Peace talks 'on last stretch'

THE government is now on its "last stretch" of the peace negotiations with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), hoping to sign a final peace accord within this year, an official said on Wednesday.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said President Benigno Aquino III is committed to resolve the differences with the MILF.

"The government is ready to sign a peace agreement with the MILF within the year. We are now on the last stretch of the negotiations, on the substantive agenda and though difficult, the government is committed to resolve differences, and with the MILF, find win-win solutions," she told reporters in a text message.

The MILF recently spearheaded a general assembly for the Bangsamoro people and other stakeholders in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao province.

Over half a million people attended the assembly, whom MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim has said fully support the MILF's position for the creation of a sub state as a solution to the Bangsamoro problem.

Murad also warned that the peace talks between the government and the MILF are now on a "make or break" stage.

"With regard to the issue of sub state, on the Decision Points on Principles which both the GPH (government of the Philippines) and the MILF signed in April this year, both parties have already agreed to the creation of a new autonomous political entity that will replace the Armm, which is expected to provide for genuine autonomy for the Bangsamoro, addressing the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao," Deles said.

The government and the MILF peace panels, led by Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal, respectively, are expected to resume the formal talks in Malaysia within the month where they are expected to discuss wealth-sharing and power-sharing, among others. (SDR/Sunnex)