July 21, 2012 Newssparticpation of the European Union (EU) in the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT), specifically its Humanitarian, Rehabilitation, and Development (HRDC) Component will continue, a report reaching Luwaran today.

The report, citing a reliable source, said that the decision to continue their role in the IMT was finalized following its adoption by the European Commission last June 29.

The decision also outlined a new programme of support for the peace-making in Mindanao by the EU.

The EU sent Miss Cynthia Petrigh to handle the Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), while Susan Robertson takes charge of the development aspect.

However, Petrigh’s contract with EU had ended last month and her replacement is expected to arrive soon.

Asked to comment on the EU’s continuing commitment to the peace process, Muhammad Ameen, head of the MILF Secretariat, told this website that it is indeed a positive development that would give inspirations to the parties to strive further to resolve the Moro Question and the armed conflict in Mindanao.

He said the leadership of the MILF is very grateful to the EU for their valuable contribution to the peace process.

“This is an indication of the EU strong commitment to provide support to the GPH-MILF peace negotiation,” he stressed.

In another development, fasting for the month of Ramadan will officially start on Saturday, July 21, following the non-sighting of the moon in Mindanao

Ustadz Omar Pasigan, chair of the Darul Ifta, announced over radio stations in Cotabato City that all those authorized to see the moon in various points in Mindanao including Tawi-Tawi failed to see any sign of the new moon.

He said that the ruling in Islam said that if the new moon is not sighted on the 30th day of Sha’ban, then Muslims should fast not on the morrow but on the next day.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which every Muslim is under obligation to perform if they are not sick or in journey.

The other four are: Testimony of faith, five times daily prayers, paying the poor’s due, and pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are physically and financially capable.

Those in journey, however, are required to pay by fasting the omitted days when they return home from their journey.