ASEAN neighbor facilitating talks with MILF President scheduled to return to Manila at 3:55 a.m. today

By CHARISSA M. LUCI / Manila Bulletin

KUALA LUMPUR (via PLDT) — President Arroyo has reiterated Manila’s gratitude to the Malaysian government for its unwavering support to the ongoing peace process in the strife-torn Southern Philippines.

Mrs. Arroyo cited the important role of the Muslim-majority nation in facilitating peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Addressing the Filipino community here at the Hotel Nikko last Thursday night, she said Malaysia, an influential member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), has been the Philippines’ important partner "to keep the peace, isolate the genuine security threats, and promote the well-being of Muslim and Christian residents alike of Mindanao."

After the two-day visit to Malaysia, the President will be back in Manila at 3:55 a.m. Saturday via Philippine Airlines Airbus 319 flight number PR 001. The presidential plane is scheduled to leave Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:05 a.m. today, Sept. 1.

The Chief Executive said the Philippine government will continue to strengthen its 47-year-old bilateral relations with Malaysia, particularly in areas of trade and security, not only for the stability and progress of Manila, but also for the peace and development in the Southeast region.

"Patuloy na pinagsisikapan ng ating pamahalaan ang mapalawig ang relasyon sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Malaysia upang magbunga ito hindi lamang sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya at kapayapaan ng Mindanao, kundi pati na rin sa pagtaas ng antas ng ating pag-unawa sa kanila bilang ating karatig-bansa para sa katiwasayan ng ating rehiyon kasama na rin ng ating mga kasaping bansa sa ASEAN ( Our government continues not only to strengthen relations with Malaysia in efforts to boost our economy and peace in Mindanao, but also to develop friendly relations with our neighbors for peace in the region and among the members of the ASEAN)," the President said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is composed of the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Mrs. Arroyo also hailed the contribution of 27,000 Filipino workers in Malaysia to the country’s economy. "We welcome your contribution. But we are working towards the day when Filipinos no longer need to go abroad for a job: that overseas work is just another career option and not the only choice one would have to earn a living," she said.

In a separate interview, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo hinted that the peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF will resume "in a couple of weeks."

He described that the peace negotiations are "progressing very well" as he thanked Malaysia and other member countries of the OIC, including Libya, for brokering the peace negotiations.

Aside from the OIC member states, Japan, Sweden, and the European Union (EU) are among partners in pursuing peace accord with the 12,000- strong MILF.

Manila suspended its talks with the MILF in Malaysia last Aug. 22 because it said it needed more time to discuss some issues on the peace process in Mindanao.

"I think it is just the question of time before they finally have the peace agreement," the 74-year- old foreign affairs secretary said.

Press Secretary and Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said both parties have yet to agree on certain date on when the peace talks will be held, noting the willingness of the two camps to resume the negotiations. 

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