Mediating the Moro conflict<\/p>\n
Negotiations, now in the third phase, between the Philippine
\ngovernment and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is
\npresently being held at the Sari Pacific Hotel in Jakarta. As in
\ntheir two previous meetings, it is hoped that this encounter will
\nyield substantial results.<\/p>\n
In the past two years the two conflicting parties have chosen
\nIndonesia to facilitate the finding of a settlement for the
\nbloody conflict which is now almost three decades old. Since the
\nTripoli Accord of 1976, bloody clashes have continued between
\ngovernment forces and MNLF guerrillas, who are demanding a
\nseparate state in the Southern Philippines.<\/p>\n
With regard to the question of autonomy, the government in
\nManila -- because of U.S. influence -- wants a form of
\nfederalism, while the MNLF wants a form of autonomy closer to
\nsecession. It is the task of the Jakarta meeting to try to find a
\nmeeting point. Indonesia of course is not in a position to say
\nwhich concept is better. The only example Indonesia can give is
\nthe fact that this Republic has solidly survived for 50 years
\ndespite its diverse culture.<\/p>\n
If it is successful in mediating this conflict, Jakarta will
\nhave scored its second diplomatic accomplishment in helping
\nsettle conflicts in Southeast Asia. Previously, Jakarta played a
\nvital role in the Cambodian peace process.<\/p>\n
Indonesia continues to grow in importance in the field of
\ndiplomacy, particularly in Southeast Asia. This position comes
\nafter three decades of Indonesia proving itself to be an
\neconomically and politically stable country. Indonesia has been
\ntrusted to facilitate the current peace process because it has no
\ninterests of its own with regard to the conflict in Mindanao.<\/p>\n
We hope the question of autonomy for the Moros of the Southern
\nPhilippines can be resolved soon so that the people can live free
\nof the threat of armed force.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mediating-the-moro-conflict-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }