EU calls on Manila, rebels to return to negotiating table

Top European Union diplomats in the Philippines on Wednesday called on the Philippine government and the separatist Muslim rebels anew to return to the negotiating table and end more than four decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.

In a joint statement, EU envoys encouraged both sides "to build on recent positive developments and to resume the formal peace talks at an early date."

"The EU welcomed the renewed momentum of the peace process in Mindanao between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front reflected in the Suspension of Military Operations/Actions implemented since late July, the Joint Statement issued by the parties on July 29, as well as the agreements on the formation of an International Contact Group and on the Civilian Component of the International Monitoring Team, concluded by parties in Kuala Lumpur on September 15 and October 27, respectively," the statement said.

"The EU, recalling its statement of Sept. 15, 2008, and the assistance which the EU and other members of the international community have provided to help alleviate the human suffering caused by the conflict, welcomes the commitment which the parties have shown to work towards renewed talks," the statement said.

"The EU encourages both parties to intensify their efforts to seek a lasting solution to the conflict. In this regard, the EU reaffirms the hope that formal talks may soon be resumed," they said in the statement.

Source: Xinhua