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MILF: Sulu sultanate part of the peace process
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday said the peace talks are anchored on people-centered agenda and the Sulu sultanate should feel it is a part of the process. The MILF, which has been in peace negotiations with Philippine government, brokered by Malaysia, reacted on Friday amid the current standoff between the Malaysia and the armed followers of the Sulu sultanate in the Sabah land dispute.The MILF on its website said the discussions have been inclusive and that all factors have been considered and accommodated particularly the sentiments of the sultanates. The statement said, It is fully admitted that the role of the sultanates is well recorded in the niche of Moro history and we are always proud of it. Had they not withstood the invasions of colonizers, there would have been no Moros and Islam today in Mindanao." The core is to restore back to our people the right to govern themselves, which was deprived of them when the so-called Philippine Republic was established in 1946, it continued. New attention was brought to the claim when hundreds of armed followers of the Sulu sultanate sailed to Sabah and started to camp at Lahad Datu more than week ago. The groups leaders asked the Malaysian government to return to them authority over Sabah, now a Malaysian state, but formerly part of the Sulu sultanate. The descendants of Sultan of Sulu said they decided to reclaim Sabah after being sidelined in the negotiations between the government and the MILF. They have refused to vacate the area amid appeals from the governments of Malaysia and the Philippines. The MILF said it recognizes the power once held by the sultanates in southern Philippines. The MILF are expected to sign a comprehensive agreement with the Philippine government next month to formally start the transition process in creating the new Bangsamoro region. The Philippine Navy has increased its cross-border patrols in the waters between Malaysia and the Philippines to prevent movement of armed groups during the standoff in Sabah. Posted by: ryuge 2013-02-23 |
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