Palace eyes help of Sweden, Blair on peace negotiations with MILF
Malacanang is eyeing the possibility of enlisting the help of United Kingdom through former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Sweden in the peace negotiations with the seccessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made this announcement saying that that the recent attacks by rogue MILF elements in North Cotabato, Saranggani and Lanao del Norte have highlighted the need to seek the assistance of various sectors, including the international community, in ending the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.
She said both Sweden and the United Kingdom, through Blair, have wide experiences in negotiations with rebel groups.
“Actually Tony Blair is willing to come to help us because he played a very strong part in the negotiations with Northern Ireland, while Sweden on the other hand is helping the Philippines in its disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation (DDR) efforts ” the President said.
According to the President, the government and the MILF peace panels should have more consultations, and “authentic dialogues with the people in the communities” in the affected areas.
“These dialogues with the communities will be centered on ending all forms of armed rebellion in the country,” Arroyo stressed.
By talking directly to the people, she said, “we aim to generate a national consensus against armed struggle as a means of achieving political and social change.” (PIA/Bohol)
