August 28, 2013
MANILA, Philippines – In a joint statement Monday (August 26th), negotiators reported "significant progress" was achieved in the latest round of talks between the government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aimed at bringing peace to Mindanao, media reported.
Both sides said their 39th preliminary meeting, which concluded Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, ended on a positive note and they would meet again next month to discuss the two remaining key issues: power sharing and normalisation, The Gulf Today reported.
"Despite the sensitivity of these issues, the parties remain committed to the problem-solving approach in order to reach a consensus," said the statement, signed by chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and her MILF counterpart Mohagher Iqbal.
"In the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding, they are confident that an agreement will be reached soon."
Iqbal told Rappler.com there was a "big chance" the last two annexes to the comprehensive peace agreement will be signed during the next meeting.