Japan pledges funds for southern areas

Manila: Japan has promised more funds to develop areas occupied by Filipino Muslims in the south.

But the money will only arrive once the government and the rebels reach a peace agreement, the insurgents' website Luwaran reported.

It said Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines, Makoto Katsura, gave the assurance during a meeting with Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the head of the central committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"The government of Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to support the peace process in Mindanao," Katsura was quoted as saying.

"Japan has a moral obligation to help its neighbours in Asia without any political ambition and interests other than sincere hope."

The meeting could not be independently verified because offices in Manila were closed yesterday due to All Saints Day.

The report contained a picture of Katsura and Murad at the meeting.

Also attending were: Ghazali Jaafar, Vice Chairman of the MILF for Political Affairs; Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Negotiating Panel Chairman and Sammy Al Mansoor, Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

Spending

The Japanese have already spent millions of pesos under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, which oversees how the fund is used.

A study for the socio-economic reconstruction and development of conflict affected areas in Mindanao has been ongoing for nearly a year.

The study will be used by the MILF as a master plan for development programmes and initiatives.

Aside from socio-economic development assistance and infrastructure projects, Japanese assistance will also focus on peace building and conflict resolution.

Murad said the assistance was a tremendous help which significantly complements the peace process, particularly on the socio-economic aspect.

Murad also asked Ambassador Katsura to help in the political aspect of the process. Katsura promised to coordinate with the government of Malaysia. Malaysia acts as the third party facilitator for the ongoing peace process.

Murad also updated Katsura on the latest special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, which resulted to the ironing out of some obstacles on the territorial agenda of the peace talks.

"I see more challenges ahead on the political negotiations. That is why we need more help from the international community and the local key players of the peace process," Murad added.

Ambassador Katsura also turned over a Japanese Embassy-supported training centre for women in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, that will help widows of MILF rebels.