Secretary-General Welcomes ‘Landmark’ Deal Aimed at Ending Decades

 

of Fighting Between Government, Rebels in South Philippines

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reached a framework peace agreement aimed at ending decades of fighting in Mindanao, South Philippines.  He commends President Benigno Aquino for his vision and courage, as well as the commitment of the MILF leadership, in reaching this landmark achievement.  The Secretary-General is grateful to all national and international actors, in particular the Government of Malaysia, for their contributions to the success of the peace negotiations.

The Secretary-General expresses his heartfelt wishes for peace and prosperity to the Government and the people of the Philippines, in particular the people of Bangsamoro, to be created in Mindanao as a new autonomous political entity in the country.  The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance to the parties, as needed, in implementing the framework peace agreement.

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For information media • not an official record