Indonesian FM calls for peace in Mindanao

JAKARTA (Xinhua) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa today called for an end to the ongoing standoff between militants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Philippine military, and offered to help  restore peace in that region.

"As a neighboring country and the facilitator of peace agreement between the Philippines government and MNLF in 1996, Indonesia called on the feuding parties to refrain themselves and assure the safety of civilians," Marty said, adding that the Indonesian government was deeply concerned about the development of the standoff that has been going on since Monday this week.

"Peace solution is the only option that should be adopted by both feuding parties," the minister said.

He added that the efforts to produce peace solution should be based on the points stipulated in 1996 Final Peace Agreement that already approved by the two parties.

"The 1996 agreement is the base for efforts to settle the problems in Southern Philippines fairly, comprehensively and in a sustainable manner," he said.

Marty added that Indonesia would be ready should parties involved in the standoff asked for its contribution in restoring peace in Southern Philippines that are close to the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan.

At least four people have been killed since the standoff erupted on Monday, reports said. Government had suspended flights from and to Zamboanga city in Mindanao province following the escalating of gunbattle between the military and MNLF militias.

MNLF  was established in 1971 with an aim to set up an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines.