Int’l community vows continued aid for Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The international community welcomed the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and gave assurance that support would continue for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

The European Union hailed the signing of the agreement, calling it a historic moment for Filipinos.

“The European Union, as a long-term supporter of the peace process in Mindanao, a member of the International Monitoring Team and a major development partner, will continue to lend its full support to the implementation of this agreement,” said Catherine Ashton, European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and vice president of the commission.

She said the signature of the agreement, which should set the conditions for lasting peace, and this achievement will undoubtedly re-enforce the willingness of all parties to take the necessary steps to implement the agreement.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro on 27 March 2014 in Manila,” Ashton said in a statement.

The US State Department on Thursday described the CAB as “a historic milestone” that will pave the way for ending the violence that has plagued the southern Philippines for decades.

Deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said the US welcomed the deal and commended both sides along with the Malaysia government, which facilitated the negotiations, for their persistence and determination in reaching the agreement.

“The United States fully supports the ongoing peace and reconciliation process, and we encourage all parties to continue their efforts to ensure a future of peace, prosperity, and stability in the southern Philippines,” she said at a press briefing.

Support from Australia, Japan, UK

Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell said he was proud to represent his government at the signing ceremonies.

“All those who have worked so tirelessly to make today’s signing a reality can be duly proud. We commend their commitment to seeing greater peace and security, and greater future prosperity, for the people of the Bangsamoro and the whole of the Philippines,” Tweddell said.

The ambassador said that as a long-standing friend of the Philippines, and one of the largest bilateral aid donors, Australia recognized that the challenging task of implementing the agreement lay ahead.

“It is critical that this process receive strong support, both within the Philippines and from the international community. That is why Australia’s foreign mMinister, Julie Bishop, in January committed a further $6 million (P240 million) to support the peace process over the next three years and to boost the capacity to implement the Agreement. Australia will continue to work with the Philippines in this process,” he added.

Tweddell highlighted the vital role the Congress would now play as it reviewed the Basic Law on the Bangsamoro.

Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, on behalf of the Japanese government and people of Japan, congratulated the Philippine government and the MILF on the signing of the CAB.  

“The government of Japan welcomes this development and will continue to support the peace process for the benefit of all in the Philippines,” Urabe said in his congratulatory message. â€œThis development marks another milestone toward a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.”

Japan, the ambassador said, commended the efforts made by the parties concerned and strongly hopes that this historic event will give further impetus to the quest for peace and development in Mindanao.

“The government of Japan welcomes this development and will continue to support the peace process for the benefit of all in the Philippines,” he said.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said â€œsuccessfully implementing this agreement will demonstrate the Philippines’ increasing political maturity, its ability to accomplish things that have been intractable in the past and its potential to emerge as one the world’s economic powers.”

He said he is privileged to be part of historic signing of the agreement.

“It is moments like these that diplomats strive for and few have the privilege of being a part of a moment of history. I applaud everyone, including colleagues from the UK who have made a contribution to peace,” he added. 

Those who will eventually assume key roles in the Bangsamoro, he said, will carry the hopes and wishes of the nation on their shoulders, adding that they will be judged not by the importance of their positions, but by the tangible improvements they bring about in the daily lives of citizens. 

“There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, but with the continued commitment, courage and creativity that has made this agreement possible the dividends of peace will inevitably be realized,” he said.

Commendations from Canada, NZ, Turkey

Canada congratulated the Philippine government and the MILF for the signing of the CAB on Thursday.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said “Canada is proud to have supported the development of the agreement through our contribution to the work of the Philippine government’s Independent Commission on Policing.

After decades of conflict and more than 20 years of negotiations, Baird said this historic milestone paves the way for lasting peace, stability, development and long-term economic prosperity for the people of the southern Philippines and will redound to the benefit of all Filipinos.

”Canada stands ready to assist,” Baird said.

New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore congratulated the Philippines and the MILF for the historic pact.

“May this agreement lay the foundation for an enduring and lasting peace in Mindanao and a safe and prosperous future for its people,” Levermore said. “New Zealand is proud to stand alongside the proponents of peace and we will continue to support the peace process in Mindanao.”

The United Kingdom said the Bangsamoro has the opportunity to develop best practices for other parts of the Philippines and other countries where there is a history of strife, including the historic roles being played by women in this process.

Turkey also congratulated the Philippine government and the Filipino people on the historic signing of the CAB.

During a call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario yesterday, Turkish Vice Foreign Minister Ali Naci Koru said the agreement would lead to enduring peace, stability and development in Mindanao and the rest of the country.

Koru, representing Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, called on Del Rosario to discuss a broad range of issues affecting Philippines-Turkey relations.

He reiterated his government’s invitation for Del Rosario to visit Turkey at his most convenient time.

For his part, the secretary conveyed his appreciation for Turkey’s steadfast support for the Mindanao peace process.

‘Malaysia a partner’

Visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak commended President Aquino Thursday for the landmark signing of the CAB – a model the Philippines could be proud of and which the world could also emulate.

“This is a very significant signal to others as well in other parts of the world,” the foreign leader said in an impromptu speech wherein he, Aquino, members of the Cabinet and former Muslim rebels had a toast Thursday evening at Malacañang.

Najib assured the government of their continued help in the achievement of peace.

In a speech he delivered, the foreign leader reminded Aquino that his offer of assistance in 2012 still remains – like “building institutions, strengthen education, improve agriculture.”

“This promise stands, for as long as it is needed. Malaysia remains a partner for peace and development,” Najib stressed as he noted that four decades of armed conflict in Mindanao only “robbed a generation of healthcare, of education, of income.”

Najib returned late Thursday on his private jet to Kuala Lumpur.

“What the Philippine government and MILF have done, you have shown the way to others that peace can indeed be achieved by sitting down together and extend your hand of friendship; and develop trust and confidence,” he remarked.

His country being third party facilitator for the talks between the Philippine government and the MILF, the Malaysian leader said he knew very well about the rebels’ 40-year struggle of independence for most of Mindanao.

“We see so much conflict on a daily basis like there is no end to it and people want to win everything, they want to take all. They do not want to compromise. They do not want to seek solutions,” Najib said, highlighting CAB as one role model the world can duplicate.

“It’s fitting that 40 years of conflict has now come to an end; and a beginning of a new era, which will usher in progress and justice. And finally, the Bangsamoro entity above all will come into existence,” he added.

“And what you have aspired for, which you could not get through violence, through conflict, you will get through peace and by working together,” Najib said as he congratulated both panels for a job well done.

With the signing of the landmark agreement with the MILF, he believes that CAB and all its annexes will finally “see the promise of a better future.” – With Delon Porcalla, Lito Katigbak, Eva Visperas