Two lawmakers want US participation in peace talks

Two lawmakers urged President Arroyo yesterday to ask the US to mediate in peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Basilan Rep. Gerry Salapuddin and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos said the Philippines and the US could use the successful peace formula implemented in the Balkans, where Christians and Muslims fought a bloody conflict.

"I am strongly recommending that our government make a formal request to the US to mediate the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF, to assist in bringing about a final peace agreement, and to assist in ensuring the enforcement of the said agreement," said Salapuddin in a statement.

"Since the US continues to interfere in the affairs of the Philippine government and has incessantly manifested their interest and concern for Mindanao, they may as well use their capability in forging a sensible peace agreement," Marcos said.

Salapuddin, a former MILF commander, said the US has a track record in bringing democracy to former Soviet republics in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Marcos said the capability of the US to negotiate a peace agreement has been tested in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia.

Salapuddin said a final peace agreement between the government and the MILF would leave the Abu Sayyaf without any protective umbrella organization.

Marcos said Muslim royals in Mindanao have already written American lawmakers to request that the US broker a peace agreement between the government and the MILF.

Salapuddin said everybody knows that some MILF commanders, not necessarily with the consent of their leaders, have been helping the Abu Sayyaf.

A US role in peace negotiations would not sideline Malaysia, which has greatly helped in facilitating the signing of minor agreements, most of which have not been implemented, he added.

Salapuddin said the US, as the sole superpower, and Malaysia, as a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, could work as partners in bringing "lasting peace" in Mindanao.

Mrs. Arroyo should meet with leaders of Christians, Muslims and lumads in Mindanao to consult them and get their opinions on the matter of American mediation, he added.