Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MANILA1903
2006-05-04 01:40:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Manila
Cable title:
GMA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MILF PEACE PROSPECTS;
how-toVZCZCXRO3470 RR RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHML #1903 1240140 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 040140Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY MANILA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0816 INFO RUEHZS/ASEAN COLLECTIVE RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC//OSD/ISA/AP// RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
UNCLAS MANILA 001903
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM A/S HILLEN, EAP, AND EAP/MTS
USPACOM ALSO FOR FPA HUSO
SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP FOR ALLEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR PARM RP
SUBJECT: GMA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MILF PEACE PROSPECTS;
POTENTIAL NEED FOR ASSISTANCE WITH DISARMAMENT
UNCLAS MANILA 001903
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM A/S HILLEN, EAP, AND EAP/MTS
USPACOM ALSO FOR FPA HUSO
SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP FOR ALLEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR PARM RP
SUBJECT: GMA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MILF PEACE PROSPECTS;
POTENTIAL NEED FOR ASSISTANCE WITH DISARMAMENT
1. (U) This message is sensitive, but unclassified. Please
handle accordingly.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: During an April 28 event with the
Ambassador, President Arroyo reiterated optimism about
prospects for peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) in 2006. Senior GRP officials commented that an
effective disarmament program would help the peace process
succeed. The Ambassador suggested that President Arroyo
raise this issue with Assistant Secretary for Political-
Military Affairs Hillen during his upcoming visit. END
SUMMARY.
3. (SBU) On the margins of an April 28 ceremony turning
over a refurbished C-130 to the Philippine Air Force (PAF),
President Arroyo discussed with the Ambassador prospects for
peace with the MILF. Also present were Defense Secretary
Cruz, Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Dureza,
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General
Senga, PAF Commander Lieutenant General Reyes, Army Chief
Lieutenant General Esperon, and JUSMAG Chief Colonel
Velasco. President Arroyo stated that the GRP and MILF had
made important progress on the issue of ancestral domain,
which has been a major hurdle. President Arroyo added that
she believed the MILF is ready for peace, and reiterated
optimism about prospects of an agreement before the end of
2006.
4. (SBU) General Senga and Presidential Advisor Dureza
commented that, for the peace process to succeed, the GRP
had to find a means of buying loose weapons and destroying
them. Secretary Cruz and other officials asked about
international donor assistance with weapons destruction.
Ambassador noted PM's Small Arms/Light Weapons Destruction
Program, in which President Arroyo expressed keen interest.
The Ambassador suggested the President raise this issue with
Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs John
Hillen during his upcoming visit to the Philippines.
KENNEY
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM A/S HILLEN, EAP, AND EAP/MTS
USPACOM ALSO FOR FPA HUSO
SECDEF/OSD/ISA/AP FOR ALLEN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR PARM RP
SUBJECT: GMA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MILF PEACE PROSPECTS;
POTENTIAL NEED FOR ASSISTANCE WITH DISARMAMENT
1. (U) This message is sensitive, but unclassified. Please
handle accordingly.
2. (SBU) SUMMARY: During an April 28 event with the
Ambassador, President Arroyo reiterated optimism about
prospects for peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) in 2006. Senior GRP officials commented that an
effective disarmament program would help the peace process
succeed. The Ambassador suggested that President Arroyo
raise this issue with Assistant Secretary for Political-
Military Affairs Hillen during his upcoming visit. END
SUMMARY.
3. (SBU) On the margins of an April 28 ceremony turning
over a refurbished C-130 to the Philippine Air Force (PAF),
President Arroyo discussed with the Ambassador prospects for
peace with the MILF. Also present were Defense Secretary
Cruz, Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Dureza,
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General
Senga, PAF Commander Lieutenant General Reyes, Army Chief
Lieutenant General Esperon, and JUSMAG Chief Colonel
Velasco. President Arroyo stated that the GRP and MILF had
made important progress on the issue of ancestral domain,
which has been a major hurdle. President Arroyo added that
she believed the MILF is ready for peace, and reiterated
optimism about prospects of an agreement before the end of
2006.
4. (SBU) General Senga and Presidential Advisor Dureza
commented that, for the peace process to succeed, the GRP
had to find a means of buying loose weapons and destroying
them. Secretary Cruz and other officials asked about
international donor assistance with weapons destruction.
Ambassador noted PM's Small Arms/Light Weapons Destruction
Program, in which President Arroyo expressed keen interest.
The Ambassador suggested the President raise this issue with
Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs John
Hillen during his upcoming visit to the Philippines.
KENNEY