Gov't MNLF to resume peace talks in Jakarta
Manila (27 May) -- The Indonesian government of President Susilo "Bambang" Yudhoyono will host a meeting between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Surabya, Indonesia, on May 28 to June 2 to continue the effort aimed at the full implementation of the 1996 final peace agreement (FPA).
Minister counselor for Political Affairs of the Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines, Andhika Bambang Supeno said the Surabaya negotiation is a follow-up to the May 20 signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tripoli Libya.
Supeno was referring to the MoU that Assistant Secretary Camilo "Bong" Montesa of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and MNLF founding Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari signed in a meeting hosted by Libya.
Supeno said another MoU is up for signing in the Surabaya peace talks, particularly an agreement on the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund (BDAF).
Secretary Annabelle T. Abaya, the presidential adviser on the peace process, will be leading the GRP delegation. GRP's delegation will leave on Friday accompanied by new Indonesian Ambassador Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo.
The Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (PCSP) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) through Indonesian Ambassador Rezlan I. Jenie witnessed the Tripoli event. The MoU basically aims for the continuity of the GRP-MNLF-OIC review of the FPA's implementation. (PIA-Bohol) [top]