‘Halting peace talks won’t stop violence’
MANILA, Philippines - Former Scotland first minister Jack McConnell believes stopping the peace process in Mindanao is not the solution to violence following the death of more than 60 people, including civilians, during the shootout in Mamasapano, Maguindanao between police commandos and Moro secessionists.
In a statement released through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, McConnell, who visited the country recently, said the Philippines must investigate and exact accountability for the slaughter of 44 police commandos while pursuing the peace process.
“The solution to violence is not to stop the path of peace,” he said.
McConnell, Scotland’s youngest first minister from 2001 to 2007, has had experience with the Northern Irish peace process and Scottish devolution.
McConnell said members of Congress should not only think about the present, but also “10 to 15 years from now.”
“It is in these moments that leaders need to look at the long term,” he said.
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