Philippines peace deal significant: Iran’s Foreign Ministry

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim (2nd L) gives a gong to Philippines President Benigno Aquino (R) during a meeting at the presidential palace in Manila on October 15, 2012.

Thu Oct 18, 2012 11:9AM GMT

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Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast assesses as “important” a landmark peace pact between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), saying Tehran supports peace talks.

Mehmanparast expressed hope that the sides would sign the final agreement in the near future by holding constructive negotiations in order to establish peace, stability and economic development in the southern Mindanao region.

On Monday, Philippines President Benigno Aquino and MILF chief Murad Ebrahim signed the peace pact in the capital Manila to ink the “framework agreement.”

According to the peace agreement, the Philippine government will establish an autonomous region in the Mindanao which is the second largest and easternmost island in the country to be controlled by the minority Muslims.

Reports say that the peace agreement is set to be signed on October 15 in Manila.

MILF has been fighting for independence since the early 1970s.

The conflict between the government and the separatist group has reportedly left more than 15,000 people dead.

SF/MA