Davao City - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Jesus Dureza cited Libya`s continuing role in peace and development efforts in Mindanao.
During the courtesy call of Saif Al-Islam Muammar Al-Qaddafi, President of the Qaddafi Foundation for Charity Associations and Development on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last Dec. 13 at the Malacañang Palace. Dureza said that the visit underscored Libya`s important role in the ongoing efforts to establish a permanent peace in Mindanao.
Qaddafi is the eldest son of Libyan President Moammar Al-Qaddafi. In 1976 Pres. Qaddafi brokered a peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in their capital of Tripoli. The agreement became known as the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and ended the raging secessionist war waged by the MNLF against the Government under then President Ferdinand Marcos.
"Libya will continue helping us in the peace and development efforts, especially in southern Philippines. It is a continuation of what has been started in 1976." Dureza said.
For her part President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cited and thanked Libya`s continuing support to peace initiatives in Mindanao during Qaddafi`s courtesy call which was attended by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Libyan Ambassador to the Philippines Salem Adam, and Libyan Embassy Charge d`Affaires Sadek Osman.
Source: www.pia.gov.ph (15 Desember 2007)