Mediating the Moro conflict

Mediating the Moro conflict

Negotiations, now in the third phase, between the Philippine
government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is
presently being held at the Sari Pacific Hotel in Jakarta. As in
their two previous meetings, it is hoped that this encounter will
yield substantial results.

In the past two years the two conflicting parties have chosen
Indonesia to facilitate the finding of a settlement for the
bloody conflict which is now almost three decades old. Since the
Tripoli Accord of 1976, bloody clashes have continued between
government forces and MNLF guerrillas, who are demanding a
separate state in the Southern Philippines.

With regard to the question of autonomy, the government in
Manila -- because of U.S. influence -- wants a form of
federalism, while the MNLF wants a form of autonomy closer to
secession. It is the task of the Jakarta meeting to try to find a
meeting point. Indonesia of course is not in a position to say
which concept is better. The only example Indonesia can give is
the fact that this Republic has solidly survived for 50 years
despite its diverse culture.

If it is successful in mediating this conflict, Jakarta will
have scored its second diplomatic accomplishment in helping
settle conflicts in Southeast Asia. Previously, Jakarta played a
vital role in the Cambodian peace process.

Indonesia continues to grow in importance in the field of
diplomacy, particularly in Southeast Asia. This position comes
after three decades of Indonesia proving itself to be an
economically and politically stable country. Indonesia has been
trusted to facilitate the current peace process because it has no
interests of its own with regard to the conflict in Mindanao.

We hope the question of autonomy for the Moros of the Southern
Philippines can be resolved soon so that the people can live free
of the threat of armed force.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta