|
MANILA,
Aug. 22 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday
announced the government's "shift" of focus in its negotiation with the
seccessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) due to the recent
atrocities in Mindanao that killed more than 40 individuals mostly
civilians.
In
her speech during the opening of the 2nd Philippine International Motor
Show held at the World Trade Center, the President said the recent
attacks staged by MILF-affiliated groups in North Cotabato, Saranggani,
and Lanao del Norte have led to a "change in the basic premise of our
peace efforts."
"The
focus of our talks shall shift from the armed groups to the
communities. The parameters governing our negotiations shall be a
balance between constitutionality and public sentiment," she said.
"From
negotiations, our focus shall shift to dialogues with the communities,
or government conducting authentic conversations or dialogues with the
people," she added.
President
Arroyo stressed that the objective of peace processes "shall be the end
of all forms of armed rebellion in the country."
"Translated,
this shall mean a national rejection of armed struggle as a means of
achieving political and societal change and reaffirming our commitment
to democracy," she said.
In
light of the recent Mindanao attacks, the President said engagements
with all armed groups shall be about "disarmament, demobilization or
DDR."
"All
armed groups must account for all of their actions not only to the
government but most especially to the people. The force of arms does
not entitle any armed group to represent the people," she stressed.
President Arroyo said DDR is about "the people and government telling armed groups to give up armed struggle."
"Changes shall be defined primarily by the people and the government," she said.
Presidential
Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, in a press briefing this
afternoon, explained that the pronouncement of the President "merely
reinforces process by which we give importance to process of
consultation and dialogue not only with parties with which the GRP
(Government of the Republic of the Philippines) is conducting
negotiation, but also members of the communities affected."
"That
is the essence of the announcement of President Arroyo -- to strengthen
the process of consultation and dialogue directly with members of
communities concerned," he said.
On
the issue of disarming the seccionist group before the peace
negotiation, Claudio said "honest negotiation can (only) happen and
become effective in atmosphere of tranquility."
"We
cannot allow situation that while we are talking peace and undertake
process and parties concerned are taking up arms," he added.
Despite the shift in peace negotiation, President Arroyo said the government is "not at war with the Muslim communities."
"We remain committed to the peace process in Mindanao," she said. (PNA)
|
