ARMM peace summit kicks off today

                                                 ARMM Peace Summit kicks off today

                                                                                            RIC CLET

COTABATO CITY – All roads  lead to this Southern Island today for  foreign and national dignitaries  to discuss  possible solutions affecting peace and development in Mindanao. organizers said.

Organizers of this momentous event  of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) noted that the  summit is aimed at helping to create a paradigm for peace and development thrusts that may serve as reference of the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in their imminent resumption of peace talks.

In his report, Ali Macabalang, ARMM  Chief of Bureau of  Information noted that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which is pushing for the full implementation of the provisions of its 1996 final peace accord with the government, has confirmed participation in the summit, while the MILF leadership has declined to join the gathering in view of a mechanism it has reportedly agreed with the state in the would-be renewed peace talks.

Envoys from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries belonging to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) are the guests alongside with Western and European states who have also confirmed attendance.

Philippine authorities from the military and the police had secured the area. The two day summit is the culmination of the previous peace summit which was held at the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi Tawi prior to this consultations

" Abdullah Cusain, ARMM deputy executive secretary, noted at least 11 major issues dealing with concerns for the enhancement of autonomy and proactive peace efforts in Muslim Mindanao have been collated for deliberation at the summit", Macabalang said.

ARMM acting Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong, will welcome the guests and visitors, in his   recent statements he urged his constituents to "think, talk and work for peace" in order to shape a peaceful climate in the region.

Local officials of Cotabato City and the ARMM will  deliver their respective messages on the significance  of the two day summit.