Indonesia's contribution

Indonesia's contribution

The chances of finding a settlement to the Moro problem are
improving, especially since the government in Manila and the Moro
National Liberation Front agreed to establish an autonomous
region for the Moros in the southern Philippines.

As a neighbor and a fellow ASEAN member we are relieved to see
the positive developments in a conflict that has plagued the
Philippines for 24 years. Moreover, we are proud that Indonesia's
efforts to help settle the Moro problem peacefully have begun to
show results.

Indonesia's initiative in sponsoring the initial talks between
Manila and the MNLF and our readiness to be host to a series of
meetings between the two parties demonstrate the concern that we
feel as a member of the world community of nations.

Philippine President Fidel Ramos acknowledged the important
role that Indonesia has played in finding a peaceful settlement
by conveying his gratitude to President Soeharto and to the
entire Indonesian nation.

The Moro question has shown us that however complicated a
situation may be, a peaceful approach is the most effective.

-- Kompas, Jakarta