Manila, Philippines (AP) - Muslim rebels and the Philippine government to overcome decades of bitter hostility and their first tentative steps on Monday toward the end of one of Asia's longest-running insurgency a initial signing of the peace agreement, the two sides said, gifts, hopes and challenges.
The framework agreement to create a roadmap for a final peaceful settlement. Granted to minority Muslims in exchange for broad autonomy in the southern Philippines, ended more than 40 years of violence has caused the death of tens of thousands of people and crippled development.
'It was signed at the presidential palace in Manila Malakand Shadows by Marvic Leonen, government negotiators from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Mohagher Iqbal and his opponents. Witness the historic moment, the rebel main 席阿尔哈吉穆 Ladd Ibrahim - who first set foot in the palace of President Benigno S. Aquino III - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, he country brokered the transaction.
About 200 guerrillas and followers, in a dark suit, joined the crowd of diplomats, government officials, police and army generals in bright chandelier hall to witness the signing. Stronghold in the southern Philippines, thousands of guerrillas waving flags, gathered to celebrate.
The framework agreement will bring before us the violence claimed the end of so many lives, and so much shorter futures, "Najib said. He said the deal would protect the rights of minority Muslims, while preserving the territorial integrity of the Philippines.
"Forty years later, peace is attainable," he said, adding that he hoped that the displacement of a large number of Filipino decades of conflict, including many people fled to Malaysia will be able to return to a normal life.
But he warned that the agreement "does not solve all problems, its parameter settings, you can find peace."
The 13-page document outlines a general agreement on the major issues, including a new called the powers conferred by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Bangsa Moro mainly Roman Catholic country, the degree of income and territory. Will gradually be replaced by a large number of Army troops by a regional police, which may gain qualified guerrillas, government officials and rebels said.
It called for the establishment of a 15-member transition committee, the drafting of a law to establish a new Muslim area management. 11000 rebel army would be phased out "can not use" the agreement said, there is no specified timetable.
Aquino also said that much work remains to be done, "the devil is in the details", but his government was committed to the south of the country. , Government negotiator Marvic Leonen said in a final peace agreement negotiations will start next month in Malaysia and the goal of both the drafting is completed this year.
Murad said the agreement after nearly 16 years of arduous negotiations interspersed with the armed confrontation "is" a landmark document, restore the Bangsa Moro identity of our people and their homes, they have the right to manage their own forces develop their own fate and future of the hands. "
Sonny Davao, said the deputy director of the rebel army, the commanders of the guerrillas to prepare from armed struggle to help the region to establish a new Muslim management.
"We have to transform ourselves, because we have the responsibility and obligation to our people and the Islamic world, said:" Davao, shed his camouflage fatigues, dark coat and tie, attended the signing ceremony.
The agreement says that the new Muslim-fill area will replace the existing Self-Governing Territories by the five countries with the poorest and most violent provinces.
The Territory is a peace agreement by the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996, but is considered to be a failure, because it does not end the conflict, the rebels have not been disarmed and no improvement in the lives of Muslims. Corruption, political violence and crime, such as kidnapping and extortion persists, the Moro groups continue to fight for autonomy.
Another preliminary agreement, was overthrown in 2008, the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional, because it would create an independent state.
Western governments have been worried that al-Qaeda linked militants from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to seek cooperation with the Philippine insurgency combat training, and the presence of a small amount of.
Those extremist organization, the Abu Sayyaf, not part of any negotiations, but I hope that the peace agreement will be isolated militants, let them sanctuary and logistical support they have received from the rebel commanders.
One of those hard-line commander, Ameril Umbra Kato broke last year from the main Moro militants. Kato's forces attacked in August, prompting the military offensive killed more than 50 fighters in the 200 strong rebel faction.
Spokesman Abu · Misri Mammah on the Kato's forces, said on Sunday that his team does not recognize the peace agreement.
"This is a surrender," he said. He said: "We will not waver in our armed struggle, and to continue the pursuit of a separate Muslim homeland, not a creation of politicians."
Rebel negotiating team members Michael · Masitula, guerrilla leaders must establish a strong peace agreement, and can withstand any strong hardcore opposition.
Masitula in an interview with reporters, said, "It is very easy, just collect a few men and interference, because many guns around, but this is not a mainstream line. "This is why we have to show that this is the way instead of their way."
Iqbal said his group will not lay down their arms until the end of the final peace agreement. He said that the rebels can form a political party in a democratic election opportunities in leading autonomous regions.




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