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By Sam Mediavilla, Reporter
MalacaÑang on Wednesday
expressed hope that stalled negotiations with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) panel will progress this year with
agreements on the touchy issue of ancestral domain.
Jesus Dureza, presidential
adviser on the peace process, said the government team is awaiting
word from Malaysian facilitators on the schedule of the next round
of talks between the government and the MILF peace negotiators.
He said the government team has
submitted a new package on the issue of ancestral domain but did not
elaborate on the subject.
Dureza said government officials,
including those involved in the peace process, would fly to Sulu
before the end of January to meet with local stakeholders.
He said the trip would also
fulfill President Arroyo’s commitment to assist families trapped
in the ongoing battles between the military and Abu Sayyaf
militants.
Dureza said the government would
extend relief and rehabilitation to Sulu residents and also provide
development assistance.
Executive Secretary Eduardo
Ermita recognized the involvement of the United States, Canada,
Japan and the European Union in the Mindanao peace talks and
formulation of an economic development program.
He said these countries have
pledged aid “on condition that there is an agreement signed
between the government and the MILF in the manner that we had an
agreement between the GRP and the MNLF [Moro National Liberation
Front].”
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