World | Philippines
Muslims to have wide powers in Philippine deal
Muslims in the Philippines' Mindanao region would have wide powers over their economy if an eventual peace deal with the government pushes through.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:45 August 3, 2008
Manila: Muslims in the Philippines' Mindanao region would have wide powers over their economy if an eventual peace deal with the government pushes through.
A territorial deal for a future government of a new autonomous Muslim region, known as Bangsamoro homeland, is set to be signed in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Under the territorial deal, the Bangsamoro government would earn 75 per cent of central government revenues from the exploitation of minerals and other natural resources, set up trade missions in foreign countries and participate in meetings of the Association of South East Asian Nations.
However, it would not have control over defence, foreign, postal and monetary policy.
"It is essential to lay the foundation of the Bangsamoro homeland in order to address the Bangsamoro people's humanitarian and economic needs as well as their political aspirations," the document reads.
The territorial deal took over 10 years to negotiate and is a crucial step towards the resumption of formal peace talks between Philippine Muslim rebels and the government.
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