Press Release 20 th September 2013 RESUME THE PEACE DEAL IN THE MINDANAO UNREST MAPIM expresses its concern on the so call uprising of the arm group of MNLF in Zamboanga City of Mindanao. The quick conclusion that it was an MNLF initiated clash was an easy alibi for the AFP to stage an all out war against the MNLF freedom fighters. This could have been averted if the peaceful rally in Zamboanga City was allowed to proceed while a re-negotiation between the MNLF and the Aquino government be resumed. The subsequent bloodshed that followed is most worrisome. The military operation is also regrettable . This is not the time to project the military might on both sides , as a negotiation should have taken precedence . We call on the conflicting parties in Philippines to resume the peace deal which seems to have drastically collapsed , since the recent conflict , with the intention to halt further violence. We are very concern of the long term repercussions of a continued fighting which may end the much celebrated success of the peace deal achieved between Manila and the MILF just a few months ago under the moderation of Malaysia. It will not be productive for regional peace if further bloodshed prevail. This region is too precious to be plunged into turmoil in the already unresolved unrest in Myanmar and South Thailand. We belief that in whatever condition , the disagreement between rival groups should not jeopardize the bigger goal of allowing the development of the ignored Mindanao to proceed under the peace deal framework. We urge that the Philippine government to negotiate with the group and to avoid an operation that will rekindle a full blown military confrontation . The decades of conflict has incurred costly on the people of Mindanao especially the Moro Muslims. The need to craft a durable solution by recognizing the historical rights of the Moro people must be the pillar principle of any peace deal. We cannot accept any military operation that victimizes the civilians and the consequent sufferings of the locals whose safety must take top priority. Our call is for the stake holders in the conflict should return to the negotiating table and resume the process for peace. We regret that the marginalization of MNLF in the negotiation has sparked the renewed violence. It should not have happened since the negotiation was to reconcile all differences between the government of the Philippines and MNLF that has been a major force to demand the implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement initiatives. We call for the reconciliation of all parties to give peace a chance , in the decades of conflict which has taken thousands of lives , with a view of re-instating the right to self rule to the Bangsamoro people. All parties should exert restraint , to avoid further violence and to ensure civilians are not trapped in any arm operation. Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid President MAPIM. Sent from my iPad
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:42:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015