Japan renews calls for resumption of GRP-MILF talks

MANILA, Philippines - Japan has reiterated its call for the resumption of peace talks between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as it formalized a $9.5-million food aid effort for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in southern Philippines. Ambassador Makoto Katsura voiced dismay that residents in the conflict-hit areas found themselves in distress again, just as they started to live in peace after prolonged hostilities. "The government of Japan sincerely hopes that a complete cease-fire will be re-established immediately and the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF resumed as soon as possible," Katsura, who witnessed the signing, said at the event. Representatives of the Japanese government signed a grant agreement at ceremonies at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Makati City. Signing the grant agreement were JICA chief representative Norio Matsuda and WFP representative in the Philippines Stephen Anderson. "Through this newly signed agreement, Japan further strengthens its assistance to IDPs on a substantially larger scale than before. I hope this additional support will provide a vital leverage to the rehabilitation efforts for improving the plight of IDPs and enhancing the peace-building process in Mindanao," Katsura said. Aside from Katsura, other witnesses at the signing included Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Undersecretary Nabil Tan, and deputy presidential peace process adviser Ronald Allarey. Diplomatic notes of the emergency aid had been signed and exchanged in Rome last Jan. 23 between Japanese ambassador to Italy Hiroyasu Ando and WFP Deputy Executive Director Sheila Sisulu. Under the food aid program, the Japanese government will extend the assistance through the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP). In 2006, Japan had implemented food aid amounting to 280 million Yen ($2.8 million) for IDPs in the conflict-hit areas in Mindanao also through the WFP. Japan has been implementing various support projects for reconstruction and development in conflict-hit areas in Mindanao down to the grassroots level. In 2006 and 2007, the Japanese government carried out 21 Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) amounting to Y145 million ($1.6 million), and has been implementing, through the Yen loan scheme, the ARMM Social Fund for Peace and Development Project (Y2.470 billion or $27.2 million). Also, Japan has been conducting the Study for Socio-Economic Reconstruction and Development of the Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (Y600 million or $6.5 million) since 2006 in anticipation of massive needs of reconstruction and development, once final peace agreement is attained in the area. - GMANews.TV