Government-Rebel Accord in Philippines
Ban Pledges UN Support to Implement Government-Rebel Accord in Philippines
New York, Oct 8 2012 4:10PM
Welcoming
the announcement of a peace agreement to end decades of
fighting between the Government of the Philippines and the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the island of
Mindanao in the country’s south, Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon today pledged full United Nations assistance in
helping the parties implement the accord, according to his
spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General expresses 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,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson added in a <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6351">statement.
According to media reports, President Benigno Aquino
announced yesterday in Manila, the Philippines capital, that
his Government has reached a preliminary agreement of
autonomy with the MILF, which has been fighting for decades
for an independent Islamic state in the southern
Philippines.
The new autonomous region will be named Bangsamoro. The accord reportedly comes after 15 years of negotiations, with the latest round taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Describing the accord as a “landmark achievement,” the spokesperson said the UN chief commends President Aquino for his vision and courage, as well as the commitment of the MILF leadership, in reaching the agreement.
“The Secretary-General is grateful to all
national and international actors, in particular the
Government of Malaysia, for their contributions to the
success of the peace negotiations,” he noted, adding that
the United Nations “stands ready to provide assistance to
the parties, as needed, in implementing the Framework Peace
Agreement.”
Oct 8 2012
4:10PM