GRP-MNLF Joint Press Statement drafted in Tripoli, Libya

Tripoli, Libya, 19 May 2008

Under the auspicious of Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, a fruitful meeting was held today 19/5/2008 in Tripoli, between the leadership of the MNLF and H.E. Jess Dureza, the presidential advisor for the peace process in Mindanao.

During the discussions the leadership of the MNLF expressed their concern regarding the slow pace of the implementation of the final peace agreement of 1996, and called upn the government of the republic of the Philippines, to enable the MNLF the governance of the autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao ARMM, and expressed their appreciation on the initiative of the government of the republic of the Philippines on its plan to establish a federal system, and urge the GRP to involve the MNLF in this political exercise.

They also welcomed the good offices of the foundation which resulted in the release of Nur Misuari, and called upon the government of the Philippines to issue a general amnesty for all member of the MNLF, which were accused of rebellion.

On this part, the presidential advisor emphasized the commitment of the president of the republic of the Philippines government to continue of the peace process and full implementation of peace agreement 1996, and promised to convey their concerns to the president and government of the republic of the Philippines.

Thanks and appreciations were expressed for the continues efforts of the great leader of the revolution Muammar Gaddafi, and chairman of Gaddafi International Charity and development foundation Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi for their sustained efforts for the resolution of the MNLF leadership issue, and their continued support for the just cause of the Bangsamoro People, and realizing peace and development.


Tripoli Declaration on Unity and Reconciliation of the MNLF Leadership

Tripoli 17-18th of May 2008

On the kind invitation of Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) met in Tripoli, Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from May 17th to 18th 2008.

The sole purpose of the meeting was to reach consensus and final agreement to resolve issues of contention among the MNLF groups with the noble aim of achieving unification, reconciliation, and solidarity.

The leaders agreed on the following:

1. To form a transition leadership and unification committee to be composed of the following:

A – Nur Misuari B – Muslimin Sema

C – Dr. Parouk Hussin D – Mujahab Hashim

E – Alvarez Isnaji F – Yusop Jikiri

2. This committee is the sole legitimate body of the MNLF and the only one authorized to enter into any negotiation and agreement.

3. This committee shall be the one to agree on the appropriate way of resolving leadership crisis through democratic process before the end of June 2008.

4. This committee shall prepare a manifesto and a programme of action that shall focus on the political, socio-economic, and other concerns of the Bangsamoro people.

5. This committee shall undertake discussions in order to consolidate the peace process between the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF, including the issues of empowerment, both economic and political, particularly the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governance.

6. This committee shall enter into dialogue with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with a view to cement the unity and solidarity of the two fronts as agreed in previous meetings, with H.E. Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, Chairman of Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation (GICDF).

7. The transition committee shall convene the Bangsamoro people's congress that shall finally decide on the issue of leadership and adopt a programme of action before the end of August 2008.

8. The leaders of the MNLF committed themselves to solely focus their attention on advancing the cause of unity and solidarity, and abide by the decisions of the transition committee.

9. Furthermore, the leaders of the MNLF committed to refrain from taking any actions, and making my announcement contrary to this declaration.

10. The leaders of the MNLF call on the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to reactivate the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) in order to perform its functions as mandated under the September 2, 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

11. The leaders of the MNLF call upon the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to grant general amnesty to all MNLF members who have been charged with rebellion.

12. The leaders of the MNLF express their appreciation on the initiative of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on its plan to establish a federal system, and urge the GRP to involve the MNLF in this political exercise.

13. The leaders of the MNLF urge the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to involve the MNLF in the GRP-MILF peace talks.

The leaders of the MNLF express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the great leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, and Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, Chairman of the Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, for their sustained efforts for the resolution of the MNLF leadership issue, and their continued support for the just cause of the Bangsamoro people, and realizing peace and development.

Issued and signed by the leaders of the MNLF on the 18th of May 2008, in Tripoli, Libya.

Mujahab Hashim Hatimin Hassan
Muslimin Sema Parouk Hussin
Yusop Jikiri Thambeyapa Manjoorsa
Abdul Sahrin Sharif Jain Jali
Alvarez Isnaji Samsula Adju

Typhoon Kills 29 Filipinos in Pangasinan Philippines

The number of fatalities in the aftermath of typhoon "Cosme" in Pangasinan has climbed to 29, according to the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC).

Paterno Orduna, PDCC executive officer, said the latest fatality was three year-old Tisoy Cayabyab who drowned in Portic, Bugallon.

Orduna said the reports of fatalities, including on damages are received by the PDCC in trickles due to lack of electric supply and communications.

Three others were reported dead in Bugallon, four in Dagupan City, one each in Aguilar, Mabini, Mangaldan and Mangatarem, three each in Infanta and San Carlos City, four in Lingayen, and two each in Sta. Barbara, Sual and Urdanedta City.

The PDCC said the number of totally damaged houses has now risen to 19,538 and the partially damaged houses to 40,902.

Total crop damages were placed at P1.8 billion. Of these, P987 million were lost on crops and P854 million on fisheries. - Philippine News Agency