European envoys visit Cotabato to back peace process

MANILA, Philippines — Ambassadors and officials from the European Union visited Cotabato City from March 14to 16 to reinforce the EU's commitment to the Mindanao peace process and development in the region.

"Our visit to Cotabato City highlights the EU and its member states' continuing support for the Mindanao peace process and development in the region. Our hopes remain high that the positive gains achieved in the peace process will be sustained despite some challenges, especially as the parties remained engaged and committed to continue their journey to peace," EU Ambassador Franz Jessen  said.

"We shall continue to support the efforts of the parties that recently have been reconfirmed in Kuala Lumpur," he added. "We are looking forward to supporting the agenda for peace of the next Administration as we carry on our collaborative efforts with all the concerned stakeholders for peace."

Those who joined were Ambassadors Marion Derckx from the Netherlands, Thomas Ossowski from Germany, Chargés d'Affaires Mihai Sion from Romania, Nigel Boud from the United Kingdom, Deputy Ambassadors Fabio Schina from Italy, Xavier Leblanc from Belgium, Gabrielle Zobl-Kratschmann from Austria, Maria del Carmen Barcia-Bustelo from Spain, Laurent Legodec from France, Attachés Riccardo Dell'Aquila from Italy, Diego Sanchez from the EU Delegation and Programme Manager Edoardo Manfredini who is also from the EU Delegation.

During the tour, the group of ambassadors met with ARMM Representatives, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad and officials of the MILF Central Committee, the Mindanao Humanitarian Team, non-government and civil society organizations involved in peace and development initiatives in Mindanao and the business community

Over the years the European Union has adapted its funding programs to the changing needs of the peace process.

In December last year, the European Union Delegation to the Philippines has launched a new program in support of the peace process and is providing €5.5 million (P275 million) to allow for a smooth transition and to create conditions for the establishment of the autonomous region of the Bangsamoro and the election of its government.

The program contributes to peace building and conflict mitigation, support the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and strengthen local institutions and political processes.

The grants are being chaneled through Conciliation Resources; NGOs such as the Non Violent Peace Forces, Fondation Suisse de Deminage, Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung; United Nations Development Programme and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.