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MANILA, Philippines – Indonesia, which brokered the successful peace negotiations between the Ramos government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), is calling for a peaceful resolution of the Zamboanga siege.
In a statement on Monday, September 15, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty M. Natalegawa stressed: “Peaceful solution is the only option that should be taken by both parties.”
He said Indonesia is “always ready, at the request of stakeholders, to contribute appropriately to the restoration of conditions” in Zamboanga City.
At least 51 MNLF members have been killed in the weeklong standoff, while close to 70,000 residents have been evacuated from the villages affected. On the 8th day of the siege on Monday, the military launched air strikes against MNLF targets.
READ: AFP launches air strikes vs rebels
Indonesia facilitated the talks between the Ramos government and the MNLF that led to the signing of a peace agreement in Jakarta in September 1996.
READ: Misuari, myths and the MNLF
It is also host to the ongoing talks to review the implementation of the said agreement.
On September 9, MNLF members loyal to founder Nur Misuari seized 4 coastal villages of Zamboanga City, demanding that the Aquino government heed their plea for a review of the agreement. The attack came on the day the Aquino government was scheduled to resume its talks with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Malaysia is the host of the talks with the MILF. – Rappler.com
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