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Leaders want peace 'summit'

Successful negotiation 'should be the business of all stakeholders, especially the communities'
Leaders want peace 'summit'
Published: July 07, 2011 10:38 AM GMT
Updated: October 31, 2023 06:24 AM GMT

Church, government and civil leaders in the south plan to meet on July 15 to support the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels. Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro, who is leading the peace initiative, said the Church is interested in the peace process because of its unique mission of “bringing and spreading Pax Christi (peace of Christ) to the whole world.” Peace advocates, local officials and legislators are expected to attend the meeting.  “Local government units, Churches and civil society groups are closely monitoring developments in the current peace processes,” said Archbishop Ledesma. “Never again should we gamble for peace. Peace should not be left only to the hands of the negotiators. We should now contribute solutions and be part of the process,” he said. Paul Richard Paraguya, a peace advocate, said government officials and Church leaders are one in the belief that “peace in Mindanao should not be left to the negotiators alone.” He said the peace processes “should be the business of all stakeholders, especially the communities.” He added that “they have to be on the same page in every aspect and stages of the talks.” “Whatever happens to the formal peace talks, it is always the communities who are on the losing end…. Armed conflict is usually in the communities and not in the offices of national governments and homes of peace negotiators,” the prelate said. Paraguya said the Church plays a big role in making local leaders meet with legislators. “The local governments at the same time are now very interested to connect with stakeholders,” he said. He said the objective of the coming meeting is to start a genuine process of gathering together for dialogue to transform conflict into good governance. “The dialogue will try to find creative means to solve humanely the present poverty and inequity in our communities,” Paraguya said.

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