The peace negotiating panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), during the opening of their 10-day marathon session in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, issued a strongly worded joint press statement yesterday condemning the violence initiated by elements of the MNLF under Mr. Nur Misuari.
The five-paragraph press statement was issued at the closing of the first day of session. It was initialled by all members of both peace panels, in the presence of the Malaysian Facilitator and other foreign observers who graced this round of talks between the parties.
The statement, among others, called for the stop of the violence and asked that the perpetrators be held accountable for their acts.
They described the current violence in Mindanao as act of people who do not want the peace process between the GPH and MILF to succeed.
The peace panels also vowed to finish the peace process without delay and sign the comprehensive peace agreement.
They also extended their heartfelt sympathy to and solidarity with the people of Zamboanga City and other areas affected by such violence.
