Arroyo assures Muslims of peace in Ramadan

10/15/2004 9:58:00 AM GMT

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo marked on Friday the beginning of the Muslims’ fasting month of Ramadan by saying that the government is about to reach a peace deal with Islamic rebels in the country's south.

"In Mindanao, peace is at hand," Arroyo said addressing the country's Muslim minority.

"We have a ceasefire that is working and one which both sides in the conflict assiduously strive to maintain," she said, referring to a ceasefire signed with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2002.

“Across the negotiating table, we must pursue a comprehensive and durable solution to the problems of Mindanao, a land of promise but whose promise had never been fulfilled. I shall strive to fulfill that promise,” the President said.

"Our dream for our Muslim brothers is for each and every one to attain their aspirations for peace and a better life. This shall be my government's unflagging goal," Arroyo said, citing efforts to boost Muslim communities in the country.

Arroyo also called on all Filipinos to learn from the Muslims’ attitude during the holy month of Ramadan, saying this would be an opportunity to observe self-denial and self-sacrifice amid poverty and hunger that the country suffers.

“I join the Muslim Filipino community in marking this month of sacrifice and self-denial. This is a timely event in an era of challenge, renewal, and reform,” she said.

She added that the Muslim community’s quest for peace and better life are among the top priorities in her agenda, which she hopes to fulfill within the coming six years.

The Philippines and the nearly 12,000-strong MILF are set to resume peace talks in Malaysia after Ramadan. A team of Malaysian security experts was formed to monitor the ceasefire in Mindanao.