Nobel laureate offers aid for Mindanao agreement

A British Nobel peace laureate has expressed support and offered assistance for the historic framework agreement aimed at bringing lasting peace and ending decades-long war and violence in Mindanao.

Lord David Trimble pointed out that giving up violence and tackling problems peacefully through the democratic process are vital in helping achieve peace.

Trimble arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday for a five-day visit including talks with Secretary Teresita Deles, the adviser of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino on the peace process, and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed the framework agreement in Malacanang Palace on Oct.15.

On Saturday, Trimble brought his message of peace in his talks with Ghadzali Jaafar, the MILF political affairs chief, at the front’s main camp in Maguindanao.

He reiterated his observation on the urgent need not only for co-operation between the two parties but also public support to make the Mindanao peace process succeed.

Trimble, now a Conservative peer in Britain’s House of Lords, received the Nobel Peace Prize in October 1998 together with Labour Party founder John Hume for their successful efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland.

He acknowledged that the conflict in Northern Ireland was different from the secessionist movement in Mindanao. [More]

SOURCE:

Gulf Today