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Civil Society Peace Organizations Appeal to IMT |
Civil Society Peace Organizations Appeal to IMT: Stay and Help Keep the Peace in Mindanao
Media Statement
5 May 2008
 The Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN), the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict-Philippines (GPPAC-Philippines), United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), Generation Peace, and Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party List express concern over the reported downsizing and eventual pull-out of the International Monitoring Team in Mindanao.
The MSN which is a Manila- based network of peace advocates and organizations supporting the peace process in Mindanao echoes the statements of its Mindanao partners appealing for the IMT to stay and continue to support the ceasefire between the GRP and MILF. The GPPAC as a civil society movement worldwide promoting conflict prevention and the role of civil society in peacebuilding is alarmed of the repercussions of this decision by the Malaysian government. Civil Society peace organizations view the IMT as an effective conflict prevention and early warning mechanism that facilitates and supports the resolution of the centuries old Mindanao conflict.
The presence of IMT is a vital component of the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, for which Malaysia is the main facilitator. IMT's significant role in the overall peace process in Mindanao cannot be denied. Its leading role has effectively maintained a situation conducive to peace negotiations and prevented armed hostilities between the conflicting parties in Mindanao.
Generation Peace, which is a national youth peace network , including UNYPAD, a national Moro youth network for peace and development, has launched an activity of gathering digital photos as a form of petition signing for the IMT to remain in its crucial role.
Together, these peace networks are appealing to the Malaysian government to reconsider its decision, as they urge the Philippine government to ensure definite progress in the peace process and demonstrate to Malaysia, and the rest of the international community and most especially to the Bangsa Moro People its resolve to conclude the peace negotiations and implement a peace agreement with the MILF.
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