ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 07 Jan) -- The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday assured Manila of its support to the new government peace adviser, Jesus Dureza, and urged him to help in the ongoing peace talks in an effort to end the more three decades of fighting in Mindanao.
President Gloria Arroyo appointed Dureza on Friday as presidential adviser on the peace process, in-charge of all peace negotiations with the Muslim and communist insurgents.
President Gloria Arroyo appointed Dureza on Friday as presidential adviser on the peace process, in-charge of all peace negotiations with the Muslim and communist insurgents.
Dureza replaced Teresita Deles who resigned last year.
"We welcome the appointment of Secy. Jesus Dureza and we are optimistic that with his vast experience in peace negotiations and background on the problems of Mindanao, he will be able to help and contribute largely to the ongoing peace talks between the MILF and the government," Eid Kabalu, a rebel spokesman, told the Zamboanga Journal.
Dureza was former government chief peace negotiator who played a key role in forging a truce with the MILF in 2001, until his appointment as chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council.
Kabalu said the MILF will work closely with Dureza and help in the government's rehabilitation efforts in Mindanao, especially in poor Muslim communities.
"We welcome the appointment of Secy. Jesus Dureza and we are optimistic that with his vast experience in peace negotiations and background on the problems of Mindanao, he will be able to help and contribute largely to the ongoing peace talks between the MILF and the government," Eid Kabalu, a rebel spokesman, told the Zamboanga Journal.
Dureza was former government chief peace negotiator who played a key role in forging a truce with the MILF in 2001, until his appointment as chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council.
Kabalu said the MILF will work closely with Dureza and help in the government's rehabilitation efforts in Mindanao, especially in poor Muslim communities.
"There is a lot of work in Mindanao and we really want to help in developing the region into a peace zone, and Secy. Dureza can help us realize this dream by sincerely demonstrating his solid commitment to the peace process," he said.
The Moro National Liberation Front-Islamic Command Council, under Habib Hashim, also hailed Dureza's appointment.
"In behalf of the Bangsamoro people, we welcome the appointment of Jesus Dureza, as chairman of the OPAP," Hashim said.
Mindanao political leaders and many civic and business organizations praised Dureza's appointment, saying, he is well respected and active in pursuing the government's peace agenda in the south.
Dureza, who was former Davao City congressman, is also President Arroyo's adviser for Mindanao affairs.
As Arroyo's peace adviser, Dureza is to pursue a comprehensive community-based peace process reflecting the sentiments, values and principles important to all Filipinos.
Sylvestre Afable is the government chief peace negotiator for the MILF.
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