Brussels, 31/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 27 March, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton warmly welcomed the signing in Manila of a full agreement on Bansamoro.
“The signature of this agreement, which should set the conditions for lasting peace, is a truly historic and welcome moment for the people of the Philippines. This achievement will undoubtedly re-enforce the willingness of all parties to take the necessary steps to implement the agreement. The European Union, as a long-term supporter of the peace process in Mindanao, a member of the International Monitoring Team and a major development partner, will continue to lend its full support to the implementation of this agreement”, said Ashton. The Filipino president and the head of the biggest Muslim separatist group signed a peace agreement to put an end to 40 years of guerrilla warfare on Bansamoro island in the south of the country, in which more than 150,000 people have lost their lives to date. (CG)