October 9, 2012 News: The Governments of the United States of America (USA) and Australia expressed their official statements welcoming the historic Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro forged by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

His Excellency US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas in the Philippines in his statement made n October 7, 2012 said “We welcome the announcement by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that the two sides finalized a framework peace agreement.”

“While much work remains, successful implementation of this agreement would improve security, stability, and development for the people of Mindanao,” Ambassador Thomas said.

“The United States has long supported peace and stability in Mindanao.  We will continue to look for ways to support the people of Mindanao as they accelerate broad-based and inclusive growth,” the American Ambassador said.

“We also acknowledge the deliberate steps by all parties to maintain the cease-fire that has been in place since 2009. We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines,” he said.

In the media release of the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Bob Carr welcomed the framework agreement reached by the government and MILF.

Senator Carr statements were issued following the announcement in the afternoon of Sunday October 7, 2012 made by His Excellency President Benigno Simoen Aquino III of the forging of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro, which both the GPH and MILF stressed as historic.

Minister Carr said the agreement offered hope that the 28-year conflict in Mindanao could be drawing to a close.

“This agreement is testament to the commitment of both the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the concept of a peaceful settlement,” Senator Carr said.

“I particularly acknowledge the leadership of Philippines President Benigno Aquino, who has been a strong advocate for peace.”

Australia is contributing to peace and security in Mindanao through support for basic education, governance reforms and strengthening community resilience by working with local government, security forces, citizens and civil society groups on conflict resolution. The core of Australia’s aid program in conflict-affected areas is to improve the quality of and access to basic education across 3,000 schools, including Islamic pre-schools.

For his part, Ghazali Jaafar, First Vice Chairman of the MILF, conveyed the gratitude and appreciation of the Bangsamoro people and MILF for the positive statements and commitment of support from the two powerful countries of the world.

“The MILF and the Bangsamoro people is indeed very happy of the outpouring of support from the international community and powerful states to the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro,” Jaafar said.

In the press statement, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said “The MILF Central Committee, nonetheless, shares this fruit of the struggle with the Bangsamoro people and the indigenous communities of Mindanao and joins them in celebrating this milestone victory of peace and justice over war and continuous conflict. “

“The MILF Central Committee also expresses its full appreciation to His Excellency, President Benigno Aquino III, whose unflinching commitment to justice and reforms has been amply manifested by the exercise of his resolute political will to resolve the Bangsamoro Question on the negotiating table, “Chairman Murad said.

“The MILF Central Committee likewise conveys its gratitude to the Government of Malaysia under the leadership of His Excellency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, for its consistent support to, and facilitation of, the peace negotiation, as well as to the members of the International Contact Group (ICG), both state and non-state, for their unfaltering help in ensuring that the peace negotiation achieves the desired result,” Murad said.