Press Briefing by Sec. Edwin Lacierda with GPH Chairman Leonen & MILF Mohagher Iqbal, 15 Oct 2012

• Report rights infringement
• published: 15 Oct 2012
• views: 2280

Press Briefing Room, New Executive Bldg., Malacañang, | News Release below | Audio | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/pnoy/Press%20Briefing,%2015%20Oct%202012.mp3 | Photos | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/photos-oct2012/photo19-101512.htm | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/photos-oct2012/photo18-101512.htm | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/photos-oct2012/photo17-101512.htm | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/photos-oct2012/photo16-101512.htm | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/photos-oct2012/photo06-101512.htm | Aquino administration wants to finish comprehensive agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front as soon as possible, government negotiator says The Aquino government is targeting to come up with a comprehensive agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as soon as possible although both sides eye to finish it before the end of the year. During a joint press conference with MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said when asked about the deadline: "On the GPH [Government of the Republic of the Philippines] we have all intentions to make it as early as possible." Leonen and Iqbal signed in Malacanang on Monday the Framework Agreement that would end 40 years of armed conflict in Mindanao. President Benigno S. Aquino III, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim and other partners witnessed the signing. The Framework Agreement contains the roadmap, principles and values that will guide the creation of a new autonomous entity in Mindanao. President Aquino is expected to issue an executive order creating the Transition Commission mandated to implement the agreement, including the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic law that replaces the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The crafting of the new law and Mindanao entity is not exclusive to the MILF, Leonen explained, noting that the process is inclusive and a people-driven democratic exercise. Leonen said he sees an active Transition Commission doing consultations in Mindanao, submitting a Bangsamoro Basic Law (draft) to Congress, and deliberating with the elected representatives. After the President signs the law, it will undergo full ratification from the people in the area to gain political, legal and constitutional mandate, the government chief negotiator said. Leonen said he and his counterparts in the MILF are scheduled to meet in Malaysia to discuss the more detailed annexes of the Framework Agreement that will include disarmament and reintegration. Iqbal, on the other hand, refused to disclose their position on disarmament and reintegration saying the issue will still be subjected for discussions with their counterparts. PND (as/4:57pm) *** Moro National Liberation Front part of inclusive transition process, says Leonen The Aquino administration is inviting the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to take part in the Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, government chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen said on Monday. "Insofar as the government is concerned, there is every intention that the government side of the transition commission will be inclusive and yes, it will include members of the MNLF," Leonen said during the joint press briefing in Malacanang on Monday. C O N T ... http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/archives2012/oct15.htm#Leonen *** President Aquino's sincerity made Framework Agreement possible, says Iqbal The Moro Islamic Liberation Front wants to seize the opportunity to complete the Framework Agreement with the government while President Benigno S. Aquino III whom it describes as "a very reliable partner" is in power. "We have a very reliable partner in the person of President Benigno S. Aquino III. We want to finish everything before his term ends for practical purposes, we want to finish the process," MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said in a joint press conference with government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen in Malacanang on Monday. C O N T ... http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/archives2012/oct15.htm#Iqbal ***