Sunday, October 14, 2012

Philippine Peace Plan

For forty years there has been conflict in the Philippines with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MILF is the country's largest Muslim rebel group. Conflict between MILF and the Philippines has cost around 120,000 deaths. For the last 15 years, negotiations with MILF has ended in violence. The framework of this agreement, though, states that the parties are committed to  reaching a "comprehensive deal" by the end of the year. The agreement provides for a new autonomous region in part of the south where Muslims are a majority in a mainly Catholic nation. President Benigno Aquino announced the deal last week, but warned that there was still much work to be done. Though, it is hoped that the agreement will be implemented by the end of Aquino's term in 2016.

Philippines and Muslim rebels set to sign key peace plan

By Abigail Van Hook

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