World | Philippines
Japan to step up aid for peace in Mindanao
Japan will take a more active role in helping the Philippines end nearly 40 years of Muslim rebellion by starting development projects in conflict-affected areas in the south, Japan's foreign minister said yesterday.
- Reuters
- Published: 21:10 July 23, 2006
Manila: Japan will take a more active role in helping the Philippines end nearly 40 years of Muslim rebellion by starting development projects in conflict-affected areas in the south, Japan's foreign minister said yesterday.
In Manila to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Taro Aso told President Gloria Arroyo that Tokyo, which brutally occupied the Philippines during First World War would send a development expert to the restive southern region of Mindanao.
Peace talks between the government of the mainly Catholic Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest rebel group, have stalled over the size of a proposed homeland for Muslims in the south.
The rebels' chief peace negotiator told Reuters on Saturday the MILF was awaiting a new proposal from Manila to widen the area designated as Muslim ancestral lands and did not expect to resume talks in the next three months.
A Japanese diplomat however said Tokyo, the largest provider of official development assistance to the Philippines, was optimistic that a peace agreement was close.
The MILF welcomed Japan's willingness to build classrooms, water supply systems and health care centres before a peace pact had been signed. The group had asked for Japan's help as early as December 2004.
"This is a giant leap for the peace process; it may encourage other nations, especially the European Union, to support the peace process," said Mohaqher Iqbal, the MILF's chief peace negotiator.
The MILF, with the help of Malaysia, has been negotiating with Manila since 1997 to halt a conflict that has killed more than 120,000 and held back development of the south, which is rich in oil, minerals and agricultural goods.
Manila had also hoped to sign a free-trade agreement with Japan by July 23, declared "Philippines-Japan Friendship Day" by Arroyo.
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