both parties stressed the need to ensure just and acceptable solutions to address the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.

During the opening ceremonies for the 41st formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur this week, the government peace panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer reiterated the importance of due diligence in coming up with viable solutions to the Bangsamoro problem.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, in his opening statement, proposed to "finish the two remaining annexes especially on power sharing."

The wealth-sharing annex was signed by both parties after concluding the 38th series of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last July.

The parties believe that the annex on wealth sharing will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law's provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.