Moros granted greater autonomy

Moros granted greater autonomy

JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of the Philippine government
have agreed to delegate greater autonomy to the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) in the judiciary and education fields.

"They (the Philippine government) have agreed to allow the use
of the Arabic language as a medium of instruction in areas
involving religious studies," said Indonesia's chief mediator S.
Wiryono of yesterday's first day of talks here.

He further revealed that the two sides had also agreed that a
syariah court under the jurisdiction of the MNLF would use both
Arabic and English.

The second round of formal talks between the Philippine
government and the MNLF was opened by Indonesian Minister of
Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas with Indonesia acting as both host and
mediator.

The five-day talks are expected to produce definitive
arrangements for the establishment of Moro autonomy. Manuel T.
Yan, former Philippine ambassador in Jakarta, is leading the
delegation from Manila while the MNLF is headed by its chairman
Nur Misuari.

Commenting on the negotiations, Ambassador Yan told The
Jakarta Post that he hopes the talks can secure proposals "in
order to set up an autonomous government which would be mutually
agreeable to the MNLF and our government."

Known commonly as Moros, the five million Filipino Moslems
have sought autonomy since the time of Spanish colonial rule in
the 16th century.

Though they represent a small minority in a country of 65
million Roman Catholics, the Moros have proven to be an
undeniable force to be reckoned with by Manila.

Wiryono, who is also Indonesian ambassador to France, revealed
that the Philippine delegation will allow the MNLF to design
their own educational curriculum as long as it does not deviate
from the national one.

He added that they had also set out a series of rules
concerning the rights of universities and the administrative
relationship of MNLF and Manila's educational institutions.

In the legal field, certain proposals on the implementation of
Islamic syariah law under the MNLF's jurisdiction were also
agreed upon.

Wiryono further said that the matter of military observers to
help monitor the cease fire agreement between the two sides was
again discussed.

In the first meeting here last November, the two sides agreed
to end hostilities by signing an Interim Cease Fire Agreement.

"We'd like very much to see them there," Misuari said on the
prospect of Indonesian military observers.

However Wiryono could not comment on the departure or size of
the observer team, saying such technical details fall under the
authority of the Ministry of Defense and Security.

Speaking to reporters at the end of yesterday's talks, Wiryono
explained that to facilitate smooth negotiations, the most
contentious issues were left till last.

"From the least difficult to the most complicated," he said
describing the negotiating strategy.

Elaborating on the future agenda, Wiryono said defense,
legislative representation and the economy would be the central
focus of the various negotiation committees.(mds)

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