PRESS RELEASE
May 13, 2008

HATAMAN ASKS MALAYSIA TO STAY, BUT WELCOMES LIBYAN SUPPORT

House Resolution No. 578 filed by Anak Mindanao Representative Mujiv S. Hataman yesterday, May 12, 2008 was supported by at least 74 other Representatives including House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles.
 
Responding to the current issue concerning the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the legislative measure was a Resolution expressing the sense of the House on the pull out of the Malaysian contingent from the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and join the appeal to the Malaysian government to continue its engagement in the said IMT and the peace process.
 
“We recognize the gains of the IMT under the leadership of the Malaysian contingent especially in monitoring the parties’ (GRP and MILF) adherence to the agreements in the ground thereby providing a conducive atmosphere for negotiations,” Hataman said.
 
“Most of all, we acknowledge and are grateful for their effective mechanisms in ensuring the implementation of ceasefire agreements and cessation of hostilities,” he further said.
 
However, in a news report published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer today, May 13, 2008, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front allegedly welcomed the offer of Libya to send more contingent and take the place of Malaysia as head of the IMT.
 
“We welcome this development and appreciate Libya ’s interest to help us. Libya ’s experience with the Moro issue is beyond reproach since they have been involved with the Moro people’s struggle since the 70’s. However, as reported, the offer has not been made formal so it’s not yet official. Nonetheless, the issue of Malaysia ’s withdrawal must not be simply forgotten. The reasons why they pulled out must be addressed otherwise, all other nations may come in and offer their assistance, but everything will remain futile.”