MNLF moves a step closer to autonomy<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) moved
\na step closer to autonomy yesterday as they signed an interim
\nagreement with representatives from Manila although its actual
\nimplementation still remains unresolved.<\/p>\n
"It is safe to say the future is now very, very bright," MNLF
\nchairman Nur Misuari said.<\/p>\n
The interim agreement was signed with Manila's chief
\nnegotiator Manuel T. Yan at the end of the Third Round of Formal
\nPeace Talks.<\/p>\n
The five-day Peace Talks achieved full consensus in five main
\nareas - the economic and financial system, education, the
\njudiciary and introduction of Shariah law, and the administrative
\nsystem which pertains to representation in the national
\ngovernment, executive council and the legislative assembly.<\/p>\n
"Very soon we will be able to fulfill our dreams," Misuari
\nremarked.<\/p>\n
Known as the Moros, some five-million Filipino Moslems, mostly
\non the island of Mindanao, have been fighting for self-rule in
\nthe predominantly Roman Catholic nation.<\/p>\n
Under the aegis of the Organization of Islamic Conference,
\nIndonesia has been facilitating and hosting the peace talks. The
\nFirst Round of Peace Talks were held here in 1993.<\/p>\n
Both sides have resigned themselves to a Fourth Round of Peace
\nTalks which will be held here sometime next year.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas could not finalize the
\ndate but affirmed that the next meeting "will be the last round."<\/p>\n
He further confirmed that as long as they are needed,
\nIndonesian officials will continue to be assigned in the southern
\nPhilippines to help oversee the interim cease-fire which was
\nsigned between the MNLF and Manila in 1993.<\/p>\n
The issues remaining include the incorporation of the MNLF
\ninto the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).<\/p>\n
Delegates have thus far agreed that MNLF forces will initially
\njoin as distinct units before being gradually merged and the
\nrespective authorities of commanders from both forces in the
\njoining of units.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless the total number of forces absorbed into AFP has
\nyet to be worked out.<\/p>\n
While agreement on the structure of the transitional
\ngovernment has been reached, delegates have not decided on the
\ndesignation of the head of the autonomous region.<\/p>\n
The biggest hurdle however remains the mechanism for
\nimplementing autonomy.<\/p>\n
Manila argues that under its Constitution a plebiscite must be
\nheld, while the MNLF maintains that such an act would go against
\nthe letter and spirit of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement which has
\nbecome the basis of the Peace Talks.<\/p>\n
Alatas yesterday called on both sides to "reach deep into your
\nreserves of goodwill" to bring these issues to a conclusive end
\nsoon.<\/p>\n
He cautioned that delegates considering the resolution of the
\nremaining issues to take into account the time left available.<\/p>\n
"We do have a little more time but we do not have forever," he
\nwarned.<\/p>\n
Yan affirmed his government's commitment to the process and
\nthe last drive to reach a final agreement.<\/p>\n
"Our search for bold and innovative solutions to the
\noutstanding issues shall be broad and unrelenting...We shall not
\ncease until we have examined every nook and cranny of our
\nConstitutional universe," he said.<\/p>\n
Answering questions on whether the current interim agreement
\nwould be enough to satisfy the Moro people who have become
\nincreasingly impatient in the search for autonomy, Misuari
\nconfidently replied that it would.<\/p>\n
He said the results of the talks would "satisfy the peoples'
\nexpectations more than half-way."<\/p>\n
He still noted that there were some extremist elements, who
\nwould not be pleased with it "but they are people who are
\ndifficult to satisfy anyway."(mds)<\/p>\n
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