Asia-Pacific

UK agrees to joining Int'l Contact Group in S Phil.

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-01 17:35

MANILA: United Kingdom has accepted the joint invitation of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be part of the ongoing peace process in southern Philippines by joining the International Contact group ( ICG) that will serve as guarantors to the negotiations.

"I am happy to accept the invitation on behalf of the UK government. I hope the ICG will help both parties in their efforts to work for a lasting and just peace in Mindanao," British Ambassador Stephen Lillie said on Tuesday.

UK will join Turkey and Japan in the ICG. Both negotiating panels are still waiting for Saudi Arabia's confirmation on joining the ICG.

The ICG is envisioned to provide support to the negotiations. Its creation is expected to pave the way for the resumption of formal peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF, the largest group battling for self-rule in Mindanao.

A final peace agreement is crucial in ending more than four decades of Muslim rebellion in Southern Philippines.