|
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Musharraf urges Pinoy Muslims to reject terror
MANILA -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf urged Filipino Muslims Tuesday to rebuff terrorism and contribute to the Philippines's socioeconomic program.
Musharraf, who was awarded a congressional medal of achievement for waging war against international terrorism, said Filipino Muslims should do away with extremism and secessionism and help in reforming Mindanao.
He said he supports President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's effort to combat terrorism and find lasting peace in the southern part of the country.
The Pakistan president is in the country for a three-day visit to strengthen trade, security, cultural and political ties with the Philippines.
While he asked Filipino Muslims to reject the notion that Islam is in conflict with Christians, he also urged Christians to respect the tradition of the Muslim minority so that the two would live in peace.
Musharraf lauded the Arroyo's government for its efforts to attain peace with Moro insurgents in Mindanao. He hoped for the success of the peace talks between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He and Arroyo reviewed efforts to end a decades-old separatist rebellion in Mindanao.
They also witnessed the signing of an anti-terrorism agreement allowing their countries' security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information and work hand-in-hand to disrupt terrorist and crime networks.
Arroyo laid out a red carpet and full military honors for Musharraf, who arrived late Monday, at the presidential palace. Well-wishers waved flags of both countries.
"We agreed to enhance our intelligence exchanges...which is very, very important in the world of international terrorism," Arroyo said.
Pakistan has arrested more than 700 suspected al-Qaida leaders and operatives, including alleged top leader Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, handing over many to American officials. Mohammed visited Manila in the mid-1990s, allegedly to oversee planned terrorist attacks that were thwarted by Philippine police.
Both Pakistan and the Philippines have been waging high-profile US-backed offensives against Muslim extremist groups.
Arroyo said she was inspired by Musharraf's efforts to introduce moderation in Muslim schools--or madrasahs--and that her national security adviser, Norberto Gonzales, would meet with Pakistani officials in June to discuss the topic.
Security officials say Muslim militants have used religious schools in the Philippines to foment violence and gain young recruits.
Arroyo also briefed Musharraf on Malaysian-brokered peace talks between her government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been fighting for a separate Muslim homeland in Mindanao, officials said.
Pakistan is a key member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which has played a major role in brokering the peace talks and a two-year ceasefire. Muslim guerrillas also have appealed to Musharraf to send a Pakistani contingent to join Malaysian-led truce monitors.
During their closed-door talks, Arroyo sought Pakistan's support for a Philippine bid to gain observer status in the OIC. Musharraf said the Philippine bid could be taken up in an ongoing restructuring of the OIC, Arroyo said.
She also congratulated Musharraf for his efforts to strike a peace deal with India, which has a decades-old territorial dispute with Pakistan over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Aside from the anti-terrorism accord, Philippine and Pakistani officials also signed separate agreements on Philippine imports of low-cost medicine from Pakistan, cultural exchanges, and visa-free entry of officials with diplomatic passports.
Musharraf addressed later Tuesday a joint session of Congress at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
"The entire world must stand together to fight terrorism. In fighting terrorism, we must not only fight up front but we must also address the root causes of it," he said.
He added that among the root causes of terrorism are poverty and social injustice. He said poverty can be a reason why people resort to terrorism.
Before his speech, Musharraf was conferred a Congressional Medal of Achievement by House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
"We honor him for being, among others, a beacon of democracy in Asia, and for his tenacity in the global war against terrorism," de Venecia said.
The House of Representatives, under House Resolution 453, underscored Musharraf's pivotal role in strengthening democracy, representative institutions and the rule of law in Pakistan.
De Venecia said other countries should follow Pakistan's example in implementing economic and administrative reforms, revitalizing national institutions and improving governance in his country.
Musharraf was also praised for his doctrine of "Enlightened Moderation", which calls for the promotion of education and knowledge and the eradication of poverty among underprivileged and disadvantaged peoples. (JFF/With AP)
(April 20, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Joseph Ratzinger of Germany is new Pope