Peace talks resumption to stop bombings: Razon
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 07/08/2009 11:32 AM
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MANILA - The recent spate of bombings in Mindanao could stop once peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are restarted, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Avelino Razon Jr. said Tuesday.
In a radio interview, Razon urged the MILF leadership “to go back to the negotiating table at the soonest possible time” to stop the fighting once and for all.
“After 40 years of fighting, it’s time we give peace a chance," he said.
Razon said he remains optimistic that the stalled peace talks between the government and the MILF would resume despite the four bombing attacks that occurred in Mindanao since Sunday. He said the wave of bombings in Cotabato City, Iligan City, Jolo and Lanao del Norte would not deter the government from pushing the peace process with the MILF.
International rights group Amnesty International also condemned the bombing that have killed at least 12 people and injured approximately 90.
In a press statement, Amnesty International called for an immediate end to all bombings and other attacks which target civilians as well as all indiscriminate attacks. "Such deliberate attacks against civilians can never be justified under any circumstances. Individuals’ right to life must be protected at all times, and the civilian population must never be treated as expendable tools for achieving political or ideological ends," it said.
The group also reminded all sides to the armed conflict that they are obliged to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law, and in particular Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which prohibits any attacks on persons “taking no active part in the hostilities.”
During a congressional hearing on Monday, Razon said the government is determined more than ever to end the fighting not only in Mindanao, but all other conflict areas in the country.
He told Quezon Rep. Danilo E. Suarez that the government would like to see a conclusion of the peace process, particularly with the MILF and the communist rebels by 2010 as envisioned by President Arroyo. He said the government has intensified its rehabilitation and development projects in Mindanao and other rebel-influenced areas.
“The government sees a good prospect for the resumption of the talks in the immediate period given the commitment of both parties to work in addressing the issues that clog the negotiating table,” Razon said.
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